Shine Bright: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Viewing Party
This time of year, you can find me cuddled up watching Christmas movies whenever I can sneak them in! One of my favorite's since I was a kid is the classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” There's something about that adorable vintage claymation that I love!
I thought it would be fun to put together a little Rudolph viewing party! This is perfect for family movie night or a play date for the kids! The movie is less than an hour without commercials (47 minutes to be exact) and with the fun Rudolph themed party supplies that Oriental Trading has this year, putting it together is easy! I also collaborated with Jackie of JM Custom Invites, who put together an adorable suite of party printables that also makes decorating so simple.
Send your guests this cute little viewing party invite! (Or, just put a family movie night on the calendar!)
The Table
To create a fun little snack table, I put up a folding table in front on our Christmas tree in our downstairs family room. I started with a white tablecloth from Target and layered on a 1/2 yard of Rudolph fabric I picked up at JoAnn Fabrics. I also added some buffalo snow to create a 3D effect and to add some texture to the table. You can pick that up at any local craft store our your local Target or Walmart this time of year.
I used some wood slice platters I had around the house, but you can buy similar ones from Oriental Trading. I also created a quick DIY cupcake stand with a snowflake tin tray and a candlestick from Dollar Tree. All you need to do is hot glue the two together and you've got a festive holiday stand!
I was also lucky to have some Rudolph character figurines around that I've had for years! It's fun to use some items from Christmas past in new ways. If you don't happen to have those laying around the house, Oriental Trading has some fun character items that you could easily add in as well. Amazon also sells an 8-piece set!
The Snacks & Drinks
What is a movie night without snacks? I kept the menu simple but themed the goodies to characters:
Prancer's Pudding Cups
Hermie's Healthy Snacks
Clarice's Cupcakes
Rudolph Noses
North Pole Popcorn
Cornelius' Cocoa
I turned some chocolate pudding cups into reindeer by adding googly eyes, red pom poms, and light brown pipe cleaners. Even though they are called Prancer's Pudding Cups, Comet makes an appearance by the platter. Had to keep the alliteration going! And, to top it off JM Custom Invites created the cutest food tents to label everything.
Next, I decorated some red & white striped boxes with Rudolph stickers. Add some Kettle Corn Boom Chicka Pop or your popcorn of choosing and you've got North Pole Popcorn.
I also used the stickers to create cupcake toppers for Clarice's Cupcakes. All you need is two stickers and a toothpick. It's a great way to use a purchase in multiple ways, saving you money! The cupcakes were displayed on the DIY platter I made.
For Rudolph's noses, I used some candy gumballs, but you could also use cherries, chocolate balls, or any other creative ideas!
Hermie, the elf who wanted to be a dentist, might not approve of all of these sugary sweets. To add a healthier snack, I added in some carrots, also a favorite food of reindeer.
For drinks, add the stickers to some styrofoam cups -- perfect for serving hot cocoa. Keep a thermos on the table or have hot water and packets on hand. Don't forget to grab some of these fun beverage napkins.
Party Favor
Send all of your little guests home with a fun "Reindeer Food" favor to use on Christmas Eve to attract Santa & his reindeeer. These printables from JM Custom Invites are easy to add to Ziploc bags. To make the food, mix up oatmeal and red & green sprinkles.
Viewing Glasses
Oriental Trading has so many fun & easy crafts designed for kids of all ages. I ordered these fun Reindeer Glasses for kiddos to make before the viewing of the movie starts! To create the station, just setup the supplies and this sign from JM Custom Invites. No glue or glitter involved. A hassle free craft if you ask me! Just peel, stick, and wear!
I put the kits in these adorable Rudolph themed tote bags and at the end of the movie, it's easy to pack up the glasses, the Reindeer Food favor, any leftover treats and head on their merry way!
Photobooth
You may know how much of a fan I am of a photobooth by now (see my 80s birthday party), but it's always a fun edition to any gathering. I found a roll of Rudolph wrapping paper at Dollar Tree to use for the background, but you could use fabric or a tablecloth, too! How fun are the Rudolph photobooth props!?
Which movie should I setup a viewing party for next year?! I loved this so much, I definitely want to do it again!
A huge thank you to Oriental Trading Company for sponsoring this post. Although I was given free products to create this party, all of my opinions and feelings about their products are 100% my own. I only work with brands that I would recommend to others!