Kiddos with winter birthdays might have to be cooped up inside for their parties, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take inspiration from the great outdoors. Throw a fun, memorable indoor campout party this winter—fun guaranteed no matter the weather.
the scene
>>Transform your living room or basement into a campground. Pitch a real tent indoors for the guests to sleep in, and make sure they know to bring a sleeping bag and pillow!
>>Purchase greenery (real or fake) from a hardware or craft store to make the party space feel woodsy. Cover a table with a checkered cloth and light up the space with mini camping lanterns.
>>Scatter outdoor-inspired props and decor, such as flowers or pine cones and stuffed bears or wolves. Consider purchasing a fake ‘fire’—Etsy has tons of adorable options—or putting up a bare, fake pine tree.
the fun
>>Set out cards and board games. Rent a spooky (kid-friendly) book from the library and read it out loud, then have guests take turns telling their own scary stories by the glow of flashlight.
>>Watch a favorite winter-themed movie, like Ice Age or Frozen (singing along highly encouraged, of course).
>>Send kids home with gift bags that includes trail mix.
the eats
>>Fire up the indoor grill and cook up some hot dogs. Serve with macaroni and cheese, chili or beans. Another classic camping kid-friendly favorite:
sloppy Joes.
>>When the kiddos wake up the next morning, serve pancakes, bacon, eggs and orange juice. Provide mix-ins for pancakes: chocolate chips, banana slices, blueberries and nuts.
>>To extend the camping theme, serve food on gingham paper plates and drinks in classic blue enamelware mugs.
the treats
>>After dinner, set up a hot chocolate bar with a variety of toppings: crushed peppermint, marshmallows, pretzel sticks, churros and whipped cream.
>>While hot chocolate is heating up, pop bags of popcorn (or make it on the stovetop!) and let kids add M&Ms, Parmesan cheese or cinnamon sugar.
>>No camping trip would be complete without ooey gooey s’mores. Make them in the oven (for instructions, visit hersheys.com) or put together a
s’more pie ahead of time.
