The last couple of weeks my workflow practically slowed to a trickle, which is a welcome change, except that it left me with loads of time to overplan my 5 year olds birthday party. and i certainly didn't need any help in that department. but let me first just take a moment to say that "the internet made me do it". seriously. it started innocently enough, i simply googled LilyBean's chosen birthday theme: "fairy party", and suddenly billions of inspiring ideas were coming at me. what's a mom to do? (thankfully we previously agreed not to do parties EVERY year!)
Because i can't get enough of my mom, i of course dragged her right into the fray. We started with a fantastic youtube tutorial on making tutus (Julie's tips for creating this no-sew skirt are definite time savers!), and then nearly a million trips to JoAnne's to get the right amount of tulle, ribbon, and flowers. tips: purchase darker fabric colors than you think you like, and more than you think you need!, and a box with small compartments works wonders for keeping trimmings organized. We finished our skirts by attaching a massive silk flower and accent leaves to give it that fresh from the forest runway look. The pirate dressups were much easier. An eyepatch, a sword, and a simple strip of black leather-like fabric made for a nice belt.
Art projects are always a requirement at our house, and since every fairy needs wings, and every pirate needs a hat, that is just what we created. We found inexpensive wings and hats online (HaloHeaven.com is awesome!), which each guest embellished with flowers, ribbons, and feathers. (quick drying FabricTac glue worked perfectly.)
With their costumes complete it was time for the treasure hunt. easily the biggest hit of the day (many thanks to T for this creatively constructed activity and beautifully written clues. dad of the year for sure!). Each clue started with a task: walk the plank, march around the tree; figure out who is the tiniest fairy; sing happy birthday..., and at the end of the hunt was a treasure chest full of party favors. Lil and Ev stayed up late the night before filling the goodie bags with bubbles, jewelry, chocolate coins, and of course pixie sticks! Each time they completed a bag and placed it in the chest i made them say "Argh Matey". oh the cuteness.
For decor, i draped the room with a sheer canopy, hanging lanterns, ribbons, flowers, and butterflies (cut with my cricut!). It took me the better part of the night to perfect, but i knew i'd landed myself in the "best mom ever" category (at least for a week or so) when Lil rolled out of bed that morning and exclaimed "wow, this looks incredible!", and couldn't stop squealing with delight.
The mini tiered cake was made by my sweet friend Sue, and was as delicious as it is beautiful. She also made chocolate and vanilla cupcakes using gorgeous "petal" wrappers.
all in all we pulled off a celebration the birthday girl won't soon forget. and as my sweet little one heads off to kindergarten and grows up far quicker than i would like, i hope i won't soon forget our precious time together either.
