When planning a party themed around Maurice Sendak's classic children's book Where the Wild Things Are, you want decorations that evoke the whimsical and adventurous spirit of Max's wild journey. Here are five inventive DIY decorations that will transform your space into a wild rumpus of fun and creativity, perfect for children and nostalgic adults alike.
Treehouse Building Station
Create an interactive and engaging feature for your party by setting up a Treehouse Building Station:
- Materials Needed:
- Cardboard boxes and tubes
- Glue guns (cool-melt for safety) or child-safe glue
- Markers, paint, and brushes
- Scissors
- Decorative materials (stickers, fabric, etc.)
- Setup: Place boxes and tubes at various stations around a table, along with decorating tools. Encourage the kids to build their treehouses inspired by the treetops where Max rules.
- Tips: Provide examples or sketches of treehouses to spark imagination.
đź’ˇ Note: If using paint, consider using non-toxic, washable paints for safety and easy cleanup.
Crown Making Workshop
One of the most iconic images from the book is Max wearing his wolf costume crown. Here’s how to make it a centerpiece of your party:
- Materials:
- Colored construction paper or foam sheets
- Elastic bands or ribbon
- Glitter, stickers, and other embellishments
- Scissors, glue, and markers
- Instructions:
- Cut out crown shapes from the paper or foam.
- Decorate with markers, glitter, and stickers. Add jewels or buttons for that regal touch.
- Attach elastic bands or ribbon to fit comfortably on the head.
- Interaction: Make it a fun activity by having each child wear their crown and announce themselves as “King” or “Queen” of their own Wild Thing kingdom.
đź“ś Note: Pre-cut crowns in different sizes can speed up the process and reduce waiting time for the kids.
Wild Thing Garden
To bring the forest indoors:
- Materials:
- Large flower pots or old buckets
- Planting soil
- Pipe cleaners, craft eyes, and leaves
- Small plants or artificial flowers
- Sticks and branches
- Decoration:
- Create your own wild creatures from pipe cleaners and leaves.
- Plant flowers or greenery and arrange the “Wild Things” around them to create a mini forest.
- Engagement: Let the children decorate the garden or even add their own little characters.
Floating Boat Centerpiece
To add a touch of magic to your party table:
- Materials:
- A shoebox or other sturdy box for the base
- Cardboard or foam for boat construction
- Blue cloth or paper for water
- Paint, markers, and small figures or dolls
- Instructions:
- Construct a boat, paint it in Max’s image, and place it on a “water” base.
- Use string or wire to make the boat appear as if it’s floating.
- Add miniature Wild Things figures or even have a Max doll sailing.
⚠️ Note: Ensure the boat is securely fastened to avoid it falling over during the party.
Wild Forest Photo Booth
Transform your party into a forest adventure with a photo booth:
- Materials:
- Green fabric or a painted backdrop to mimic foliage
- Props like masks or cutouts of Wild Things
- Cardboard trees or real branches
- A camera or smartphone with a tripod
- Setup:
- Create a forest setting with green backdrop and cardboard trees.
- Include props for guests to wear or hold, like Wild Thing masks.
- Usage: Guests can take fun, themed photos to remember the party.
In weaving these wild DIY decorations into your Where the Wild Things Are party, you’ll conjure an atmosphere filled with adventure, imagination, and a touch of chaos. These activities not only keep the party guests engaged but also encourage creativity, learning, and exploration in the spirit of Max’s journey. The treehouse building station sparks architectural imagination, the crown making workshop celebrates individuality, the Wild Thing garden brings nature to life, the floating boat centerpiece adds whimsy, and the forest photo booth captures the magical essence of the story. These decorations ensure that every attendee, young or old, can run wild and free in their own way, making the event as memorable as Max’s unforgettable journey.
Now, let’s address some common questions about hosting a Where the Wild Things Are party:
How can I make the party suitable for all ages?
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Include activities that have multiple levels of engagement. For example, while younger children might enjoy the crown making, adults can join in by helping with more intricate designs or even by creating their own crowns. Interactive games and storytelling sessions about Max’s adventures can also be tailored to entertain all ages.
What kind of food fits the theme?
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Think of wild forest treats like fruit skewers as trees, cookies cut into Wild Thing shapes, and a “monster mash” with veggies for a dip. You could also have a chocolate fountain that resembles the ocean where Max sails away.
Can I include educational elements?
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Absolutely! Educational elements can be woven seamlessly into the party. For instance, storytelling sessions, guided nature walks, or even a basic lesson on DIY crafts can be both educational and fun, reinforcing the themes of creativity and exploration from the book.
How can I make the setup easy for parents?
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Use easy-to-assemble decorations like the Wild Thing masks or pre-cut crown shapes. Set up stations with easy access to materials, and where possible, have instructions or assistants to help guide the children through the activities, freeing up parents to enjoy the party or socialize.
