This adorable party was shared with us by reader, Joy. This 2nd birthday party has some super cute DIY touches – including a food train, and a cake pop train. So easy to make, but oh so adorable. Did I mention Joy made the cake too? Awesome. Check out Joy’s blog for even more party pics including railroad tracks to greet guests, a ticket invitation and the happy birthday boy.
There are so many things I love about today’s party. It has a classic, vintage feel but still feels playful enough for a first birthday party. Holly from Life as a Thrifter loves silhouettes and decided to incorporate them into her daughter Ross’s first birthday party. So many adorable ideas – using things I know we all have at home – blocks, scrabble pieces, mason jars and family photos. The end result is a homey, chic, playful party. Absolutely love the hand-drawn chalkboard silhouettes too. Check out Holly’s blog for more fun photos of the party including the adorable birthday girl herself!.
Help a reader this week! January birthday for a 7 year old – very girly. Send your ideas for a theme to us or post them here. I’ll take 3 theme ideas and create some inspiration boards for our reader. Thanks!
One of our readers, Janie posted on our Facebook wall asking for ideas for her daughter’s upcoming Wizard of Waverly Place birthday party. This one, I must admit was a bit of a challenge, but I think we’ve come up with a few cool ideas. First the inspiration board, I have to admit I love the bright colors!
image credits: Cake | Wizard Hat cupakes | Cookie Cutters | Chocolate dipped Oreos | Wands |Beaded vase | Necklace
Treats
Wizard hat cupcakes - Use a cone for the top and dip in chocolate or decorate with frosting.
Wizard hat cookies – bake and cut ahead of time and provide plenty of fun toppings & icing for the kids to decorate themselves.
Popcorn in wizard hats – Serve upside down cone style
Fun Candy – Choose brightly colored rock candy sticks or packets of Pop Rocks
Favors + Fun –
Super cute wands via Etsy – Or make your own using this super easy ribbon wand tutorial
Selena Gomez bottle cap necklaces – This one could probably be another fun project for the kids. There are plenty of sellers on Etsy with stickers to fit the bottle caps.
Magic Eight Ball – Pass around to party guests or hand out as a favor
Decor -
Beaded curtains for entryways or as a backdrop for the main treat table.
Tabletop sparkle – Use canning jars filled with craft store gems or wrapped with stretchy beaded bracelets. Insert the wands or some inexpensive flowers for a big impact.
Hope this helps Janie! Be sure to share your photos with us after the party!
Today, we’re talking money. Yes, money. I’d say I have to agree with Kerry’s assessment of out of control budgets for a birthday parties. You’ll be excited to see the actual cost + time breakdown of this one. I love beautiful, fun + economical parties!
p.s. If you have a party worth of Party of the Month…. send us your submission!
—–
Lately, it seems children’s parties are getting a bit out of hand in the budget category. Everywhere you look, whether online or on t.v., there are numerous outlandish kid’s parties being featured that are huge grandiose productions. While they are truly gorgeous and wonderfully creative parties, not everyone has the ability to throw such lavish events for their children, especially in these economic times.
My goal for the All American Birthday was to keep the cost, and stress level, to a minimum. I wanted to show other busy moms that you can still have a stylish & creative party without breaking the bank or pulling out any hair!
The following is a breakdown of the money & time spent putting together the All American Birthday Party:
Food, Beverages & Party Favor Goodies = $140 Fabric & Ribbon = $35 Flowers = $10 Decor = $0 (used items from around the house)
Party Favor Bags = 1 hour to print bags + 30 mins to make baseball treats Custom Printables = 3 hours to design & print Shopping for Food = 1 trip to Smart&Final + 1 trip to Costco + 1 last minute trip to grocery store for Dry Ice Decor = 45 mins at Joanne’s Fabrics Preparing Food = 30 mins Set Up at Park = 35 mins
The All American Birthday was a great success, all without a lot of stress! All together it cost about $180 and took approximately 8 hours of planning to throw a stylish, yet laid back afternoon picnic with family & friends. It was the absolute perfect way to celebrate my little All Star’s birthday and it’s a day that we will all remember for years to come. I love creating lasting beautiful memories without spending a lot of time or money, don’t you?
