Last week, music fans everywhere celebrated the 75th birthday of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Mr. Elvis Presley.

Unfortunately, I didn’t blog about this special occasion, so, to make it up to you, today’s theme is rock ‘n’ roll birthday!

I went to Disney’s FamilyFun website to learn more about how to throw a rock ‘n’ roll birthday worthy of its name! This is the story of Maisie’s 7th birthday as told by her mother.

SETTING THE STAGE
Before guests arrived, we made our family room into a rock arena by pushing some furniture aside.

For star-worthy curtains, we cut an old sheet in half, strung it on a clothesline, and decorated it with silver posterboard cutouts.

Tuneful tip: To create “backstage” and “onstage” areas, hang the curtains in a doorway between two rooms.

GETTING THE LOOK
Instructed to come wearing rock-and-roll finery, the girls had raided their moms’ closets for some pretty outrageous styles.

Maisie’s older sister, Ella, and her best friend were enlisted to do hair and makeup (a great way to involve Ella in the party) for each new arrival. When everyone was totally glam, we had a runway-style photo session to record their fabulous getups.

Tuneful tip: Have plenty of extra baubles, boas, and funky hats on hand. For an even wilder look, let your guests apply temporary tattoos.

COOL CRAFTS
Next, it was time to create some musical instruments. My husband, Doug, had cut cardboard guitar shapes the night before. For our guitar-decorating station, we covered a table with a plastic cloth and set out sparkly star stickers, faux jewels, string, markers, and other goodies from our craft cupboard. The girls went to town decorating their instruments. Each one looked a little different, but they were all works of art.

Since every pop siren needs a microphone, we collected a bunch of cardboard paper tubes from the recycling bin. The girls wrapped each with colorful duct tape and fitted a ball of crushed foil into one end.

SHOWTIME!
We set up a karaoke machine, and the girls strummed their guitars and sang into their microphones. They performed alone and in groups, and had a great time cheering each other on and singing along to a playlist of Maisie’s favorites.

After everyone had rocked to their heart’s content, we had a little time left over, so we played Freeze Dance. The girls danced to a tune, and when I stopped it mid-song, they froze in place. The girls giggled wildly as they tried to hold their wacky dance poses. Whoever moved had to sit down, until just one dancer — the winner! — remained.

Tuneful tip: Capture your guests’ music and dance performances on video, then burn discs to send with your child’s thank-you notes.

STAR TREATMENT
Our guitar-shaped cake was a smash hit and ended the party on a high note. The guests headed home with their cardboard guitars and their favor bags filled with boas and sunglasses. And Maisie was left with happy memories of her groovin’ seventh birthday.