Before I begin, I thought I would mention that this is a photo overload post!
Luca’s 2nd birthday party was back in November and I have just today finished editing the photos. Not something I am proud of, but a little indication of how many photos I take and how far behind I am in processing them all.
As Luca neared two, he became obsessed with cars and Disney’s Cars, especially Lightening McQueen! The party theme was obvious for him. His party was held in the gymnasium of our Church since the New Jersey weather is usually too cold for an outdoor party in November. I also like to give the kids plenty of space to run around which means they stay occupied.
I designed his invitations to look like Pit Passes complete with lanyard. I included one pit pass in each envelope per child, and they were encourage to wear them to the party.
I covered the walls of the gymnasium with a Radiator Springs scene setter and strung checkered flag pennant across the room to create the perfect atmosphere. It took Luca’s father, my dad, and I 2 hours to hang all the pieces and we finished at 1am the night before the party. It’s funny how quickly all of the decor gets disassembled though.
When the girls and boys arrived, they went to the Courthouse to get their official Radiator Springs Driver’s License, complete with tire print (fingerprint).
Next, they went to Lizzie’s Curio Shop where they designed their own foam fingers that there parents would use later at the Grand Prix Race to cheer them on.
I created cut outs of some of the main characters and placed them around the room.
At Tow Maters, the children were given hooks with a magnet on the bottom and went fishing for auto parts, gasoline tanks, and mufflers.
Another activity was ‘Fix the Road’ I cut black foam board into various shaped pieces and the children worked together to help Lightening McQueen fix the broken road.
Ramone’s Body Shop offered car-themed tattoos and a car painting activity. I placed various colored paint with a racecar in each tub at the table. They children took the car and rolled it on the paper that was placed in a shirt box to prevent mess and spillage.
Fillmore’s featured various themed beverages includes Fillmore’s own organic fuel (water), Rusteze bumper ointment (Pepsi & Diet Pepsi), and Champions Champagne (sparkling apple cider).
Guests went to Flo’s for all their food. Sally’s Cozy Cones featured snacks such as peanuts, chex mix, and popcorn.
Another activity table featured traffic cones and a road drawn on white butcher paper with cars for the kids to drive around. There was also wooden cars to colors.
I purchased a pop up tent in the shape of Mac the Truck. The kids loved it! At one point, I think all 13 of them were trying to squeeze in.
Each guest table was covered with a checkered black and white design and a strip of black butcher paper for a raceway. I ran out of time and never drew in the white street lines when someone pointed out that a raceway doesn’t have street lines (okay, that’s the story I’m sticking too!)
Sarge’s Surplus housed all the guest party favors.
The adult guests received a candy filled gas pump dispenser. I created a Dinoco gas logo sticker to cover the generic one the pumps came with.
The children each received a burlap colored racing flag bag filled with treats including Cars fruit snacks, a wooden race car, coloring book and crayons, Speed Dough (Play Dough), car bracelet, bouncy ball, lip gloss (for the girls), and an oil can water squirter. They were also encouraged to take home some of the many cars that were all over the tables.
The main event was the Grand Prix Race. My amazing dad created cars for the kids to race. They were the hit of the party!
You can see pieces of the ‘Fix the Road’ game here
Even the smallest guest took a test drive!
At the end of the race, each child received a trophy.
For dessert, I baked a German chocolate cake in the shape of the number 2, and turned it into a racetrack. I also made cupcakes in red velvet, carrot cake, and devils food flavors.
Every birthday party in the family has my Mom Mom’s (grandmother) famous Italian cookies. This year, she passed the recipe on to me. Big shoes to fill, but there were only a few left so I think they were a hit!
Shortly after blowing out his candles, Luca fell asleep sitting up eating icing. Poor little guy – I think he had fun though!
Click here for additional photos.
Tags: Birthday, boy, cake, Cars, Disney, party, racetrack, Radiator Springs, real parties
ADORABLE! Great activities!
Super cute!! Just wondering where you got all your cars themed printables? I didnt see them in this shop. Thx :]
Hi Vanessa here is my email so we can discuss our Racecar collection danielle@bellezaeluce.com
[...] that Kate Landers of Kate Landers Events and Stylish Children’s Parties has featured our Car’s Birthday Party. I find her work inspiring and it is wonderful to hear such kind words about the party from [...]
LOVE, LOVE this party! I am doing the same theme for my son in September. As luck would have it, I have many of the same favors and decorations that you do. However, not the cute labels on the drinks. Did you make those? Are they available for purchase? Also, where did you find the trophies and the tag around those? I LOVE those and would be interested in getting those for the race as well.
Congratulations, it looks amazing!
I bookmarked this for my son’t birthday- his nursery is Cars and we will have a Cars themed birthday for when he is two! I LOVE the rug, I see Kohls used to sell them so now the hunt begins… awesome party!
awesome party! i was thinking of doing the same for my son’s 5th. how did your dad make the cars! i am trying to do the same!!
Hello-
Thank you for the labels. They are adorable and great quality! Just wanted you to know that I posted a link to this party on my new blog. If you want to check it out, here is a link:
http://buckets-of-grace.blogspot.com/2010/09/adventures-in-novice-graphics-design.html
I hope the end result turns out half as cute as your party.
