• Home
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosures
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Real Creative Real Organized

Creativity and Organization for Mom Life

  • Crafts
  • DIY
  • Organization
  • Travel
  • Mom Life
  • Holidays & Special Days
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Easter
    • Father’s Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Seasons
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Olympics
    • Birthdays
  • Shop
Home » Holidays & Special Days » Birthdays » American Girl Party {McKenna}

American Girl Party {McKenna}

February 22, 2013 by KC Coake 56 Comments

Share away! 😍

  • WhatsApp
  • Email
  • Facebook
My sweet Snowflake turned 11 last month! I can hardly believe she is already 11. She got McKenna, an American Girl Doll, for Christmas. She was the doll of the year for 2012. Snowflake had really wanted her and was really excited! She decided to have a McKenna themed 11th birthday party. Today I’m going to show you our American Girl Party complete with the McKenna Movie and a few other details, too.
Easy and fun American Girl party with a McKenna (2012 doll of the year) theme. #BirthdayParty #AmericanGirlDoll #McKenna
This is our bar/pass through area all set up and ready for the party to begin.

Snowflake wanted this party to be pretty low key. She wanted time to hang out with her friends, watch the McKenna movie, play her favorite game (Apples to Apples) and do one craft. She was hoping for a slumber party, but that didn’t end up working out. Let me show you what I did for her. This was the easiest party I have thrown for one of my girls in quite some time.
Easy and fun American Girl party with a McKenna (2012 doll of the year) theme. #BirthdayParty #AmericanGirlDoll #McKenna
I used the idea of drinking from mason jars again for this party. To make these glasses, you just use a mason jar. The purple polka dot paper on the top is a cupcake liner. I also found the cute paper straws at Target! I love the look of them, but haven’t been able to find them inexpensively locally. I just happened to find them. They were the perfect color for the theme. The girls thought that drinking from paper straws was weird. Oh well…they looked really cute.
Easy and fun American Girl party with a McKenna (2012 doll of the year) theme. #BirthdayParty #AmericanGirlDoll #McKenna
As you can see above, I ordered this McKenna Movie kit from Amazon. That is why this was the most simple party I have done in a long time. It came with invitations along with all kinds of other goodies. It came with these cute popcorn bowls and the ‘Critic’s Choice’ cards. I was surprised the girls actually wanted to fill them out. They were all feverishly writing at the end of the movie to jot down their favorite part, it was cute.
Snowflake hadn’t seen McKenna’s movieyet. We had it recorded on our Tivo from last summer when it was on T.V., but still hadn’t watched it. Turns out our recording was during a thunderstorm and it didn’t work very well. Thank goodness for Amazon instant video to our Tivo. For $2.99 the party was saved and we could continue watching the movie. Whew! Glad for modern technology!
Easy and fun American Girl party with a McKenna (2012 doll of the year) theme. #BirthdayParty #AmericanGirlDoll #McKenna
Snowflake requested strawberry cupcakes with vanilla frosting. Since we had a star theme going on, I added star sprinkles to the top. We used our same cupcake stand that we bought for Pumpkins American Girl (Felicity) party last year.
Easy and fun American Girl party with a McKenna (2012 doll of the year) theme. #BirthdayParty #AmericanGirlDoll #McKenna
One more picture of the cute mason jars. I realized, after getting the whole bar set, that the cover I had sewn for Pumpkin’s party would be the same color to use for this party. Snowflake approved, so we added the bar/pass through cover to fancy up the bar a little bit(and to cover up the ugly).
Easy and fun American Girl party with a McKenna (2012 doll of the year) theme. #BirthdayParty #AmericanGirlDoll #McKenna
I cut out what felt like a million stars. It really was in inexpensive decoration and way to add a little something to the party. I bought 20 sheets of 4 different colors of paper (2 different shades of green and 2 shades of purple). I used my Cricut to cut the stars out in different sizes. I used some of the stars on the favor bags along with some of the stickers that came in the party kit.
I filled the bags with a few things (I kept that pretty simple and minimal this year as well). Snowflake really wanted the lipstick pens for everybody. We added a hair extension and some hair elastics. Then, since McKenna is a gymnast, I made a hula hoop and a rhythmic gymnastic ribbon for each girl’s doll. I’ll show you the tutorial for those another time. They were really cute and my girls have had fun playing with the ones I made for them.
Easy and fun American Girl party with a McKenna (2012 doll of the year) theme. #BirthdayParty #AmericanGirlDoll #McKenna
I couldn’t leave the living room undecorated. I used the stars in here as well. I simply taped them onto the yarn, then used my scrapbook adhesive to add a second star. It was the same process as the Doily Streamer I showed you for Pumpkin’s party.
Easy and fun American Girl party with a McKenna (2012 doll of the year) theme. #BirthdayParty #AmericanGirlDoll #McKenna
I made the ‘Happy Birthday” banner using the stars as well. I added letters I cut from plain white cardstock to spell out Happy Birthday. I used yarn to string it all together. You can see a tutorial in my post about the Doily Happy Birthday Banner. We thought it turned out very cute and looks very much like the theme of McKenna. Our cat liked the decorations, too! I had a hard time keeping them up before and even during the party!
Easy and fun American Girl party with a McKenna (2012 doll of the year) theme. #BirthdayParty #AmericanGirlDoll #McKenna
Snowflake had requested to do a craft. I ordered the McKenna Hair Accessory Kit from Amazon. The girls each got to make a hair accessory in the star theme, of course.
Easy and fun American Girl party with a McKenna (2012 doll of the year) theme. #BirthdayParty #AmericanGirlDoll #McKenna
Finally, Snowflake really wanted to play her favorite game with her friends. One of her birthday presents was this adorable set from American Girl. It is the sleepover accessories set. It comes with an Apples to Apples game for the dolls along with drinks, popcorn and doll sized magazines. It is too cute! While the girls were playing Apples to Apples, the dolls got to play their own game, too! I think McKenna won…hehe!
Snowflake had a fantastic 11th birthday party! I enjoyed it, too! I didn’t work like a crazy woman to get it ready and was able to enjoy some time with the girls. Maybe the girls getting older is a nice thing…maybe! 😉

