Just prior to my DD’s second birthday, we went to see the live performance of ‘Hairy Maclary and Friends’. We were excited to see the beloved picture book stories about the scruffy little dog and his raft of friends come to life on stage. However, this was her introduction to live theatre and we weren’t sure how she would enjoy it. Well, the show came to an end and the characters waved goodbye and left the stage. She promptly burst into tears and was inconsolable for quite some time afterwards sobbing, “more doggies!” Hmm, I hadn’t realised just how much of a dog lover my little daughter was. I had stumbled upon my theme for her second birthday party! Read on to learn more about our Hairy Maclary party.
Hairy Maclary and Friends Party Decorations
I decided on a colour theme of red and pink. I used these colours in the bunting, the patty cake pans, and the cups, plates and serviettes. However, the dogs and cats in the series are a mix of blacks, greys and browns. So you could really use any contrasting background colours that you like. If you have any stuffed toys or picture books from the Hairy Maclary series, then I suggest you dot them around as part of your party decor as well.
Hairy Maclary Party – Games and Activities
At the time of this party, the family children were all in the 3 and under category so I kept the games and activities pretty simple and low-key. I printed off some colouring pages and had the kids get busy with crayons and markers.
One of the birthday presents was a game of pin the tail on the donkey and so we tried it out at the party. Our party kit now contains a variation on this game – pin the tongue on Hairy!
We then played pass the parcel. Along with little chocolates, I had hidden Hairy Maclary bookmarks in each layer.
Our final game was musical statues where we got the kids dancing along to the soundtrack from the Hairy Maclary stage show. We found that these simple activities were more than enough to occupy our little guests.
Hairy Maclary Party – Dessert Table
The dessert table was certainly the focal point of the party decorations. I had the bunting pinned above here, and the plates, cups and serviettes all arranged here bringing in the red and pink theme. I put out a few bowls of lollies which I had chosen for their pink and red colours. The cupcakes were decorated with the toppers, and I made biscuits in the shape of dog bones.
Hairy Maclary Birthday Cake
The centre piece of the dessert table was the birthday cake. When I started out on it, I didn’t have a clear idea in mind of what it was going to look like but I was happy with how it turned out. I made a cake in the shape of the numeral 2. Then I decorated it with icing flowers, fondant puppy paws and images of the characters on toothpicks. There was even a little pond for Zachary Quack.
Favours and Prizes
Besides giving out some little chocolate bars and small packs of crayons, I made some bookmarks as prizes. Each guest went home with a bag of “doggy treats” as a party favour.
Keen to throw a Hairy Maclary party for your own little dog lovers? Then be sure to have a look at our Hairy Maclary party printables pack so that you too can enjoy some party fun at Donaldson’s Dairy!