The Teddy Bear’s Picnic was a song written in the 1930s and was widely popular back then. Preston’s mom Amy listened to it growing up and loves anything nostalgic to the past. She shared the song and book with her generation of children because “it’s just so classic. It came with the Bing Crosby song on a record in the back of the book and we used to listen to it all the time. My mom had the great idea to use the book and song as the theme for Preston’s first birthday party. And who doesn’t love teddy bears?”
The invitations were done by the fabulous Loralee Lewis. Red and turquoise became the official party colors. She used a line taken from the book, “If you go out in the woods today, you’d better go in disguise” sat by the bear ears which each child was given as they arrived.
A life-sized teddy bear (also known as Amy’s fantastic brother-in-law) attended the party to the children’s delight!
Amy used burlap tablecloths and borrowed some red gingham toppers from a friend. “I also borrowed several of the serving items from Mrs. Gatewood and some decor from my friend, Sarah.”
Amy also put her DIY skills to use, making the banner and birthday hat that decorated Preston’s high chair. “I made a photo backdrop so that all the guests could take a picture with the birthday boy. It’s a tradition I would like to keep at future birthday parties, so we can always look back and remember who came to his party each year. I also made the fabric banner by cutting triangles into the fabric and hanging with some twine. Brett and my mom made the balloon arch at the entrance. They had some tired hands when they were done, but it turned out amazing!”
The menu:
“Bear Burgers” (Hamburgers catered from Sam’s Deli Diner)
“Bearies” (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
“Teddy’s Taters” (Potato Salad)
“Teddy’s Treats” (Honeycomb cereal + Teddy Grahams)
“Cub Cakes” (Sprinkles Cupcakes)
The “Honey Bear Punch” was a combination of Fruit Punch and Ginger Ale.
Each little teddy bear went home with a copy of the book, The Teddy Bears’ Picnic by Jimmy Kennedy, a bag of gummy bears, and a CD full of teddy bear songs. A sign with more words taken from the book was by the party favors…”Every teddy who’s been good, is sure of a treat today.”
“My favorite part of the day was watching Preston enjoy his birthday cake. I knew he would love it, and he did. He would have eaten the entire cake had we not taken it away from him at some point. The boy loves to eat!”
Thanks Amy and Natasha at Imagery by Natasha for sharing this bear of a day with us!
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
If you go down to the woods today, You’re sure of a big surprise
If you go down to the woods today, You better go in disguise For every bear that ever there was, Will gather there for
certain because
Today’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic Every teddy bear who’s been good,
Is sure of a treat
todayThere’s lots of marvelous things to eat and wonderful games
to play
Beneath the trees, where nobody sees They’ll hide and seek
as long as they please
‘Cause that’s the way the teddy bears have their picnic
Picnic time for teddy bears
, the little teddy bears
are having a lovely time todayWatch them, catch them unawares, and see them picnic on
their holiday
See them gaily gad about, They love, to play and shout, they
never have any cares
At six o’clock their mommies and daddies will take them home
to bed
Because they’re tired little teddy bears
Would you mind sharing where you got your ears? I love them. Also, what songs did you have on the cd? Thanks!
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