Dog Birthday

In case you still need more dessert ideas for your puppy paw-ty, a company in Japan has created ice cream for dogs. - Spluch

A few weeks before your dog party, be sure to scout out a secure location in the nearby park. Choose a spot that has ample dog roaming space and plenty of picnic tables. If the locale is hidden from the park entrance, make signs or maps notifying guests of the party spot. Paw printed balloons, clear plastic glasses, cherry red tablecloths and paper plates set the scene for an outdoor fete. Pack the food in red take out containers printed with white dog bones.

As guests arrive with their pooches, point them in the direction of the dog bowls and hand them a fun dog face party blower. Make or purchase a large Happy Birthday Oliver sign and hang from two trees, a jungle gym, or on the edge of a table. Store the drinks in lovely drink dispensers and adorn the tables with arrangements of red gerber daisies. For music, create a playlist of songs that have lyrics about dogs like "Bad To The Bone," as well as classic rap hits by Snoop Dogg, Nate Dog, and Little Bow Wow.

The dog party will be in the park, so serve cocktails and drinks that can be made in batches in advance. The menu is casual picnic food and a fun flavored mojito will pair perfectly. Bing cherries give a festive color and feel that are refreshing on a hot day at a park. Instead of regular lemonade, offer non-drinkers a pomegranate ginger lemonade. Stack clear plastic party cups near the drink pitchers so that guests can serve themselves. The guests of honor can't be forgotten, so be sure to have lots of fresh, cool water to hydrate your pooches. A super-sized, communal water bowl or a bunch of mini bowls with each doggie's name written on it are essential. Want to pour these drinkies at your next party? Then just read more

At a poochie party, your dog is the guest of honor, so creating a bunch of pet friendly food is a great way to pamper your pup. Special appetizers that are vet approved are excellent options. At Molly's pug Oliver's first birthday party, I'll be serving up a picnic style meal for the people and scooby snacks for the doggies. Olive oil and bacon truffles and a dog friendly pate on toast, will fill the dogs up after a roaring round of fetch. No birthday party is complete without a cake and Oliver's will be made naturally sweet, colorful, and flavorful: a peanut butter carrot cake. Interested in making these dog food recipes? All you have to do is read more

Oliver the pug is almost one, so I'm planning a fabulous little birthday party. The soirée will be happening in his favorite park, so planning a menu that is portable and picnic-like is important. Store bought treats like chips and dips, cheese and crackers, and olives and pickles will supplement an easy, make ahead meal. BLT's get a fresh twist with the addition of turkey, arugula, and ranch dressing. A black bean, rice, and tomato salad pairs nicely and travels well. A peanut butter carrot cake will decadently finish the people food menu. For the recipes to these scrumptious snacks, read more

Molly's pug Oliver is turning one this week and she's asked me to help plan a birthday party for him! Parties that celebrate pets are becoming more and more popular and an afternoon in the park is the perfect way to celebrate. The doggies can enjoy the outdoors while their owners enjoy the friendly company and tasty nibbles. To create an amazing party, I'll make treats for both the animals and the people. More on those pieces to the puzzle later in the week though because now it's time to make the invitation. This one is easy to put together, fast to create, and - thanks to Oliver - oh-so-adorable! Follow my step-by-step instructions, just read more