Savy Southern Style

© 2011-2013 The Real Thing with the Coake Family.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

More to Enjoy! 😍

DIY Christmas Ornaments
Pencil Holder ~ Mason Jar Craft

Share away! 😍

  • WhatsApp
  • Email
  • Facebook

Hi! I'm KC. I'm a single mom of 2 girls who loves all things creative. Whether it's making something crafty or tackling that DIY project, I'm gonna have some fun and stay organized in the process. 😊 Read More…

Follow Me:

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Previous Post: « Real Family Fun #2
Next Post: Kids Closet {Organizing Ideas} »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dara says

    February 22, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I love Apples to Apples! looks like a great party!

    Reply
    • K Coake says

      February 23, 2013 at 2:18 am

      Thanks, Dara! I’m working on ‘loving’ Apples to Apples. So far it isn’t my favorite, but Snowflake loves it, so since I play it a lot with her, it is growing on me. Though I say that and I realize it is kind of fun trying to convince the ‘judge’ that your card is the best. 🙂
      KC

      Reply
  2. [email protected] of Laughter says

    February 23, 2013 at 1:17 am

    Such a great party KC! My daughter loved her American Girl when she was younger. Now she’s 16 and her doll is packed away! Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Angie xo

    Reply
    • K Coake says

      February 23, 2013 at 2:36 am

      Thank you! It seems like it will be sad when my girls reach that age…but I guess it is the next phase and seems right at the time.
      I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well.
      KC

      Reply
  3. Marie bloominghomestead says

    February 23, 2013 at 2:01 am

    Looks like so much fun! I know so many girls who would love this. 🙂
    Would love to have you link up to my party on tuesday.
    http://www.bloominghomestead.com
    -Marie

    Reply
    • K Coake says

      February 23, 2013 at 2:38 am

      It sure was fun! Thanks,
      KC

      Reply
  4. Ruthie Armstrong says

    February 24, 2013 at 2:31 am

    How fun for a little girls, I remember when mine were all about their dolls… such fun times! Thanks so much for coming to party at Super Saturday Show & Tell 🙂 I hope you’ll come again next week. xoxo~ Ruthie

    Reply
    • K Coake says

      February 24, 2013 at 10:20 pm

      Thanks, Ruthie! Thanks for hosting as well.
      Have a great week.
      KC

      Reply
  5. Holly Lefevre (504 Main) says

    February 24, 2013 at 8:22 am

    McKenna is very popular in our house and this party is amazing! So cute!

