Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Go To School

It’s the First Day of Kindergarten for

Mickey and Minnie

I have been wanting to make a “1st day of school” tablescape for a few years now, and have been buying some items over the years to use in such a table. This year, with the help of my friend Susan, it finally came to be.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse Tablescapes – The Series

As those of you who follow my website may know, I have been doing a series of Mickey and Minnie Mouse Tablescapes for various holidays and occasions of the year. I set out to do this using one set of dishes (Sketch book by Zrike) and one set of flatware (Disney Mickey Mouse Icon flatware). I thought it would be fun to see how different the Tablescapes could be while using the same dishes and flatware. It has been a fun process. So far I have done the following Tablescapes – St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Easter, and Memorial Day/4th of July, and now, in this post, is the newest Disney Tablescape – “Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Go To School”. If you are interested in seeing the other Disney tablescapes, the links are below.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse

The Centerpieces

For the different holidays, I have used either a Mickey or Minnie plush, or a Mickey and Minnie porch greeter that was commercially available for the holiday. Most of the ones I have purchased have been from Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, or eBay. However, I have run into a few holidays and occasions for which I have been unable to find specific “greeters”. The first such holiday I ran into was Cinco de Mayo, and my friend Susan volunteered to make patterns and help make costumes for a Mickey and Minnie porch greeter couple who had previously been dressed for Christmas. This enabled them to become the Cinco de Mayo Minnie and Mickey on my table.

Susan was the brains, talent and expert seamstress for that transformation, and I was more of the straight seam sewer, and direction follower.

For this project new “Back to School” project, however, I was snowed under with 2 broken air conditioners in Houston in 107 degree weather, and was also in the midst of other home projects, and was about to have to abandon the “back to school tablescape” yet again. However, Susan offered to make the Mickey and Minnie “back to school” outfits Susan deserves all the credit for the adorable “back to school” outfits as I was only in charge of shopping for the fabric, giving a brief description of what I envisioned outfit wise, and finding the backpacks.

Susan had all the difficult jobs – making the very complicated patterns, tailoring the outfits to fit and very unusually proportioned Mickey and Minnie, and making the outfits. I absolutely love the way they turned out!

Accessories for Mickey and Minnie

In addition to Mickey and Minnie’s adorable school outfits, I thought they each needed a backpack and a few other items. Finding a backpack just the right size was more of a challenge than I originally anticipated, as the size needed was larger than the American Girl/ Our Generation doll size, and smaller than the backpack of a toddler. It turned out the best size was that of a backpack purse. I found Minnie’s backpack or Amazon, and Mickey’s at a Houston shopping mall on Harwin. For both backpacks, the straps needed to be cut, to make them fit correctly.

I wanted some school supplies to show in each backpack, as I remember the excitement of getting new supplies and often new back packs or book bags each year for school. Do you remember the 64 crayon box by Crayola that had a crayon sharpener in it? I remember how excited I was to get a new one of those some years! If that’s something you remember, I’d love it if you would let me know that in the comments. If you are proud of your age (and age earned wisdom) please mention the year you remember getting one of those crayon sets, and your memories of it.

Mickey and Minnie only got the 24 crayon sets, as they are only in kindergarten this year. The M&M porch sitters couldn’t quite balance with the crayons in their backpacks, so I added only the empty crayon box, some small scissors, and a pencil to each backpack. I took the crayons themselves and laid them on Mickey and Minnie’s path to school (the “path” being the table runner) as nothing says “1st day of school” better than pristine crayons with perfect tips.

For their first day of Kindergarten, Minnie carries a favorite stuffed animal. (do you recognize Liz the lizard from the Magic School Bus stories?) Minnie also carries a bouquet of flowers for her teacher.

Mickey carries a lunch box. (Guess who is pictured on the front of his lunch box?) Mickey also carries an apple for his teacher.

The fact that both Mickey and Minnie have a gift for the teacher, likely indicates that I was a teacher, and understand the encouragement that teacher appreciation can give.

The Plate Stack

The plate stack actually begins with the first item I purchased for a “back to school” table. It is a 1st day of School chalkboard for use in 1st day of school photos. I purchased these in Party City many years ago. I love that the chalkboards are shaped like an apple. I love that you can purchase chalkboards to be used in first day of school photos, which then saves you work in trying to remember the pertinent info for the photo, such as what year it was, and who the teacher was, and for families with twins or other siblings who look alike, it helps you remember which of their children is in which photo! (similar chalkboards are available for birthday, Christmas, etc. and I think they are great as well) I decided to put one chalkboard at each place so that even the parents could fill them out, in reference to one of their memorable school years. I think this would make for so interesting meal time sharing. Surprisingly, after i filled the chalkboards out for Minnie and Mickey, I realized that one side of the chalkboard is to be used for the first day, and the other side for the last day of school before summer vacation. I guess Mickey and Minnie need an end of school party as well.

The bottom layer of the “plate stack” contains the Back to School Chalkboard.

For the next layer, I would have normally used the dinner plate from the Disney Sketchbook Dishes, but the white and black dinner plate with sketches, was a little too “busy” for the busy apple chalkboards, so I subbed in a red melamine plate from the old Pier 1. This seemed to give a break to the “busyness” and I added the Disney Sketchbook salad plate on top of the red plate. (see below).

For the table, I used the Minnie Sketchbook salad plate, as well as the additional character plates below for Goofy, Mickey, Pluto, and Donald Duck.

The Place Setting

In addition to the plate stack, the Place Setting includes Disney – Mickey Icon Flatware pictured below.

Each place setting also includes a black Luminarc goblet…

and either a “Mickey” or a “Minnie” figural mug…

and a yellow cloth napkin (from Homegoods) with a wooden apple napkin ring from eBay. The top and side view of the apple napkin ring is shown above.

