Need ideas for a Chess themed birthday party!

[lisabarr]

OK budget friends. My DS is turning 8 and I need some great ideas for a birthday party with CHESS as it's theme.

The party will be at my home from 2-4:30. I am renting a bounce house. I want to incorporate as much chess as possible. Keep in mind that half the kids will be very advanced players and the other half may not have ever seen a chess board. I have access to a private coach who will do anything I want.

Do you think lunch is needed or finger foods ok? What kinds of food could I serve to go with my theme? Decorations?

OK guys, look at my tag, it says it all! Craftily challanged! I need help!

Ohh, I did order the invites off of vista print great deals! I also would love to keep this budget as possible because the bounce house is eating up a chunk!

 

[Tine731]

Hello,

I love a game of chess.

I would not serve a full lunch. I think you could get away with finger foods and a cake. As far as activities my 1st thought was a human chess game but I am not sure how that would work if some of the kids do not play chess. You could make construction paper hats to mimic the pieces...pawn, king, queen, bishop...and use a stick horse for the knights.

Check the Dollar Tree and see if you can find chess sets to give out.

Good luck.

 

[buckler]

Would either of these cakes fall within your abilities?

http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h180/starshinesMonet/?action=view&current=chess_cake.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_T3Gqqkz9Mm0/SNYIcxa8CtI/AAAAAAAAAtk/hQJ7CZnMmOU/s400/cake.jpg

For the 2nd cake maybe you could use those little square after dinner mints for the dark squares? The light square could be the frosting. Then stick a few real chess pieces on top (not a whole set just a few to give the idea).

I wouldn't do too much heavy food with a bounce house in the picture. Over indulging on food and then bouncing isn't a good combination .

 

[lisabarr]

I did get some chess piece chocolate molds off off ebay. I was going to get a large Sams club cake and have them put the chessboard on it then I would add the men.

 

[buckler]

Here are two chess parties

http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/html/game_ideas_38.html

http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/html/game_show_parties_16.html

 

[Bren's Mom]

I agree a meal isn't necessary. Some munchies then cake will be fine.

Be sure to serve these!

http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/ProductDetail.aspx?catID=728

You could even use these to decorate your cake.

 

[SnowWtch]

What about dress up? The kids could come as chess pieces. What kids don't like to dress up as kings and queens and knights.

 

[lisabarr]

Here are two chess parties

http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/ht..._ideas_38.html

http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/ht...arties_16.html
Today 10:20 AM

I had seen those earlier, but wasn't crazy about them!

 

[WendyisDarling]

I had to help host a year end party for the chess team a couple of years ago.

We gave key rings made from chess pieces as favors. We bought them through wholesalechess.com The pawns are very inexpensive. They sell other trinkets, but the shipping is $6.

My best find though was black and white checkered plates and napkins. They were from the race car theme section of the party store. They were supposed to be waving so they had a bit of a warped look, but still they were neat as it was hard to find chess theme party supplies.

We found a creative local baker who was able to decorate our cake.

You may consider setting up a few chess boards around the house for spontaneous play. (You and the coach can sort of encourage the more advanced players to challenge each other). The coach could sort of roam a bit and be available to give pointers. It would be great for a couple of novices to sit down and learn some basics, too