    Reply
    • K Coake says

      February 24, 2013 at 10:23 pm

      Ah…she is so popular with my daughter and so many others. Thanks for the sweet comment.
      KC

      Reply
  6. [email protected] says

    February 25, 2013 at 2:44 am

    What a fun party — love the star banner!

    Reply
    • K Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:14 am

      Thanks!
      KC

      Reply
  7. Shanee @ LivingLifeSouthernStyle says

    February 25, 2013 at 4:52 pm

    Adorable party! Love the mason jars with colorful straws and cupcake liners. I miss the days of American Girl, my baby girl is about to turn 17 🙁 Thanks for sharing. Visting from BNOP.

    Reply
    • K Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:17 am

      Thank you!
      KC

      Reply
  8. Cinthya Travis says

    February 25, 2013 at 8:17 pm

    I don’t have any little girls but I can definitely take some of the decoration ideas with me for my three little boys bday parties. Everything looks so awesome!

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:50 am

      I’m glad you could get some ideas for you little boys parties! I bet some of these ideas would work really well for them, too.
      Thanks so much,
      KC

      Reply
  9. Hillary says

    February 25, 2013 at 9:41 pm

    This is so fabulous! I remember having an American Girl party years ago- I’m so glad to know girls today still love the dolls as much as I did 🙂

    https://lovelyonabudget.blogspot.com/

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:50 am

      Thank you! My girls are all about AG dolls these days…I may live in AG land…lol!
      KC

      Reply
  10. Cheryl Kirkness says

    February 26, 2013 at 3:14 am

    What a beautiful party! You can see that you put a lot of thought into every detail. Well done! 🙂

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:51 am

      Thank you, Cheryl.
      KC

      Reply
  11. Cathy Trochelman says

    February 26, 2013 at 3:18 am

    Wow! A little girl’s dream – what a special party you put together!!

    Reply
    • K Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:22 am

      Thank you! That is sweet of you to say.
      KC

      Reply
  12. happydays525 says

    February 26, 2013 at 4:33 am

    Very awesome party!!

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:51 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  13. Isabelle Thornton says

    February 26, 2013 at 5:37 am

    LOL SO cute!
    I would love if you link this wonderful post to my party. It is open until Easter and I will Feature as we go on Facebook and Pinterest. XO
    Isabelle
    https://lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com/2013/02/death-by-chocolate-recipes-and-link.html

    Reply
    • K Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:24 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  14. Jedi Craft Girl says

    February 26, 2013 at 6:06 am

    Everything looks so darling. I am sure all the girls had a wonderful time!

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:51 am

      Thanks, they sure did!
      KC

      Reply
  15. My Doll Best Friend says

    February 26, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    Fab! I’ve pinned your photos to my Doll Parties board https://pinterest.com/mydollbf/

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:51 am

      Thanks!
      KC

      Reply
  16. Lisa says

    February 26, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    Oh how I miss the American Girl doll days of my daugher! Everything is just precious, and looks like such fun! Hope you can stop by the enchanted oven.
    xo,
    Lisa

    Reply
    • K Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:38 am

      Thank you! I’m sure I will really miss these days when they are gone, too. They are soo fun.
      Take care,
      KC

      Reply
  17. Tracy Cook says

    February 26, 2013 at 7:22 pm

    Simply perfect. I so wish girls aged 11 here in UK played with dolls sadly they dont

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      February 27, 2013 at 2:52 am

      Thanks! Really, 11 year olds don’t play with dolls there? That is surprising. What kinds of things are they into?
      Take care,
      KC

      Reply
  18. Aimee Lane says

    February 27, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    Super cute!!! My little almost 11 year old would have LOVED to be there! XO, Aimee

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      March 4, 2013 at 1:53 am

      Thanks, Aimee!
      KC

      Reply
  19. Nici @ Posed Perfection says

    February 28, 2013 at 1:09 am

    Oh, my goodness! This looks like so much fun! What little girl wouldn’t love a party like this? Thanks for sharing!
    Blessings,
    Nici

