How to Throw a Doggie Party: Adorable Decor

[Heidi & Milton]

Let's just say that Milton's birthday party was the very first party that we have ever thrown, other than our wedding!  Neither Jeff nor I was prepared for all the work that goes along with putting on a party.  When I was stressed out, people would remark, "Why are you so nervous?  It is just a party for dogs."  Well, of course, it was a party for dogs, but those dogs didn't just walk here on there own; they came with all their human friends! 

A lot of intense preparation was needed so that everything could go just as planned.  Over my spring break, prep work was the bulk of what I did.  For each little event, food item, decoration that I wanted to incorporate, it required multiple trips to many stores - JoAnn's Fabric, Target, Wal-Mart, Dollar General, PetSmart, Starbucks, Kroger, Party City... The list goes on and on.  After all of the buying (I blew my budget!), there was all the early morning cooking and the trifecta of cleaning - vacuuming, mopping, and dusting.  Remarkable.  Milton had a ball, but I think for his second birthday, it will be a more subdued family event, meaning Jeff, Milt, and me.

Regardless of all the grueling work (ha!), I am very pleased with what we managed to pull together.  See the below:

I chalked our sidewalk to greet guests as they arrived!

Follow the doggie paw prints to reach the paw-ty!

Guests were greeted by balloons and a festive balloon wreath on our newly painted red door!

As guests entered our home, humans received party hats and four-legged friends got bandannas

 

 

Table display with pinata front and center!

 

Up close shot

Another one

Our next door neighbor, Anne, won this one, although I promptly forgot the exact number of bones, so I "think" she won...!

As guests departed, they received a treat bag of homemade sweet potato treats (sliced and baked in the oven) along with Snoopy Snacks for their owners

Birthday boy - the reason for the celebration

As much as I grumbled, during my many crying jags, this party was completely worth it!  We have amazing friends, and it was the perfect event to showcase our new home and spend time with them.  Milton had a fantastic day too, which was our intention.  From now on, whenever I attend a baby shower, Halloween party, or backyard barbecue, I will genuinely appreciate much, much more all of the time, effort, and money these events take.  All in all, it is really people who love people who keep throwing and loving parties.  For Jeff and me, I see many more dinner parties in our future, but another full-blown party will have to wait probably 5 - 10 years!

Stay tuned for tomorrow for How to Throw a Doggie Party: Events and Food!

To read more about Milton the Goldendoodle please visit www.goldilocksandherdoodle.com

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Heidi - you did a awesome job throwing Milt his first B-day party.  

[Bonnie and Kona]

We all know when Milt's birthday is. Let's rent that bus for next April! ;o)

[Heidi & Milton]

The pinata was from Party City!  It was only $16.  Cute and cheap!

[Heidi & Milton]

A "Doodle Bus!" hahahah

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Maybe we can get a "Doodle Bus" and we can all go:)

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

I'm gonna hitch a ride with Bonnie and Kona!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I wanna come to the next one! You are an amazing hostess! 

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

Milton is one lucky birthday boy!! You and your husband threw the perfect party!! You thought of everything necessary to have the best time! Your guests must have been extremely impressed!!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

This is truly the greatest "Doodle/Dog" party I have ever seen!   Those three jars were pricless Heidi and as cute as can be!   You definitely know how to throw a party!   The sidewalk and path way to the house was so clever and truly started the party on the right paw/foot!  Milton looks very apprciative of all  your hard work:

[Janice Hammond]

Looks like you did a fabulous job.Everyparty gets easier.Love your red front door.