DIY Network

*Marathon Special: Kids' Sports Party From "Major League Remodel Marathon" episode DMLR-M2

In this special segment of DIY's Major League Remodel Marathon, we provide tips for planning a kids' party with a baseball theme.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Kids' Sports Party

Capture the excitement of America's favorite pastime on your child's next birthday by recreating a stadium atmosphere and traditional ballpark refreshments. Chances are you'll hit a home run. Here are some suggestions.

• Deciding on the right setting will help set the mood and get the fans in the mood for a day of baseball. Consider an actual baseball game or a baseball museum.

• Stick with the theme with some ballpark-inspired decorations. Personalize your party space with sports-related signs (locker room, press room, dugout, etc.). An enlarged sports photo of the guest of honor mounted on foam-core can highlight a directional sign placed at the entrance to greet guests.

• Word party-invitations to suggest that party attendees "dress the part" in baseball or sports attire. Plan sports-related activities like coloring sports mascots (printed out from Internet sites), and serve baseball-concession treats like popcorn, peanuts and hot dogs (figure A). Consider renting a cotton-candy machine or snow-cone machine. For a creative serving idea, serve refreshments out of hard-plastic baseball helmets.

• A birthday cake can be designed to emulate a baseball field, and cupcakes can be decorated with icing to look like baseballs.

• Photos help provide keepsakes of the baseball party. Consider letting the kids take pictures with disposable cameras.

• Tip: To make thank-you notes a snap, take a snapshot of each party-guest while the guest-of-honor opens that child's birthday gift.

• Entertainment is the key to any kids party. Consider a baseball pinata, and make personalized goody-bags containing sports-related favors and treats for each attendee to take home with them.

• A special guest like a local team mascot will certainly make a splash, and creates the ultimate party photo-op (figure B). Photos with the mascot make a great follow-up memento for each party guest.