Yikes! My son just turned 16 and passed his driving test! Seriously!?! How did that happen so fast? Wasn't it just yesterday he was learning how to tie his shoes? I don't know how parents do this...my baby boy is on the roads. Be careful, kid! Deep breaths...
*This post contains affiliate links to help you locate products.
To celebrate this exciting birthday and rite of passage, we had a driving themed celebration for our son. Come take a look at how we partied (new driver-style) with some 16 year old boys.
These 'real' street signs were borrowed from a friend who works in construction, but you could always purchase these online. After the party, they could be hung on a bedroom wall.
Let's start with refreshments.
Of course teen boys are not accustomed to having all their drinks and foods lined up and labeled, so naturally they were quite impressed with some simple 'creative' signs.
Case in point...
Coke= Motor Oil
Fanta= Transmission Fluid
Sprite= Coolant
I even impressed AH (Awesome Husband) with my car care knowledge. However, don't ask me where you actually put these liquids in a car.
My Lightbox sign (in above picture) is used for every single party at our house, no joke! In my opinion, everyone needs a Lightbox sign. They add so much!
Every party also needs these amazing flat white platters. I find that I'm always reaching for these platters to display foods and drinks. I love that they're bright white.
Let's check out some more creative food labeling. In my opinion, food/drink labeling 'steps up' any party.
I assembled a snack table to go with the pizza and mac-n-cheese my son requested for his friends. The fun, black road border is from here.
I found these mini driving signs here. I taped them onto chalkboard sign stands. I have a few different types of chalkboard signs. Some have a plastic base, others have a wood base. I like them both and use them all the time.
When was the last time you had Cheese Puffs, specifically this Cheetos brand? AH and I made the mistake of sampling one of these...which turned into many handfuls. I thought they sort of looked like spark plugs...I should have bought the spicy kind for more 'spark/heat'.
Every beginner driver knows about jumper cables...and every party needs licorice, right?
Naturally, mini chocolate donuts were labeled spare tires.
I don't think the 16 year olds caught onto the double-meaning?
Red, yellow and green fruit on a skewer, made a great stoplight and a tasty treat.
Long peeled carrots with a side of Ranch dip, were the Dip Sticks.
I thought I was being so clever to add in vegetables to the snacks, but I don't think I saw one boy eating them?! A few of them asked what dip sticks have to do with a car...an oil change conversation took place. (Who knew food signs could be educational, too?)
And check out this cake!
It's a triple-layer yellow cake with chocolate Oreo filling and frosting. (Requested by my son.)
AH's Porsche model car worked perfectly on top of this cake. We wedged in two wood skewers in the car and then gently slid them through the cake. The car is hovering above the cake.
The table was set up with the same road border and red, yellow, green colored tableware. Yes, I realize these boys are not 5 anymore, but what can I say? I'll probably always have little kid parties for the big kids...it's what I do. At least I stopped myself before I got out the Matchbox cars.
More signs on various blackboard stands scattered throughout the table. I dug out leftover paper plates and napkins from this past party. Red plastic cups at each place setting. A few balloons on top of orange cone markers finished off the table.
Now, maybe you're wondering what 16 year olds do at a birthday party besides eat? I was wondering that same thing...fortunately, my son planned the activities.
Ultimate Frisbee scrimmage game against the Jr. High boys he coaches.
Followed by snacks.
Very competitive Wii Golf tournament. (Where are my pictures?)
Followed by dinner.
Basketball Bump game that they didn't want to stop playing...
Followed by cake and gifts.
And there you have it. Happy 16th Birthday, Jacob!
Click here to print your own Driving Party Printables.
Want to see more of my son's parties?
Rubik's Cube Party
Ultimate Frisbee Party
Camping Party
There's a ton more parties to see!
Click here for an A to Z party link list of every party on the blog.
Over 60 parties!
Linking up to BFF Party
CONTINUE READING
