We’re off to Neverland!
Neverland Map buffet table
Party Ideas
A Neverland theme is so versatile. It has everything from fairies and mermaids to lost boys and pirates. It can be used for all kinds of parties: tea, costume, gift showers, etc. Our party was for my daughter’s 20th birthday. I hope her fun loving spirit never grows up but she has left her teen years behind and we’re so proud of the young lady she is becoming. When she found out my idea for a Neverland party she was totally onboard! (Ha ha “onboard” - get it?)
Make your own Treasure Map - edible markers on flatbread or tortillas
Fruit Arrows
A treasure chest of chocolate & the Jolly Roger filled with Jolly Ranchers - I couldn’t resist
Our Menu
We went with simple build your own tacos and snacks set up buffet style along a map of Neverland. I drew the map on brown craft paper. You could leave it as is but I covered ours with a section of clear vinyl since I was using it for the base of the food table. You can get vinyl by the yard in craft supply stores.
We had edible markers available with flatbread and tortillas for Make Your Own Treasure Maps. We had meats and cheeses to fill the tacos with themed toppings and sides like: crab legs (carrots), cream cheese sword skewers, seaweed (lettuce, tomatoes, and onions), and fish & chips (goldfish crackers and potato chips). We also added paper fletching to long skewers and made fruit arrows.
Be seated with Fairies or Pirates - your choice
The Details
Unfortunately, some of the details got lost at sea when we got six inches of snow and there was an unexpected trip to the ER the day of the party. Thankfully everyone was fine and it all worked out but not without a few party sacrifices. We didn’t get to have any party games and my backdrop was sort of incomplete. I went with a thin, plastic tablecloth thinking I could hang lights behind it to look like the starry night sky but I didn’t have time to try it out. In retrospect, I probably would’ve changed it out completely as soon as I realized that hairdryers do not take creases out of plastic. Did I mention how I loathe wrinkly tablecloths? I have to say though, if you’re going to DIY your own parties it’s important to focus on everyone just having a good time and let others things go. In my experience not everything goes as planned anyway so make the best of it and remember what and who you’re celebrating.
We didn’t have any little kids at the party so we turned the lights out and lit the candles and lanterns - beautiful!
Flatbread treasure map by one of my daughters
Tinker Bell, flying Jolly Roger, Pixie dusted cake
The Decorations
I have whole Pinterest boards of ideas and pictures for this theme. For the tables I probably would’ve gone all pirate but my daughter suggested doing part pirates, part fairies and I’m so glad she did! We picked up a few thrifted items but most of the table decorations were from our fairy garden or things from around the house: candle holders, lanterns, spools, a thimble, etc. We used a mix of character inspired colors for the plates and napkins. Other than wrinkly tablecloths which are the bane of my party existence I love how it turned out.
Ah, the unfinished backdrop in all its, um glory. If you don’t read this whole page at least know this: hairdryers do not take creases out of plastic tablecloths.
Tinker Bell trapped in Hook’s lantern. If circumstances had permitted, our party games would have included Peter Pan trivia and a search for Tinker Bell.
Character color coordinated plates and napkins
Seaweed toppings for tacos (and gummy crocodiles)
Gummy Skulls in a skull mug for Skull Rock, Fish & Chips, and mini cheeseball sword skewers
The Cake
I’m trying to learn to make and decorate cakes with buttercream. This was my second attempt. I used recipes from Mandy Merriman’s (Baking with Blondie) book “Cake Confidence”. It was a cookies & cream cake with C & C buttercream inside. I used regular buttercream on the outside so that I could color it to look like the night sky. (I was going for an ombre look but smoothing buttercream is going to take me more time to master.) I added gold glitter and edible gold stars for the Pixie Dust. It tasted great and I was happy with how it turned out even though it wasn’t perfect.
This little vignette was inspired by the objects in the drawer with Tinker Bell when she got stuck rescuing Peter’s shadow in the Darling’s nursery.
Party Favors
I made Pixie Dust necklaces and vials for the party favors. They were so easy. I found the bottles at a Dollar Tree and filled them with glitter and stars. If you can’t find the supplies near you I have links to similar ones on the Neverland Treasure Chest page.
Pixie Dust Party Favors
