Planning a book-themed birthday party, tea party, or wedding theme for an Anne of Green Gables fan? You’re in for a delightful journey into the world of Avonlea! From charming Anne of Green Gables decorations to creative crafts that capture the whimsical spirit of the beloved novel, these Anne of Green Gables party ideas will bring the magic of this literary classic to life. I’ve even included a free Anne of Green Gables party pack with an invitation template, game sheet, name tag templates, and an editable sheet you can use as a menu or to display favorite Anne of Green Gables Quotes. Edit and print as you wish using Google Slides.
Whether it’s designing Anne of Green Gables party ideas that reflect the beauty of Prince Edward Island, or serving up food ideas inspired by the story’s most memorable moments, this celebration promises to be a nostalgic, heartwarming tribute to one of literature’s most beloved heroines. As an elementary school librarian, I have planned many social events, and I love to use books for a literary party theme. Read on for fun, easy Anne of Green Gables party ideas!
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Anne of Green Gables Backstory
I was introduced to Anne of Green Gables at a young age by my Canadian-born mother. We read the first book together when I was in third grade, then I read the rest of the series on my own. I have always dreamt of visiting Prince Edward Island, but as it’s 3,675 miles from my house, I’ll most likely have to save the journey for retirement. All the better reason to bring the magic of Anne of Green Gables to a party. Wherever you are located, you, too, can create an imaginative and fun Anne of Green Gables party for a birthday or bridal shower with these simple, creative ideas. Let’s get started with Anne of Green Gables party inspiration!
Anne of Green Gables Party Invitations
For Anne of Green Gables-themed party invitations, you can create charming, vintage-inspired designs that capture the essence of the story. Each invitation idea can transport your guests into the world of Anne of Green Gables, setting the perfect tone for your themed party. Here are some ideas to make your invitations special:
Vintage Floral Design: Use soft pastel colors with floral borders, featuring Anne’s favorite flowers like wild roses, daisies, and lavender. Incorporate delicate, old-fashioned fonts to give the invitation a quaint, romantic feel, reminiscent of Green Gables’ countryside.
Straw Hat Motif: Include an illustration of Anne’s iconic straw hat with a ribbon flowing, paired with her braided red hair. Get this free Anne of Green Gables party invitation template here. Customize with your own text and print as many as you like.
Book-Themed Invitations: Design the invitation to look like the cover of an old book, with the title being something like “An Invitation to Green Gables.” Inside, you can present the party details like a chapter opening, inviting guests to experience a new adventure at “Avonlea.”
Rustic Paper and Lace: Print the invitation on kraft or parchment-style paper for a rustic touch, tying it with lace or a thin ribbon (mimicking Anne’s hat ribbons) or a small sprig of dried lavender for a truly vintage look.
Quote from Anne: Begin the invitation with one of Anne’s iconic quotes, such as “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” or “Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think.” Follow it with the party details in a flowing script.
Illustrated Green Gables: Feature a hand-drawn or watercolor illustration of Green Gables on the front of the invitation, with Anne standing in front, her back turned, gazing at the house. The inside can have a simple, elegant layout for the party details.
Tea Party Invitation: Since Anne of Green Gables is often associated with teatime, create an invitation that mimics a tea party invitation. Use delicate teacup and saucer illustrations with floral accents. You can include phrases like “Join us for tea at Green Gables” or “You’re invited to an afternoon at Green Gables.” Use a free program like Canva or VistaCreate to make your design a reality.
Envelope Seals: For a finishing touch, add wax seals to the envelopes, using a floral or book design to keep with the theme. You could even make it personalized with the initials “AGG” (Anne of Green Gables).
Anne of Green Gables Party Decorations
For an Anne of Green Gables-themed party, you can create charming, vintage-inspired decorations that capture the essence of the book’s setting. These ideas will help you bring the classic, pastoral world of Anne of Green Gables to life. Here are a few ideas:
Rustic Floral Arrangements: Use wildflowers like daisies, roses, and lavender in mason jars or vintage pitchers to create a whimsical, countryside feel.
Lace & Burlap Table Runners: Combine lace with burlap for a vintage, rustic vibe that represents Green Gables. When my parents traveled to Prince Edward Island a few years ago, they brought back this burlap potato sack from their trip.
Tea Party Setup: Incorporate a traditional tea set with floral designs and vintage teacups, representing the elegant tea times Anne often experienced. You can also place small plants in teacups and use as decor as well as party favors.
Chalkboard Signage: Write Anne’s famous quotes (e.g., “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”) on rustic chalkboards to decorate entryways or dessert tables.
Vintage Books: Stack old books as table centerpieces or decor to capture the literary feel of the story.
Green Gables Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with a faux Green Gables backdrop, straw hats with ribbons (like Anne’s), and vintage parasols for guests to use as props.
Banners & Garlands: Hang paper garlands made of flowers, butterflies, or paper books to evoke the beauty and whimsy of the setting.
