Little girls love Dress Up Parties!

They are easy to do, and so fun to have! Here are some ideas on how to pull off a super event!

INVITATIONS

You could buy invitations, but if you have an hour - just an hour, you can crank out about 10-15 handmade cards. The trick is to keep it simple. Buy pre-folded blank cards at your local craft store. Those who are fortunate enough to have a Cricut can simply cut out these shapes in a matter of seconds.

In the scrapbooking section, look for pre-cut purses, shoes, hats,  star or heart shapes. Decorate with glitter glue around the edges. Write your message on the inside, and hand tie a polka-dotted ribbon around each envelope.

DRESS-UP PARTY DECORATIONS
Hit the fabric store, and look for glittery fabric in the remnant section. Use to make table runners, covers, and toile makes a great 'poof' to tie around the backs of chairs.

Get glittery balloons and put around your room. Make sure to stage one part of your room as the 'dress up' area.

This area should have some large mirrors (make sure they are safely attached, or standup kinds) . Using a drying rack, or small dresser, drape feather boas and hats. Drape more dresses across chairs, or off a portable clothing rack if you have it.

Dress up your party table with a matching table cover, plates etc. Scatter sequins all around the table. Make a centerpiece with a bouquet of balloons tied to the handle of an inexpensive matching purse.

 WELCOMING THE GIRLS

Take a polaroid picture of the girls when they arrive, as you will be taking another one when they are all dressed up! At the end of the party, you can have premade cards ready that show the transformation! All you need for this is colored paper, the photos and a glue stick.

If possible, get a few other moms or adults help you with this part, as you will want to do 'hair'. Small fun pony tails on top of the head, and crimped pieces of hair are fun & easy. If you can find them, buy the small pink, red, blue, etc. hair extension pieces that are barrettes. Add a colorful hair piece to each hair'do.

Allow the girls select special hats, feather boa's or some other fun fashion statement. Play some dance music, as the girls do a "fashion show" and announce each girls name. Tip: You can collect some fun and inexpensive clothing from you local thrift store, your own closets and friends as well.

PASS THE PURSE
Play like Hot Potato - Before the party pick up a purse at a thrift store. Allow the birthday girl help you "fix it up" with glitter and other accessories. Place some play jewelry, candyand stickers in the purse before the party.
To play: Players form a circle. The purse is passed from player to player while music is playing. When the music stops, the player who has the purse opens it up to receive a treat and then sits in the center or takes control of the music. Stops should be made frequently so the game moves quickly and players will not be out for a long period.

CRAFTS

Look for small canvas bags, and have the girls use glitter paint, and stick on jewels to make their own 'Goody Fashion Bag'

DRESS-UP PARTY PINATA
Fill the goody purse back with candy from the "Fashion themed" pinanata - look for pinatas in the shape of a women's shoe, lipstick, or other glam items. In addition to candy, fill the pinata with small lipglosses and nail polishes.