Earlier this month, Modern Moms across the country hosted Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia parties to the delight of their young daughters. So, we'd like to share the elements to a fun-filled Mermaid-themed party so you can make a splash with your girls!

Invitations

• Wow invitees with preprinted Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia Invitations. They're beautiful and convenient -- just write party details inside.
• Sprinkle colored sand or glitter into each envelope and seal with Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia Stickers.
• If you're going to hand-deliver your invites, glue a colored scallop shell to the back flap of each envelope.
• Or glue a pretty seashell to a hair barrette. When its dry, clip it to your invitation. Ask each guest to wear her mermaid barrette to the party!
• Or visit www.barbie.com and e-mail special Barbie Mermaidia invitations to invitees.

Decorations

• Turn your home into a stunning seascape. Drape yards of blue tulle for a wavy ocean look and string green streamers for seaweed.
• Add bubbles by hanging blue balloons and scattering some on the floor. (Or for extra-special underwater ambience, use the Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia Bubble Vanity!)
• Decorate refreshment tables with navy or purple cloth, fish netting, and seashells. Then set out Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia plates, cups, and napkins. Visit your local Party City or call 1-800-Hallmark to find Mermaidia party supplies.
• For the perfect place holder, write each guest's name on a strip of paper and tuck it inside a small conch shell. Plus, put an adorable Merfairy or Seabutterfly doll at each setting.

Activities

• Have a Mermaid Treasure Hunt in your home or backyard. Give each partygoer a map with clues leading to the big prize, the Barbie Fairytopia Mermaida Jewelry Chest. The one who finds it first gets to keep it!
• Do Mermaid Makeovers! Girls can give each other manicures and facials (with seaweed scrub). Your little mermaids will look magical wearing Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia Dress-Up outfits and faux-pearl necklaces! Use body paint or body glitter to add swirly designs to their arms and faces.
• Play the Mermaida games at www.barbie.com. Girls will love giving Barbie and Mermaidia lots of beautiful makeovers.
• Make Seashell Photo Frames for all those party pics! Visit www.barbie.com for instructions.
• Sponge paint! Cut fish and star shapes out of sponges. Dip them in watercolors and apply to blank paper to create awesome ocean artwork.
• Watch the Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia movie.
• Play a CD of ocean sounds in the background.
• To print a list of party supplies, great gift ideas and a party countdown, visit www.barbie.com.

Goody Bag Ideas

Fill each girl's gift bag with:

• Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia Stickers
• Glitter pens
• Costume jewelry
• Bubble bath
• Decorative soaps
• Blowing bubbles
• Nail polish
• Lip gloss
• Brushes and other hair accessories

For boys, toss in:

• Seashells
• Goldfish crackers
• Magic stones or crystals
• Puzzles
• Crayons/markers
• Blowing bubbles
• Key chains

Add candy and tie with ribbon or velvet cord. A terrific finish to the perfect party!