Marilla’s Kitchen: Create a dessert table filled with old-fashioned treats like gingersnaps, shortbread, and pea pickin’ cake.
Garden Lanterns: Use small, vintage-style lanterns as part of your outdoor garden decor to add a charming, twilight feel for evening parties.
Map of Avonlea: Create or purchase a stylized “map” of Avonlea and post on a wall.
Anne of Green Gables Party Food
For an Anne of Green Gables-themed party, serve classic, old-fashioned foods that capture the essence of Avonlea. These foods will help immerse your guests in the charm and warmth of Anne of Green Gables while providing a delicious and nostalgic experience. Here are some ideas:
Raspberry Cordial: Recreate the iconic drink from the story (non-alcoholic or alcoholic versions available) and serve in vintage glasses.
Recipe for Raspberry Cordial
Use this easy recipe for homemade raspberry syrup pictured in jars, below.
Chill some of the syrup in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
To serve, pour a small amount of the raspberry syrup into a glass (about 3 tablespoons) and top it off with sparkling water or still water, depending on your preference.
Add ice if desired, and garnish with fresh raspberries, fresh citrus, or a sprig of mint.
Adjust the syrup-to-water ratio to your taste and enjoy!
Diana’s Tea Sandwiches: Offer delicate cucumber or egg salad sandwiches on soft white bread, perfect for a tea party vibe.
Scones with Jam and Cream: Serve homemade scones with raspberry jam and clotted cream, reminiscent of an afternoon tea Anne might enjoy.
Homemade Fruit Pies: Serve mini pies or one large pie with flavors like apple, rhubarb, or cherry to evoke Marilla’s kitchen.
Carrot Cake: A nod to Anne’s red hair, serve moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
Berry Tarts: Individual berry tarts with blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries are simple, elegant treats that reflect the farm-to-table vibe of Green Gables.
Plum Puffs: Inspired by the novel, create bite-sized puff pastries filled with a plum or fruit jam filling.
Buttermilk Biscuits: Serve these warm biscuits with butter and jam for a cozy, rustic feel.
Apple Cider: Offer chilled or warm apple cider as a refreshing beverage option, perfect for a fall-inspired party.
Old-Fashioned Lemonade: Serve in mason jars with lemon slices for a classic summer drink.
Anne of Green Gables Party Games and Activities
For an Anne of Green Gables-themed party, incorporating classic and whimsical games will bring the spirit of the story to life. These games and activities will create a joyful, imaginative atmosphere and bring the world of Anne of Green Gables to life for guests of all ages! Here are some fun and engaging game ideas:
Fancy Names: Anne always wished to be known as Cordelia, and you can have each guest create a new fancy name based on this name spreadsheet. Have guests write their new names on name tags or place cards. (Note: This activity was inspired by the “Name Change-O-Chart” in the hilarious book Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants, which is an entirely different genre than Anne of Green Gables, but as a children’s librarian, my literature tastes are very eclectic!) Get your free Anne of Green Gables Name Changer Chart here. After determining new names, each guest may write the new fancy name on a name tag and wear it throughout the party.
Raspberry Cordial Relay: Create a relay race where players transport “raspberry cordial” (colored water or juice) in teacups, trying not to spill. This nods to Anne’s memorable mix-up with Diana.
Anne’s Storytelling Challenge: Guests take turns pulling random objects or prompts from a basket and making up a short, creative story inspired by Anne’s vivid imagination. The most entertaining story wins!
Three-Legged Race: Inspired by the outdoor, countryside setting of Avonlea, a classic three-legged race can be played in pairs, adding a bit of fun and friendly competition.
Burlap Bag Potato Sack Race: Another classic, this hopping fun race evokes memories of simple times.
Trivia from Avonlea: Prepare a trivia game with questions about Anne of Green Gables. Include fun facts from the book or ask questions about Anne’s adventures, friends, and mishaps.
Costume Contest (Best Anne Hat): Have guests create or wear their best Anne-style straw hat with ribbons and flowers. Award a prize to the most creative or authentic hat! Here is Tiffany, the hat model for my tiny Etsy hat shop, displaying a hand-made creation that was designed for a similar party. You could also set up a hat-making station, complete with artificial flowers, artificial fruit, assorted ribbons, straw hats, and glue guns.
Marilla’s Treasure Hunt: Set up a scavenger hunt around the party space with clues leading to “Green Gables treasures” like vintage-style items, small books, or candy. Include clues inspired by scenes from the story.
Matthew’s Kind Words: Guests write down compliments or kind words about one another (anonymous or signed). At the end of the party, each guest receives their own list of “kind words,” much like Matthew’s gentle encouragement to Anne.
Poetry Recital: Inspired by Anne’s love for literature, have a poetry reading where guests can read their favorite classic poems or recite a passage from Anne of Green Gables.