In the Dining Room

On the small dresser, that houses napkin rings, I placed a light up “Apple for the teacher”. I can’t remember where I bought this, but I think it was about $3 and I thought it was soooo cute!

On the window, I placed a “Welcome Back” banner. I love the chalkboard look of the banner that coordinates with the apple chalkboards and Mickey and Minnie’s outfits, but in hind sight a banner using cut out letters may have shown up better with the different lighting we have throughout the day and evening.

On the door from the dining room to the side, and back yards, I place a pencil “Welcome” sign.

On the door to the back patio, I place a Welcome to Kindergarten sign (I printed this on an empty chalkboard. The reverse side says “Be Awesome Today!” I love it when something I hang on a door or window looks good from both sides.

As the Sun sets…

One day as I was photographing the tablescape, the sun began to set. This was a gorgeous pink, peach, and blue sunset, and I’d like to share it with you.

In This Post…

To see what’s “Coming Soon”, and “Posts I Hope You Will Enjoy” please continue scrolling. Below these, you will find the “Table Details and Origins” section (where to buy tablescape items, etc.) and a “Link Parties” section. Then, at the very bottom of the post is a place to make comments. I hope you enjoyed the Back to School Disney Tablescape and watching the sunset with me.

Do you have special plans for the beginning of school, or for the rest of the fall. I’d love it if you would scroll to the bottom of this post, and in the comment section share any special plans you have for fall or any special memories you have of the 1st Day of School.

Coming Soon

Tablescapes Coming soon include a Mallard lakeside table, a mermaid table, and a few other surprises.

In addition, I have just published part 2 of my Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo posts, and I think you will enjoy our “Up Close and Personal” Adventure with the Lemurs.

Lemurs: “Up Close and Personal” at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo – Part 2

Also, Sloths: “Up Close and Personal” at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo – Part 3 is coming soon!

Also, coming soon are some skeleton posts, as we do friendly skeleton vignettes for our neighbors each week in October, and I can’t wait to share them. Speaking of skeletons, I have learned the hard way that now is the time to purchase any poseable skeletons for any indoor or outdoor scenes you want to do. I have already purchased mine from Target online, and had them shipped to me. I buy the 5′ skeletons and 36″ skeletons – the poseable ones from Hyde & Eek. I also purchase skeletons from Amazon, where I usually buy the Bonez brand. I can’t tell you how much gas I have used over the years, checking out Target and Party City for skeletons, usually finding I missed the delivery truck by a few days, and all the skeletons are gone. Ordering on line and having them delivered is sooooo much less stressful.

Posts I Hope You Will Enjoy!!

If you are into skeletons and other Halloween Decorations, you may enjoy the following posts:

Table Details and Origins

for the Disney “Mickey and Minnie Go To School Tablescape”

Disney Sketch Book Dinnerware, and Serving Pieces – Zrike Brands by R squared – Homegoods (sold at various times over the last 4 years) – also available on Ebay.  These also come in the Bamboo version, which may be better for very young children.  I think any black and white Disney pattern is a good start for anyone trying to do many different holiday tablescapes with one set of Disney dishes. 

Lighted Tree 7′ Raz Imports – Amazon

Disney Flatware – Mickey mouse icon/logo – Shop Disney.com; also available at times on eBay or Etsy – in silver finish and sometimes in gold finish 

Luminarc Black Wine Glasses – Amazon at least 5 years ago. Similar goblets on sale at Amazon today. search “Black Goblets”, or “Black Wine Glasses”

Crayons, Safety Scissors, Pencil – Amazon

Mickey small metal lunchbox – eBay – search “Mickey Mouse”

White Backpack purse – Houston shopping mall and stores on Harwin

Black Backpack with white bow – for Minnie – Walmart

Yellow Table Runner and Napkins – Homegoods – these have been available at Homegoods many different years

Mickey and Minnie Figural cups – Homegoods

Apple – for the teacher – Hobby Lobby

Apple Chalkboards for photos on the first (and last) days of school – Party City about 7 years ago – Similar chalkboards may be available at Amazon, and Hobby Lobby

Welcome Back Banner – Amazon

Wooden Apple Napkin Rings – eBay – search “Apple wooden napkin rings”

Light-Up Apple – I’m unsure what store this is from – possibly Hobby Lobby or Dollar Tree.

Pencil sign – Amazon

Red Melamine plate – from the old Pier 1

Green Chalkboards – Party City – a few years ago

Robert Kaufman School Bus Fabric used for Mickey’s school shirt, and and Minnie’s School dress – Joann Fabric

Link Parties and Blog Hops 

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Parties” aka “Blog Hops”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

My Wee Abode (Julie) hosts the “Tuesday Turn About” Link Party. Julie is turning her small home into a charming coastal farmhouse home. Her website and link party include great home decorating, DIY, craft projects and recipes.

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Lydia at  Pandora and Max hosts the “All Seasons” Link Party. Lydia’s recent blog entry was all about her trip – and the sunsets are a “must see” – fabulous!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters” and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 

Carol at Answer is Choco hosts BFF Link Party. Carol’s website contains lots of ideas about crafts, scrapbooking, recipes and many other things!

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

Pam’s Party and Practical Tips hosts the “Dare to Share Saturday” Link party – which includes some great party ideas, recipes and crafts!

Comments

I hope you enjoyed celebrating the first day of school with Mickey and Minnie. If you have a chance I would love it, if you would comment below about anything you liked in the post, and if you have any special plans for the fall or for the beginning of school. I’d also love to hear your 1st day of school memories, and if you remember the Crayola boxes with 64 crayons and a crayon sharpener? Was getting this crayon box an exciting event for you too?