Calling all souls! This bright and vibrant Day of the Dead backyard party is too fun to miss! With various outdoor activities it's perfect for tweens and teens. Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday that celebrates family and friends coming together to honor those who have died. It is a beautiful celebration of love for lives passed. This party is full of so many great ideas and inspiration to get you in the spirit, including a Day of the Dead Skeleton Painting project, a Day of the Dead Face Paint Tutorial and a full Pack of FREE Party Printables!
When first planning and envisioning this Day of the Dead party, I knew I wanted it to be full of florals, bright colors and skeletons painted in the traditional Dia de los Muertos style. Since this party is for tweens and teens, I thought it would be fun to create a Day of the Dead Face Painting Tutorial. My 13-year-old niece and her friends absolutely love to get creative and experiment with different types of make-up and application techniques, so I thought the girls would have a blast doing fun Day of the Dead make-up on each other.
For our Day of the Dead Skeleton Painting project, I painted the faces of two Life Size Posable Skeletons as well as a French Bulldog Skeleton. To further bring these skeletons to life, or the after-life, I dressed them in themed, colorful clothing. The Fiesta Ruffle Tie-On Skirt and Women's Fun Fiesta Kimono Vest, as well as a Sombrero Hat and Floral Frida Headband, worked so perfectly. I got creative with the headpieces too! By adding a Black Lace Spiderweb Table Runner under the Floral Frida Headband, I was able to add a more authentic, elegant look to our Day of the Dead beauty!
The Metallic Day of the Dead Dinner Plates, Luncheon Napkins, Beverage Napkins and Dessert Plates could not have been a more perfect addition to the table decor. Under each of the plates, I placed a Round Fringe Bright Luau Placemat. This added even more thematic, bright color to the table. Along with this tableware, I also used the Handblown Glass Apothecary Jar with Lid as a vase for a fresh floral arrangement in the middle of the table. In the center of the arrangement I placed a custom designed large Day of the Dead skull graphic. This design is available as a part of the Free Day of the Dead Party Printable Pack. Next, I floated individual blooms in Mercury Votive Candle Holders to the left and right of the large floral arrangement. To finish off the table I placed cupcakes and fresh cookies on individual Clear Cupcake Stands at each place setting.
To decorate and frame the entire outdoor entertaining space, I hung a Day of the Dead Cutout Banner and Fiesta Fringe Backdrop from the trees. I then hung a Spooky Floral Chandelier from a shepherd's hook and tied large Tissue Paper Flower Fiesta Door Border blooms to surrounding tree branches.
For our Day of the Dead dessert table I created a fun "Get in the Spirit" sign along with large skull printable graphics. I attached the printables to two pieces of Black Foam Board that I used as a backdrop. I framed the edges of the backdrop with Purple, Orange and Hot Pink Fringe Streamers as well as tissue paper flowers. Then, on the dessert table itself, I arranged Black Hard Candy Sticks in Day of the Dead Pails along with Day of the Dead Favor Boxes and Frosted Day of the Dead Lollipops. I also added Pink, Orange and Blue Sixlets to the Glass Jar Set to complete the look.
For an endearing party favor, I designed a "Forever We Are Soul Sisters" printable that can be paired with Day of the Dead Necklaces. Reminiscent of "best friend" necklaces, I thought this would be a fun Dia de los Muertos take on the friendship jewelry!
I hope you enjoyed our Day of the Dead Backyard Party and are inspired to throw you rown! For even more Day of the Dead inspiration and ideas be sure to check out the Day of the Dead Painted Skeleton project and Day of the Dead Face Paint Tutorial and don't forget to download all of the Day of the Dead FREE Party Printables!
