How to throw a Pinterest-worthy DIY pet party
The popularity of pet parties has been soaring in recent years. Pets are truly part of our families, and celebrating their birthday or any other milestone is just as fun as celebrating those of our friends and families. Plus, we don't really think there's anything cuter than seeing a bunch of dogs play and eat cake together! We asked party planner extraordinare Sebastien Centner to share his most creative ideas and DIYs for putting together your very own pampered pet party that will impress animals and humans alike!
Decor
When it comes to setting the stage for your fun and furry gathering, take your usual decor ideas and turn them on their head! Centerpieces are always a stylish addition to any party, and filling some glass vases with dog friendly items like tennis balls and dog treats not only look great, but can be used for fun throughout the party! Round out the look by using some faux grass or turf as a base over a checked tablecloth.
Fashion
We also want our four-legged friends to look their best at the party, and while party hats aren't a great option for many dogs, coordinated bandanas definitely are! Make these yourself by picking some simple cotton fabrics and use zig zag scissors to cut to size without having to worry about hemming or fraying. You'll need different sizes for different breeds, but here's a general sizing guide:
- Large: 20 inch square
- Medium: 17 inch square
- Small: 14 inch square
A decorative chalkboard is not only a great way to make sure everyone knows exactly who you're celebrating, but it also makes a great backdrop for some fur-tastic photos!
Food
It's not a party without cake, right? So go ahead and make a dog-friendly cake! This one has a peanut butter base and is topped with their favourite dog biscuits. It looks good enough for people!
Of course, we can't forget about our human guests when it comes to food. A clear winner in our books is a hot dog bar, for obvious punny reasons! Have the BBQ ready and set up a station with all of the toppings and condiments anyone could wish for so guests can serve themselves. And round it out with some fresh lemonade which is always a favourite at any summer gathering!
Fun cooling stations
Dogs are the best at creating their own fun when they're with their furry pals, but adding an extra layer to the festivities makes it cuter than ever. They'll likely work up a bit of a sweat while playing, so give them a few options for cooling down. A large mat or picnic blanket is a good base for setting down several water bowls so they don't all have to share when they're thirsty. Then, take it a step further by picking up a hard plastic kiddie pool and fill it with balls for them to jump and roll around in!
Doggie Bags
All parties should have party favours, and our four-legged friends love a takeaway as much as we do! Keep it simple and classic with paper bags filled with a selection of loved dog treats and biscuits, and maybe even a new chew toy. Decorate it with sticker labels or dog bone shaped tags with each guests name.
