Entertaining a group of kids can be tricky, to say the least. Between the menu, the decor and the activities, things can get out of hand (and expensive) in the blink of an eye. This party concept simplifies the process by limiting all decor to projects that can be made using inexpensive materials, and since the party is based around a cookie-decorating activity, kids will be well-fed and entertained throughout.

By Camille Styles, photography by Melanie Grizzel

All the signs needed to host this party can be made in a flash using — what else? — kraft paper and cardboard! Create a hand-painted banner that reads, ”Please come in!” and then hang it on your front door to greet guests upon arrival.

With just a few bottles of acrylic paint, you can transform regular packing boxes into project-ready material. Simply choose your color palette, then use a paintbrush to splatter paint on cardboard. Once it's dry, you’ve got a hand-painted material that can be used to make just about anything.

Nothing says “party ready” quite like pennant bunting. Make your own by cutting your painted cardboard into equally sized triangles, then attach the pennants onto matching cord or twine with a hot-glue gun. The longer the garland, the more festive your space will look!