Wednesday, August 22, 2012

A Pirate Birthday Barbeque

My handsome little fella just turned four, how that happened I'm not sure. He went from this sweet little munckin to a little guy always on the run exploring the world with great enthusiasm.
Given that he has an August birthday, we decided that two little celebrations, one in the Hamptons  and one in Westchester with his neighborhood and preschool friends is how we will celebrate while he is young.

We brought together our close friends at the beach, their kiddies who are close to our kiddies, and sprinkled in a few grandparents for a fun summer gathering on our deck and in our yard. Basically, a BBQ that we enhanced with lots of outdoor pirate fun for his celebration.

We had a pirate treasure hunt where each child carried their bucket while searching for loot. The kiddies "walked the plank" on my daughter's low to the ground balance beam. They sported pirate head gear, hook hands, eye patches, big hoop earrings, and mustaches.

The menu allowed for us to spend the day at the beach and come home 1 1/2 hours prior to the 5pm gathering of 26 people. My goal for the menu was good food that required little prep time or could be done in advance. 

The Menu:
Farmstand local tomatoes with "made fresh daily" mozzarella from Villa Italia Specialties (my absolute favorite mozzarella!) 
Farmstand local corn on the cob 
Greek salad
Bread basket of Ciabatta and baguette slices
Easy to prepare and aways a huge success, shrimp with feta, by Barefoot Contessa
Grilled barbeque chicken
Grilled chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper
Haricot vert with sauteed shallots (image not shown)
Does your child have an August birthday when many seem to be traveling? How do you handle the birthday celebration? I've worked out having him celebrate on his birthday and then a few weeks later with his classmates and neighborhood buddies. What I really miss is that we don't get to do storytime in his class to celebrate the special day, like I've done the past three years for my daughter's March birthday. The little issues of parenting (wink, wink!) Happy entertaining!


34 comments:

  1. So cute, Lisa! We did a pirate party for my twins' fifth birthday party, and it was a big hit. Lucky for planning purposes. their birthday is in April ... but mine is at the end of June and it was always a bummer with friends out of town!

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  2. adorable party, Lisa! so much fun!

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  3. Lisa, what a precious baby and lucky big boy to have such a fabulous party! The food looks sooo good, and now I am craving a mid afternoon snack AGAIN! What a wondeful menu showcasing summers best. My sons bday is in Sept. right when school starts so we celebrate as a family and normally hold off on any big celebrations til Oct (though now hes 16 and "too cool" for parties so its just dinner with friends or something). Happy bday to your little pirate.

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  4. looks like a great time! We did a pirate birthday party for my July 24th birthday boy when he turned four too. Having a summer birthday means that not all our best friends will be able to make it to the celebration, but it'll be fun no matter what. We bought an inflatable water slide last year and it has paid off for wet birthday parties. You might want to ask your teacher if you can celebrate a half birthday in the classroom so he doesn't miss out on the school/classmate fun of birthdays during the school year.

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  5. Lisa,
    You have created an amazing party that your little fella will always remember and at the same time created an experience that I am sure delighted all ages that were in attendance!!!

    The pirate theme is a perfect one, especially near the ocean. I can't believe we've never done one for my boys. Maybe next year!! :)

    Can't wait to see you in September!!! Enjoy these last precious days of summer, my friend!

    xoxo Elizabeth

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  6. What a great idea for a birthday party and a fabulous one too! My daughter has a July birthday and it we always so much fun preparing, but not sure I could have done it twice..lucky guy!!

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  8. no kids for me - but my Niece is Dec 26 - so i KNOW the feeling .. and i'm ALWAYS memorial day weekend (as a kid it was tough, my Mom would always have to have my parties early before everyone left for vacation)

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  9. LIsa .... I can't believe the time flying by either! Everything looks so gorgeous for your little man's birthday and a pirate party at the beach is perfect for a 4 year old! Hope you are well and enjoying time at The Hamptons!
    lots of love and best wishes
    Frances
    xxx
    ps will email re New York in December! Definitely need restaurant suggestions and a get -together!

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  10. I you ever tire of interior design you can easily transition into party planner! I am still hoping someone throws me a princess bday party like the one you had for your daughter...hee hee. One is NEVER too old to be a princess! I love Ina Garten and have made that recipe (and just about every other recipe she has ever shared)! Your kids are so lucky to have such a loving and cool mom! xoxo

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  11. Your kids are truly the luckiest, Lisa, as you throw the best parties for them! We have the same issue with one of our boys so we celebrated his big day six months later... but never with such style. Hope to see you next week in the Hamptons!
    xxoo

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  12. Awww soo adorbs! My husband's b-day is in the begining of august and it some how turns into his "birthday month" lol
    Enter The 30 Day Cleanse Challenge!

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  13. Lisa,
    My daughter is also an August birthday celebrant and we had dinner at a local spot that serves up the best hamburgers and a cake to match the festivities! Followed by a sleepover. I think I am still recovering from the screams of teenage girls.
    Wishing you a happy end of August and all the last bits of Summer entertaining.
    pve

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  14. This is fabulous! What a lucky little guy. You can come plan events with us anytime! xx

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  15. Oh man, that menu is fit for a king! I'm so in the mood for this delicious and healthy food.. perfect for a birthday celebration. My son's birthday is August 3rd. He's 20. We had fun summer birthdays when he was little, but actually, the last few years, we've been out of town for a family vacation! He seems to be ok with it..
    Happy birthday to yours!
    XO
    Jan

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  16. What an adorable pirate party...you really take a theme and run with it...Am I remembering correctly that you had an adorable Barbie party for your daughter??

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  17. Lovelythings,
    Yes, you have a great memory. My daughter had a Barbie party and I did sink my teeth into creating a special day for her and her friends.

    Cara,
    The "birthday month" line had me laughing as I feel I am on road to that reality! Also, my friend has a son who had numerous small family celebrations for his August birthday. Celebrating life is a wonderful thing!

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  18. Sounds like a wonderful day! Just found your nice blog and will be coming back! Please visit mine if you would like. Caroline

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  19. Very creative, Lisa. You come up with the most wonderful of ideas! I think celebrating the b-day a few weeks earlier or later is a great idea. My friend has an 8 year old whose b-day is in the dead of winter. She celebrates it in summer in their wonderful backyard for the 8 year olds, and in the winter with the family/adults. So, I'd say whatever works best, no rules :-)
    Being a total foodie, I think your menu sounds amazing! Cheers.

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  20. WOWZA... that is one amazing party... they do grow so fast... my bebe niece haley is 21... nephew luc 16 and niece emma 14... i cannot believe they are all grown up... hope you had a fabulous summer... and happy fall to you... its so cozy... xx

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  21. Happy 4th birthday to your son! Love the pirate theme! XOXO

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