Ahoy, me Hearties. What’s better than one adorable birthday pirate? Two adorable birthday pirates! Savvy? (That’s ‘do you agree?’ in Pirate speak for you novice Pirate speakers. J )

Recently, my 3 year-old son and I had the privilege of attending an incredible pirate party put on by two very creative and talented mothers (Vivian Kerr & Lisa Saunders) who realized that the saying ‘two heads are better than one’ definitely applied to party planning!

Be sure to check out the swashbucklin’ good fun enjoyed at this party photographed by Andrea Pasion & styled with Anders Ruff’s Pirate Party Printables or risk an unpleasant trip to Davey Jones’ Locker!

The Invitation: “You Aarrrgggh Invited”

A pirate party wouldn’t be complete without pirates! Costumes are such an easy way to take an ordinary party and kick it up a notch. Each birthday buccaneer received a captain’s hat as well as a personalized pirate t-shirt made by Mouse House Memories! Blow me down if Nathan and Logan aren’t the most adorable pirates to sail the seven seas!

Guest Arrival: “All Hands on Deck”

As the crew members arrived, each pirate received a loot bag (notice the customized AR favor hang tags) containing a bandana, sword, eye patch, and telescope to be used in their quest for more pirate booty during their treasure hunt.

Party Set-up: “Shipshape”

Venturing outside, little pirates were greeted by an amazing display of tables decorated in a pirate-themed color palette of red, white, black & turquoise. A hand designed & sewn Jolly Rogers flag fashioned into a mast served as the focal point of a gorgeous dessert table, accented with colorful themed Anders Ruff pirate printables. The table top, covered in authentic looking pirate paraphernalia such as gold coins, a pirate ship, octopus, pirate hat, sword, fish net, treasure map, and chest, was a magical foreshadowing of all the seafaring adventures to come . In addition to décor, the dessert table housed an array of yummy sweets befitting of the most scurvy pirates. Desserts included red & black licorice, gold-foiled chocolates, fish-in-the-sea Jell-O cups, & yellow & chocolate cupcakes adorned with AR cupcake toppers.

Party Food/Drink: “Pirate Vittles and Ale”

Amazingly enough, little pirates still have big appetites. But, these party-planning mommas were prepared! Their seafaring menu included the perfect combination of kid favorites & matey must-haves. The pint-sized pirate smorgasbord included fish & chips (really chicken sticks & fries), gold fish crackers, Pirate Booty (popcorn) & fruit kabobs. For the seadogs (ahem, ‘older’ pirates), a more mature menu including sandwich rolls, & a shrimp & crab platter were enjoyed. Beverages, including red pirate punch & water were served to the young crew; while the more seasoned sailors enjoyed bottles of Henry Weinhard’s Rootbeer & Black Cherry Soda.

Eating Area: “All Aboard.”

The crew of 12 little pirates came aboard the pirate ship (3 kid-sized picnic tables made by Lisa’s husband & decorated with hand sewn masts designed by Vivian, as well as other fun pirate accents such as fish net, laminated treasure map placemats & gold doubloons). Seated on board they were able to enjoy their pirate grub and plan their plundering. A quick swabbing of the deck followed. (Little pirates also make big messes!)

Games/Activities: “Heave Ho”

After their bellies were filled & they got their sea legs, each pirate was presented with a treasure map to help them in their quest for buried treasure.The crew was split up into groups of three as they ventured to different stations to earn additional pirate loot.

Stations included:

Pirate Ship Ring Toss– They earned their cannonballs (mini pirate beach balls) by participating at this ring toss station.

Walk the Plank– What do you do with a scurvy pirate? Make him walk the plank! Hooks were given once they walked the plank and jumped in the shark infested water (plastic balls).

Pirate Bean Bag Toss– Here they got their very own stuffed parrots after participating in the bean bag toss.

Fishing for Buried Treasure– At this station they fished for buried jewels (inflatable palm tree & pool).

Buried Treasure Hunt– This was the concluding station. Each pirate had 1 attempt to pin the treasure chest at the correct location on the map. This was followed by the discovering of actual buried treasure–a treasure chest full of adorable treat bags filled with edible golden treasure, topped off with Anders Ruff printable treat toppers.

Shiver Me Timbers! These little pirate mateys had so much fun. The party ended with the traditional singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ followed by ice cream cups & cupcakes & personalized mini cakes for the pirate captains. All hands were on deck to watch the opening of the birthday booty for the guests of honor.

You aaarrrr amazing Vivian and Lisa! Thanks for letting us be a part of your incredible event!

Vendor Credits:

Photography – Andrea Pasion Photography

Printables – Anders Ruff Custom Designs

Pirate shirts – Mouse House Memories

Stripey straws, pirate cupcake liners – Hey YoYo

Toy Pirate ship – Amazon

Invitation bottles, games, Goody bag items – US Toy, Oriental Trading

Pirate hats, tablecloths, gift wrap, balloons, inflatable palm tree with cooler – Party City

Sails – JoAnn Fabrics

SOURCES for products to help you create your own Pirate Party:

– Red & White Stripes Tablecover Party Accessory
– Felt Pirate Eye Patches 1 Dozen
– Pirate Flag Picks Party Accessory
– Pirate Tattoos Favors 36 per package
– Foam Pirate Masks– 11″ Pirate Skull & Cross Bones Around Balloons
– Pirate Bandana- Pirate Party Favor
– Piece of Cake Parties Birthday Skull and Crossbones Vinyl Decals
– Polyester Pirate Loot Backpacks
– Pirate Hook Hand Party Favor
– Pirate Telescopes
– Pirate Ship Pinata
– Pirate inflatable Sword 24 inch
– Fisher price Imaginext Black and Red Pirate Ship with 2 Figures
– 9″ Pirate Dinner Plates (8 Count), Red
– Pirate Fun Dessert Plates
– Pirate Paper Cups
– Treasure Chest Treat Boxes (1 Dozen)
– Bulk– Pirate Hats
– Plastic Gold Treasure Coins