bee's party
On Thursday we had a few of Bee's friends come over to help celebrate her birthday. My advice to those of you throwing a party for a three year old: Keep the guest list on the short side. We had 6 kids (plus my own two) and we were plenty busy!
I fell in love with the idea of a felt birthday crown after reading SouleMama's amazing book. I had high hopes of embroidering this one, but it ended up being just glued together. Bee loved it anyway. We made paper versions for each of her friends to color and sticker and wear at the party.
We blew all kinds of bubbles and played all kinds of games (the most popular being where we hid balls all over the backyard and had the kids run and find them.. endlessly entertaining for the 2 year old set).
We ate fancy peanut butter and jelly, clementines, round jello jigglers (a request from the birthday girl herself), pretzel sticks, grapes, and juice boxes (of course).
And cupcakes. We used the leftover dots from our cake, and pressed them into freshly frosted cupcakes. Bee blew the candles out in one go.
Favors were round gumdrops and candy dots in yellows, oranges, pinks and reds. The tags are made from metal rimmed office supply tags with sticker letters (in the scrapbook section of any craft store).
All in all, one fun party.. One special little birthday girl.
(Before you make fun of me for spending time on details that no 2 or 3 year old would ever notice, please understand that I cannot control my party planning habits. After working at Martha Stewart for so many years, these things just happen.. they can't be stopped. Ask my husband, he's tried.)
02.3.2009
Reader Comments (80)
This is so gorgeous! It's nice that you thought of all the little details! You know, I feel that birthdays are as much as a celebration for you as parents as for the child. You can celebrate the 3 years of mothering you have done and take a moment to say to yourself "good work!!! I'm doing great!". It's great that you seize the chance to make the event special for your child and yourselves!
Don't EVER stop, its too gorgeous! What is so funny to me is that I was thinking of doing a "circle" themed party for my daughter who is turning 3 this year! AND, her name is Brennan but my husband and I call her "B" or Bees" 90% of the time. I just stumbled upon your blog and feel like I already have something in common with you!!
I think this is the most beautiful party I've ever seen. I wonder if I can get away with skipping the "barbie princess" theme that my daughter wants... hmmm....
No fun will be made of you as I threw my two-year old a polka dot party just a month and a half ago. There's no way she will remember the details, but I doubt she'd remember the details of a Dora party either. And besides, this was way cuter and so adorably girly.
Our cupcakes were almost identical to yours - only I chose light pink, dark pink and brown polkas.
Great job!
i would never make fun of you for this incredible production...only give in to my total envy and wonder aloud, how do you have the energy and time for all this? i've known many a MS employee in my old French General days...but none with three kids, a husband, a job and a blog. wow. i'm always so very impressed by your work!
www.alittlehouseintheclouds.blogspot.com
Love your idea of taking a simple element and making it fabulous.
Best,
Julie
www.shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com
Oh how beautiful! I bet your daughter was thrilled!
My son turns three on the 5th March and we were considering having his birthday party at home purely because it'll be so much cheaper than hiring out a soft play centre! I think I'm just terrified at the prospect of keeping half a dozen three year olds occupied for a couple of hours!
Are you kidding?!?! I love the details! My daughter's first birthday was Dec 2007 and I tried so hard to accomplish what you did for your 3 year old! This is what I aspire to! Now, if only I could find step by step instructions...
just gorgeous! i had to laugh at the last bit about JR. when I showed this post to Michael he said, while shaking his head, "you overachieving women. i bet she was up all night". it was worth it though. a beautifully put together party!
Brooke,
Can you be my mom?
What a darling party! Love all the details.
I'm new to your blog, but loving reading through all the old posts. Great inspiration for future b-day parties. We just threw "recession" themed party for my daughter who turned two this month. If you're interested you can learn a bit more about it here: http://mymamay.com/food/2009/yes-we-threw-a-recession-themed-party-for-our-two-year-old/
aww!! so adorable. the colors are perfect, and the birthday crowns are sweet.
Such an inspiration, my little M is 3 in May so will be using these ideas!
So lovely!!!, Maybe she don't notice it right now, but when she grows up a little more and see the pictures, she will just love it!!, by the way nice blog!!
I love this party! So adorable!
This is a GREAT party! You can also create the dots for cupcakes and cakes from melted candy discs (like you would use for molded chocolates). Super easy & fun!
beautiful details! love the table setting!!!
Wow! I just found your blog, and I love your last comment..."please understand that I cannot control my party planning habits. After working at Martha Stewart for so many years, these things just happen.. they can't be stopped?
I also love planning parties..mainly the fun games but I also enjoy a fun craft or 2!
i found it so amazing