The next time you plan a pirate-themed party, don't bother spending a bunch of booty on expensive store-bought invites. Instead, get the family together, grab a few supplies and make your own. Does this Spark an idea?
Pirate Lingo
Fill your invites with pirate lingo. Phrases like "Ahoy there, matey," "Beware" or "Join the search for pirate booty, me matey" make appropriate greetings that let guests know right away that the invitation is for a pirate-themed party. Creativity can also rule you in the important wording, including the date, time and location. Give directions like a treasure map, such as "Ye be needin' to walk the plank when all hands point up (noon) on the 24th day of the fourth month." Another option is to request your "shipmates" join you as you set sail for treasure and adventure. Work in any sort of pirate lingo you can, as long as it will be easily deciphered by your guests or their parents.
Invitation Paper or Cardstock
Soak thick paper in coffee or tea to give it an Old World look. Burn around the edges of the paper. Write the invitation by hand in fancy calligraphy or handwriting, or print the invitations using aged paper. Create your own cards by cutting out pirate shapes, like a pirate ship, treasure chest, Jolly Rancher flag, treasure map, sword, hat or whatever your favorite pirate item is. Use that item as your main inspiration for the rest of the party so that every detail flows together.
Delivery Ideas
Roll aged-looking paper like a scroll and tie it off with a piece of twine. These can be hand-delivered as is or inserted into old glass soda bottles and mailed to your guests. Add beaded necklaces, chocolate coin candies, plastic eye patches, bandannas or any other treasure or pirate items you'd like to include.
Other Ideas
Your invitations should include directions telling your guests to dress up in their best pirate garb. Send small items such as an eye patch, and request they wear it. Add a note about leaving weapons on their ship if you'd like pirates to arrive without their swords. If you don't want to ask guests to dress up, or if someone forgets, have extra bandannas on hand. Paint little mustaches or beards on kids' faces with eyeliner. Have makeup remover on hand to clean the kids up as their parents pick them up.
Tags: your guests, guests dress, pirate-themed party, their parents