Take care!
I finally got the pictures up from my son’s Cars party. Thanks again for the great labels
I think they really added to the party.
http://buckets-of-grace.blogspot.com/2010/09/ta-da-its-my-birthday-party-ethan.html
This is just downright incredible.
Are you willing to share the Fillmores and Rusteze labels with another mom having a Cars themed Bday party?
I am planning a cars theme birthday party and was wondering where you got those gum dispensers and the labels. This is such a cute party!
I am planning a Cars themed party for my child. I would love to purchase the lables. I would greatly appreciate your input on where you purchased your favors and the trophies. Thanks for your time!
Hello, I am planing a cars theme birthday party for both my boys age 2 and 6. I love the way you did your party and would like to see about purchasing some of the labels you used. I would to find out where you got the trophy labels and other labels you used on your items. If you can, please email me.
Thanks
I am trying to plan a party for my son’s 3rd birthday and would love to have the labels if you could please let me know how I could go about getting them, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks
hi …I am planning a cars party…I love all your ideas. but i would love to get the labels, invititations and pit crew bands? How can I order them or where to get them?
thanks
I am trying to plan a cars 3rd birthday party. I love your creativity and talent. I am interested in the labels for the drinks, candy, gifts, etc… How can I order them or where can I get them?
Thank you so much!!
Thanks for your message. Unfortunately, the labels are not for sale. We are currently in the final stages of a Race Car Collection that we hope to launch mid-month.
Any update on when the Race Car Collection will be available. Last post said mid-month which was in November. Would love to purchase!!
Hi Jennifer,
We are working on the photos for the entire collection and fell a bit behind due to prepping for the holidays. A post with photos of all the items available will be posted on the blog.
Hello, I’m putting together a cars party for my son who will be 2. Would love to know where you got all of your labels or if you would be willing to share them. Your party looked amazing! Thanks so much! Kelly
Hi Kelly,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the Cars party. I designed them for my son’s party and unfortunately are not available. Thank you for understanding.
I’ve been SEARCHING for a nicely done Cars themed party…..this is the BEST I’ve seen. You say you have a “Race Car” collection coming out soon in your shop. Is that available yet?
Thanks!
Jenna
I am planning a cars party for my son and was looking to find the labels you used are they available? My email is gidget1280@cox.net
I was curious if your car collection was complete and available for purchase? Thanks so much and fantastic work!
I am also wondering about the labels for the drinks. Saw on another website that they were purchased here but can’t find them. amygrano@gmail.com
Hi Jamie,
The Start your Engines is complete and available in my shop.
Unfortunately, the labels that I created for the party are no longer available.
Hi Jenna,
Yes, the Start your Engines is now available! You can find it here.
Hi Amy,
Unfortunately, the labels are no longer available. I do have a new Start your Engines Cars Collection that is available in my shop and includes water bottle labels.
Hey! Everything looks fabulous!! Can you please tell me how you made the Sally’s Cozy Cone snack “cones”? They are a great idea!
Thank you so much!!
Angela
Hi Angela,
There is a great paper treat cone tutorial on HWTM blog. You can find it here.
Hi,
I love your invitations, but did not see them in your store? Are you selling them or did you get them from someone? Your party looks fabulous!
Thanks!
Kacie
hii i was wondering how you made or printed the rusteze label for the sodas. my sons 5th birthday is coming up and i really love the label:)!!
thank you, Brianna
How did you make your invitations? I LOVE those!
Hello,
I love what you did with the design of this party. It’s tough to do something stylish and original when your child wants a party with licensed characters and you pulled it off beautifully! I am wondering how you did the invitations? Both front and back as well as getting the holders for the “pit pass.” Thanks!
Where did you get the foam fingers? Great job!
such a great job! where did you find the cone cups?
How can I buy the Ruzteze label n filmore label?
you did a great job with his themed party, wondering where you got all the themed prints?
where did you get the rust-eze printables?
I love this!!!! Would it be possible to get the link to the labels or possibly purchase them from you?
Hello,
I am trying to put my sons 1st birthday together and i just love the soda ideas you have. Where can i find something like that?
Where can I get the beverage labels?
Just found this on Pinterest. LOVE your ideas! How can I purchase the labels and other items? My son is turning 5 and wants a Lightning McQueen party this year.
Where did you get your Rust eze labels? thanks.
This is amazing! Where did you get the labels for the drinks and the cone cups with straws and all the signs for food etc?
Loved looking at your photos! My sons birthday is coming up and this is the theme we are using he LOVES cars!!
This is fabulous. I do have one question though… Sally’s Cozy Cones really caught my attention did you buy them or make them yourself? If you did make hem could you possibly let me know how they’re absolutely great and I would love to know how to make them .
Hi Melissa,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the party design; I created all of the items used at my son’s party. Due to trademark, copyright, and licensing laws, I am not permitted to offer them for sale. I do have a generic race car collection in my Etsy shop that has many similar items and designs that can be used to enhance a Disney theme.
Hi Laura,
I created the Rust-eze lables, however they are not available for purchase due to trademark, copyright, and licensing laws. Thanks for understanding