How to Have a Movie-Themed Birthday Party

Movies' power to transport people away to other worlds is unmatched. Children, especially, become transfixed by the magic, imagination and escape offered by their favorite movies. In the real world, they may sometimes feel like normal kids, but in the movies, they watch as kids just like them obtain super powers, travel through time and space and save the world. Like movies, birthdays, too, are exciting events for children. By combining the two into a movie-themed birthday party, children can experience the magic of movies in real life.

Preparation

Step 1

Send invitations that look like movie tickets. Cut construction paper to look like movie tickets and write "Admit One" across the top of each. Use phrases like "Now Playing: Charlie's 6th Birthday Party. Showtime: 3-6 . Showing at: the Smith house." Encourage guests to dress like their favorite movie characters.

Step 2

Decorate with movie-related items. Find or make decorations such as clapboards, sunglasses, popcorn boxes, cameras, stars and DVDs to create a movie-centric atmosphere. Find movie-themed paper plates, cups, napkins and party hats. Also consider making bags of extra materials and handing them out as party favors.

Step 3

Order or make a cake that looks like a movie screen, a clapboard or a theater marquee. If you choose to make the cake look like a screen, consider getting a picture of the birthday child printed on the cake to fill the screen. Write something like "Happy 6th Birthday Starring Charlie" in frosting.

Step 4

Set up the snack table to look like a concession stand. Put out Raisinets, Sour Patch Kids, gummy worms, Junior Mints, Sno Caps and other popular movie candies and different kinds of sodas.

The Party

Step 1

Play movie soundtracks to set the mood while guests are arriving and while they are eating.

Step 2

Play movie games. Get everyone in the mood early by playing movie-related games. Ideas include Scene-It, a scavenger hunt for items from the movies you will be watching (for example a photo album and balloons if you will be watching "Up"), identify the quote or actor or movie charades.

Step 3

Choose DVDs to watch. No movie-themed party would be complete without a film festival. Having the birthday child pick the movies ahead of time, and/or choosing a theme, such as comedy, action or Disney movies, will save time and sore feelings during the party. If you want to let the guests decide during the party, make it a blind vote to relieve pressure and foster peace.

Step 4

Pop popcorn for the movies. To make it a more authentic experience, use Jiffy Pop or a popcorn popper and pour real butter over it. Make sure you have enough popcorn and drinks to last the entire film marathon.