She has been begging me for a birthday party (this kind of thing kind of sends my anxiety into overdrive) but in the end Nate convinced me to oblige - and I am so happy I did.
I am a planner to the T (thanks for the inheritance mama) so I started with my little list making obsessions (does anyone else get major satisfaction by drawing lines through tasks accomplished with a big fat red marker?!) anyways, I knew I had to be prepared because with Nate's work schedule it would pretty much all fall on me. I planned the entire party myself, bounced ideas of off Nate, and then made it happen.
I asked her what theme she wanted for her party, and the magical girl that she is, she picked a unicorn - so the idea seeking began. I wanted it to be super simple, but pretty, and I wanted to spend almost no money - I am happy to say that the mission was accomplished.
I made sure there was lots of yummy food, delicious cupcakes, company, and opportunity for the kids to just play. I did structure any games, because it a.) cost money and b.) generally kids don't want to do that, they just want to play what they want to play. Yes, for a load of pressure removed.
I will link all the details at the bottom of the post.
We got up Saturday morning, first thing...
Then the prepping, I generally love lounging around in my jammies all morning, sipping on a warm cup of something, chopping veggies, moving things around, while blaring music inspire my mood.
Nate had to of course outdo my party skills, and decided last minutes to hang our porch lights (that we still have to hang outside) in the kitchen, and well of course little miss sparkle's mind was blown. He totally stole the show, but it is ok, I give it to him ;)
Here is some more of the set-up in pictures.
Once it was time for cake, she couldn't help herself but to blow out the candles right in the middle of "happy birthday" because that is just how she rolls. This girl doesn't have a shy bone in her body.
Hayleigh has one little girlfriend, the rest are pretty much boys. We forgot to get a picture of everyone, so we grab the kiddos that were left.
I can't believe she is going to be five tomorrow ;( - we have a fun family day planned.
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PARTY DETAILS:
- flower vases - I spray painted some of my regular old mason jars* pink and gold.
- flowers - I got white flowers from the grocery store for $4
- napkins - for amazon (they were way cheaper when I bought them)
- straws - from amazon
- birthday candles - from amazon
- unicorn clip art - from etsy (I use this from scrapbooking as well)
- birthday flags - from etsy (I did a custom order)
- unicorn toothpick cupcake topers - from etsy
- fairy lights - target dollar bins*
- cupcakes - made by me* (I used this recipe - made into cupcakes and I omitted the chocolate from the frosting and used dye free food coloring instead)
- I use this tutorial on how to make unicorn horns and ears out of fondant (the ones in the post looks better - lol)
- cupcake stand - Martha Stewart, I have had it for years, I don't think they make it anymore.
- sweet tea dispenser - similar here
- dye free food coloring*
- pink and white dye free sprinkles* (on the rice krispie treats, and chocolate covered marshmallows)
- rice krispie treats - from the Smitten Kitchen cook book
- chicken salad for the tea sandwiches - I use this recipe (I also used a rotisserie chicken to speed things along)
- onion dip - I use this recipe
- black bean hummus - from the Deliciously Ella cook book
- original hummus - from the Deliciously Ella cook book
- ranch dip - from the Weelicious cook cook
- pinwheels - I just used hummus (from the recipes above), grated rainbow carrots and cucumber
* things I already had on hand, but linked to just to share.
Also since I am pretty much always in the kitchen I had almost all the ingredients on hand, which cut down the costs tremendously.
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