From the very first time the grandparents took my children to their first sushi bar experience; they were hooked. I don’t know if it was the actual food, or the atmosphere that captured their imagination first. Either way, the experience turned into a little obsession and ultimately, a party.
No need to limit yourself to annual birthdays; a sushi party can be as simple, or as elaborate as you want.
Sushi Themed Party Ideas
Decorations – Since this is ultimately a food-centered party, focus your attention on decorating the dining room or kitchen, unless of course you will be eating in the family room or other area.
- Paper lanterns. Check the Dollar Store and discount aisles first for paper lanterns. Pier One or craft stores also have inexpensive paper lanterns that you, or your children, can decorate with paint.
- Clear, string lights. Use your Christmas lights to create atmosphere. Hang along the walls, or door frame.
- Paper cranes. Using origami paper, fold several dozen cranes. This can be addictive! If you are unsure of the technique, check a tutorial online, or a library book for step by step instructions. Once complete, string your paper cranes into a garland with a needle and thread.
Food – The main attraction of the party is sushi, so make or purchase several different varieties. In addition to the actual sushi, make sushi cupcakes and/or rice crispy treats.
- Sushi cupcakes- Cut Ho Ho’s into thick slices. Stick pieces of gummy worms inside to make super-easy sushi cupcakes.
- Fruit sushi – Cut thick slices of kiwi and then stick pieces of watermelon and cantaloupe in the center.
- Vegetable sushi – Cut thick slices of cucumber and then use thin slices of carrots and tomatoes for the center.
- Fruit tray – A tray of cut up fruit makes a pretty addition to the food table. Cut up kiwi, star fruit, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and mango, or any combination you desire. If berries, bananas and apples are more your taste, go with that.
- Rice crackers, wasabi peas and other Japanese snacks can be mixed in to fill out the party meal.
- Tea and lemonade are ideal accompaniments, but juice boxes can fill in in a pinch for little ones.
Activities – Guests can be given the ingredients to make rice crispy treat sushi and you can skip the cupcakes all together. Roll out and then fill rectangles of rice crispy treats with gummy candy. Roll the whole thing up and then wrap with a piece of fruit leather.
- Origami – Set up an origami station. Place examples, instructions, and stacks of paper for guests to try.
- Chop stick race – Give each guest a set of chopsticks and a take-out box. Place a pile of mini marshmallows in the center of the table and then on “go” each player tries to pick up marshmallows and put in their box.
Favors – Party favors can be a simple take-out box with chop sticks, origami paper and gummy candy, like Swedish fish.
