The relaxing days of summer are dwindling, and soon it will be time for the little ones to return to their classrooms. What better way to give the season a smashing send-off than to throw a butterfly-themed party or picnic?
A butterfly party is the perfect theme for a fete honoring the transitions of back-to-school and summer to fall. Depending on where you live in the country, this season’s butterflies may vanish by late October or early November, so it’s best to celebrate them while they’re still around.
You can begin your butterfly theme with decorations like hanging butterfly wings. Choose wings of different colors and patterns to mimic the diversity of the beautiful creatures found in the wild. Mini paper butterflies can garnish food dishes, while butterfly garlands can be draped around food tables.
In keeping with the end-of-summer theme, you can incorporate plentiful amounts of flowers into the decorations, as well. After all, butterflies and flowers are often found together in nature, and both will be gone by the time winter rolls in. You can opt for real flowers or lifelike artificial ones that guests can take home as a keepsake or party favor.
Costumes are a natural fit for such a party. Pair nylon butterfly wings with tutu skirts and fairy wands, and your guests may be inspired to act out a butterfly-inspired skit. Butterfly treats, like cakes and cookies, can be menu highlights.
Butterfly-themed activity ideas abound as well. Put out plenty of crayons, markers and glitter, and invite attendees to channel their creativity by decorating paper butterflies. Hang a butterfly-shaped piñata from a backyard tree, or play “pin the antennae” on the butterfly! Considering the party’s timing, you can give away school supplies—think pencils and notebooks—decorated with butterflies as game prizes, too.
If you’re looking for one more opportunity to gather your daughter and her playmates for last-minute summer fun, bring on the butterflies.