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      March 9, 2013 at 3:32 pm

      Thank you, Nici! The girls sure did have fun.
      Take care,
      KC

      Reply
  20. Brenda says

    February 28, 2013 at 1:14 am

    So fun!! Love every last adorable detail, KC! ;*)

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      March 9, 2013 at 3:37 pm

      Thanks, Brenda! 🙂
      KC

      Reply
  21. April says

    February 28, 2013 at 1:58 am

    SO cute! And how cute is a mini Apples to Apples game?! I might have to get that for my niece.

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      March 9, 2013 at 3:40 pm

      Isn’t the mini Apple to Apples game adorable? It even has stuff printed on the other side, just like the real game. Too cute!
      Take care,
      KC

      Reply
  22. The Fischer Family says

    February 28, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    How adorable! We took our daughter to the American Girl store in Chicago this past November for her 8th birthday and she chose McKenna. She had been drooling over her all year and was so excited to get her hands on her! She would love this party! She’ll be 9 this year and if she’s still into McKenna in November the way she is now this a go! Thanks for sharing! Pinning onto my For Brianna board on Pinterest! 🙂

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      March 9, 2013 at 3:47 pm

      Oh, how fun! I bet she is really loving having McKenna after waiting for her so long. My 11 year old, Snowflake, is LOVING having McKenna. She got her at Christmas. She just got the bar and beam set for her birthday. It was backordered, so she had to wait all this time!
      Take care,
      KC

      Reply
  23. Paula says

    February 28, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    Oh my gosh! What a fun and cute idea! We’d love for you to share this at our party! https://www.housewivesofriverton.com/2013/02/riverton-housewives-round-up-54.html

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      March 9, 2013 at 3:47 pm

      Thank you so much!
      KC

      Reply
  24. Bonny @ thedomesticatedprincess.com says

    March 1, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    So cute! My daughter is only 2 1/2, so she doesn’t have an American Girl doll yet, but she loves the ones our older neighbor girls have, so I know the time will come. I’m pinning this for when she’s older.

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      March 9, 2013 at 3:54 pm

      Thanks! Yes, your time will come…start saving now…hehe!
      Take care,
      KC

      Reply
  25. Carrie @ My Favorite Finds says

    March 1, 2013 at 11:37 pm

    I saw this come up on my Google+ feed, and thought it was super cute! I’m pinning this. Please come share at our Pinworthy Projects party. https://myfavefinds.com/pinworthy-projects-party-2/

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      March 10, 2013 at 1:05 am

      Thank you so much, Carrie.
      KC

      Reply
  26. Jamie says

    March 26, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    OMG- My daughter is having a McKenna bday party this weekend, and I was hunting around for some last minute ideas. The party you hosted was ADORABLE! Nice job.

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      March 27, 2013 at 2:02 am

      Thank you! I hope you and your daughter have a fantastic party this weekend!
      KC

      Reply
  27. Tomoli says

    December 11, 2014 at 7:10 pm

    My birthday is in January and I want to have a American girl doll sleep over party and if anybody has a idea please let me know! Thank you:)

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      December 15, 2014 at 8:14 pm

      Good luck! I hope you find some ideas that you love. Happy Birthday!

      Reply
  28. Scent says

    March 13, 2016 at 7:14 pm

    How do you put the hole in the cupcake liners for the mason jars

    Reply
    • KC Coake says

      March 14, 2016 at 9:02 pm

      It has been a while, but I’m pretty sure I just poked the end of scissors through them or maybe even the straw. It wasn’t a perfect hole, just enough for the straw to go through. Hope that helps. 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Popular Posts

  • IKEA built in hack with storage and desk Great IKEA built in hack for simple shelving and desk
  • Valentine's ideas like this are perfect for our family. We can have some fun celebrating Valentine's day and have some fun together as a family. Looks easy, too! Activities for the Family ~ Valentine’s Bean Bag Toss

Meet KC

Hi! I'm KC, Welcome to my blog!
Click here to Learn More About Me…

Free Member Program:

Let’s Be Social

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 · Sprinkle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in