Space Party

Hang a galaxy from your ceiling, invite some aliens to do a flyby, serve up the moon on a plate -- and throw the coolest birthday party in the universe. You don't have to be a rocket scientist, and you won't need to spend a stratospheric sum to make sure your birthday boy or girl has a blast. Simply read on to see how down-to-earth items such as paper plates, plastic wrap, and Ping-Pong balls turn an ordinary gathering into an out-of-this-world bash.

TAKE ME TO YOUR PARTY

These creatures come in peace! As party guests arrive, let them launch right into action with a mask-making project. We created ours with glow-in-the-dark craft foam and stickers so we could dim the lights and set an otherworldly mood (you could also use fluorescent materials, then switch on a black light). For instructions on these cool do-it-yourself disguises, click here.

WORLDS ON A STRING

Hang some planets and strings of twinkling stars before the party's launch, and you'll transform your home into a glowing space-scape. For instructions on how to do it, click here.

FLYING SAUCERS

The best thing about these UFO souped-up saucers: they fly amazingly well. Each of your intergalactic explorers can make his or her own custom-decorated spacecraft in a few easy steps. When the saucers are ready for liftoff, dim the lights and hold a contest to see who can throw his creation, Frisbee style, the farthest. Find out how to make them here.

COMET TOSS GAME

Young space invaders will want to try their hands at this cosmic (and child-friendly) update of old-fashioned darts. For tips on the game and instructions for making the comets and the board, click here.

ONE SMALL SNACK

This moon is definitely not made of green cheese! In fact, it's a very kid-friendly baking project. Your little assistant will love crushing the cookies, mixing them into the frosting, and helping to create the moon's surface (which needn't be smooth or neat). If you use chocolate cake, any crumbs that end up in the frosting will blend right in. For instructions on making this spectacular treat, click here.

MOON SHOT

Snap a portrait of each guest peeking through the window of this spiffy rocket. After the party, send the kids' copies of their photos as thank-you notes and fun mementos of their voyage into space. Check out instructions for how to make this here.