Flower Crowns Workshop: Set up a station where guests can make their own flower crowns using fresh or faux flowers and ribbons, echoing Anne’s love for nature and imaginative play.
Fresh Flower Crown Tutorial
To make a flower chain from fresh flowers, follow these simple steps:
Pick Flowers: Choose fresh flowers with sturdy stems, like daisies, cosmos, clover, or dandelions. Ensure they have long enough stems to work with. I used cosmos blooms for the pictures.
Prepare the Stem: Use your fingernail to make a small slit near the base of each flower’s stem (about 1 inch from the flower head).
Thread the Flowers: Insert the stem of the next flower through the slit of the previous one. Continue threading each flower through the stem of the one before it.
Finish the Chain: Once you’ve reached your desired length, loop the final flower’s stem through the slit in the first flower’s stem to form a circle. Embellish with ribbons, if desired.
Now you have a beautiful flower chain to wear as a necklace, bracelet, or headpiece!
Anne of Green Gables Gifts and Party Favors
For Anne of Green Gables-themed gifts and party favors, consider items that reflect the charm and whimsy of the story, as well as its pastoral setting.
Here are some thoughtful and creative ideas:
Miniature Books: Gift guests mini versions of Anne of Green Gables or a small collection of classic literature that Anne might have loved. It’s a lovely keepsake that connects directly to the literary theme. You could also give copies of the Anne of Green Gables book itself.
Flower Crowns: If guests make flower crowns during the party, these can double as beautiful, wearable party favors. Faux flowers and delicate ribbons can create a lasting reminder of the day, much like the crowns Anne would have adored.
Raspberry Cordial Bottles: Give small glass bottles filled with raspberry-flavored cordial (or any red fruit drink). You can tie a vintage-inspired label around the neck with a quote from the book, making it both thematic and delicious.
Vintage Postcards, PEI Visitor’s Guide, or stickers: Create or find vintage-style postcards or stickers featuring Green Gables, Prince Edward Island, or classic scenes from the story. Guests can either keep them as memorabilia or send them out as a thoughtful note to a friend. You can also request a free visitor’s guide from the Prince Edward Island Board of Tourism.
Anne’s Straw Hat: Small replicas of Anne’s iconic straw hat can make adorable favors. You could offer miniature versions as keychains, ornaments, or even real-size hats for younger guests to wear. If guests decorated straw hats as a party activity, those also make excellent Anne of Green Gables gifts.
Homemade Jam or Honey Jars: Gift guests small jars of homemade jam (raspberry or strawberry) or local honey, paying tribute to the simple, country life Anne loved at Green Gables. You can attach a note with Anne’s famous line: “There’s nothing sweeter than homemade jam!”
Bookmarks: Hand out bookmarks decorated with quotes from Anne of Green Gables, floral designs, or images of Green Gables. You can even personalize them with each guest’s name for an extra-special touch.
Lace Handkerchiefs: Delicate, vintage-style lace handkerchiefs are a charming and practical favor that speaks to the Victorian setting of Anne of Green Gables. You could even add a little embroidered flower or a monogram for a personal touch.
Dried Lavender Sachets: Give guests small sachets filled with dried lavender or other wildflowers. These aromatic little favors fit perfectly with the rustic, natural beauty of Avonlea and can be used to freshen up drawers or closets.
Tea Tins: Offer small tins of loose-leaf tea, such as Earl Grey or a floral blend, wrapped in vintage-inspired packaging. You could label them “Marilla’s Tea” and include a cute tag like “Enjoy a quiet moment at Green Gables.”
Anne’s Quotes: Create small, framed prints or purchase farmhouse-style blocks featuring inspirational quotes from Anne, such as “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”, “It’s not what the world holds for you, it’s what you bring to it”, or “Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think.”
Handmade Soaps or Candles: Rustic, handmade soaps or small candles in scents like lavender, rose, or vanilla would make beautiful and practical party favors. You could package them in kraft paper with twine for a vintage, earthy feel.
Strawberry Plants or Seeds: Send guests home with small potted strawberry plants or packets of wildflower seeds. These garden-inspired gifts reflect Anne’s love of nature and give guests a chance to cultivate something beautiful, much like Anne’s spirit.
These favors will not only capture the essence of Anne of Green Gables, but they’ll also provide your guests with thoughtful keepsakes to remember the day by!
Free Sunflower Party Planner
Organizing a party takes planning. Whether you are planning a sunflower-themed party, a lemon-themed party, an apple-themed party, dahlia-themed party, a butterfly-themed party, or a tea party, here’s a FREE monthly planner you can use to plan your sunflower-themed party or any other event. Use it throughout the year to keep daily, weekly, and monthly tasks organized. Since it’s undated, you can print out a new planner each year or anytime you need a fresh place to put your ideas. Get it here!
Get the sunflower planner!
Have fun planning an Anne of Green Gables party. May all of your party planning endeavors meet with great success!
