Does your child love Hannah Montana? A Hannah party may be just the thing to celebrate that special girl's birthday.
"The Best of Both Worlds" Party Decorations
To play off the "best of both worlds," try dividing the party area into two sections: one section that highlights Hannah, the other more Miley.
For Hannah, think music. Construction paper cutouts of music notes, microphones, guitars, stars and swirls will set the scene. Set up one corner of the room with a makeshift stage: raised platform, speakers (real or painted boxes) and real or toy guitars and microphones. Make a door look like a dressing room: put a large cut-out star on the door with Hannah's name on it. Hang streamers or beaded garland from doorways or along the walls to add pops of color and pizzazz. To make the scene really sparkle, add a disco ball or colored lights.
When it comes to Miley's side, go for simple, homestyle comfort. Couches and other common furniture, posters and decorations found in a typical teenager's bedroom, or outdoor ambiance reminiscent of one of the Stewart homes.
Let the activities or guests determine which area gets used when to highlight the action and set the scene.
Hannah Montana Games and Activities
As with the decorations, the party activities can go in two different directions. Play off both personas by bringing in activities that would appeal to both Hannah and Miley.
- What does it feel like to be a pop star? Give guests the opportunity to find out by letting each guest create an alter ego. Pick up some wild and crazy clothes and accessories at Goodwill and set guests loose. Each guest can design her own disguise and pretend to be a rock star. Wigs, sunglasses, jewelry, clothes – sky's the limit! Once costumes have been created, have a photo shoot to give guests the paparazzi treatment.
- How quickly can they change? Have a contest to see how quickly guests can change from their "normal" selves to their rock star personas and back.
- Rent a karaoke machine and have guests pretend to be their new alter egos or Hannah Montana herself. Let them take turns belting out Hannah songs (or any songs that make them feel like stars!) While one is performing, have the others play the part of the audience: cheering, clapping and holding up homemade signs.
- Take a break from Hannah and let guests be Miley for a while – enjoying time with friends. Listen to music, watch a movie, get manicures and pedicures, or get crafty by making friendship bracelets and hair accessories.
Party Food
Almost anything goes when it comes to food. You can focus on typical teenager foods that Miley would like, such as pizza and ice cream. Or you can bring in Miley's southern roots with fried chicken and other delicacies from the American south. Or you can opt to play up the "star" ambiance with fancy finger foods, "champagne" (ginger ale) and other selections served in fancy dishes.
Don't forget the cake, which can be decorated with Hannah's smiling face, music memorabilia or swirls, stars and fireworks reminiscent of a Hollywood pop concert.
Prizes and Party Favors
Send guests home with their pop star costumes, or supplies to feel like a star: sunglasses, feather boas, makeup and costume jewelry. Don't forget the craft projects the guests made, and pictures taken when they were dressed up as pop stars.
For party bags, pick up Hannah- or music-themed novelties found a party store, and add fun touches teen girls would love: fuzzy notepads, gel pens, journals, nail decals, bath and body supplies and more.
Every girl wants to feel like a star, and celebrating both sides of the coin will ensure a fun, unique experience for the birthday girl and her guests. Don't be afraid to add your own special touches to really kick up the star power—and the fun.
Vanessa Kelman - Vanessa E. Kelman writes out of East Hartford, Conn. She can be found online at www.VanessaKelman.com.
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