German “Pilz” [Mushroom] Birthday Party

Sweet heavens. What did I get myself into?

This one-year-old’s birthday was more of an event than my own wedding! It is utterly my own fault for letting this spiral into an 18 adult, 14 kiddies two years old and under, and 3 kids over two years of age – extravaganza. But all and all, it was worth it.

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The Inspiration

I chose a red and white “mushroom” theme. Once my daughter was born and we were gifted an assortment of German children’s books, I noticed that there was at least one red and white mushroom hiding amidst the pages. When we travelled to Germany for Christmas later that year, I once again started to observe all the “Pilz” [=mushroom] accents at the Christmas markets I frequented – and I absolutely fell in love with them!

The Décor

Between the German Christmas markets, Ikea, Michael’s and the Dollar Store, I was able to compile all the necessary party pieces over a few months’ time. I also had plenty of red and white ribbons and other ‘odds and ends’ leftover from my Christmas stash which helped pull the theme together.

Note: I like to be able to re-purpose my decoration. I am not at a point in my life where I can buy decoration for a single use or a fleeting whim.

Therefore:

1. I will re-use some of the party pieces at Christmas time.
2. Post-event, I hung the bunting as well as some of the mushrooms and paper pom-poms in our unfinished basement to create a friendly playroom atmosphere.
3. Once [future] Baby #2 comes along, I might use this theme for the nursery as I am simply in love with the mushrooms and gnomes!

The Menu

• Fruit platter
• Veggie and Dip platter
• Squeeze pouches and rice crackers
• German Brezeln
• Wiener sausages
• Assorted mustards
• Sugar cookies
• Paleo strawberry shortcake cupcakes
• Gluten-free vanilla cupcakes

The Party Favours

•  I had mushroom-shaped cookies for the little kiddies to take home (these were more for the parents than the kids!) in a red and white envelop with each child’s name affixed with a mini clothespin.