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)
What an adorable theme that could work for a 3 year old or 13 year old. I love the colors. I am sure it was a lot of work but you make it look so easy!
i want kids! now!
adorable stuff. and impressive as always!
would never make fun of you for party planning - i'm just jealous you can't plan my birthday parties!!
What great party ideas! I've got a little one turning 3 later this week and I do think I will whip up a birthday crown for her!
So whimsical and beautiful. I love all your details, and I am sure that when Bee gets older and looks over these photos she will love it too!
What a gorgeous party. LOVE the dots theme! My oldest will be 3 in June and this has been very inspiring. Thanks!
Oh, please don't apologize for your attention to detail! It's comforting to know that there are other people who fret and spend hours creating all those details that make for a memorable experience. Trust me, she will remember and notice the details. The moment you try to shortcut or omit them, she will call you on it. That's been my experience with my son.
Thanks for sharing!
You're amazing! What a wonderful party, and such a lucky little girl!
Go for it.
My daughters, in their late 20's now, are always excited to talk about the "best" birthday parties I organized for them.
My sons couldn't care less, as long as there was plenty of food there!
It is gratifying to have my efforts acknowledged many years later.
really lovely. and I've never worked for MS and still understand.
Brooke! delightful! I love the colors and theme! I can picture it all in your sunny house. I wish Luke and I could have been there to celebrate! we both miss bee and C and you guys so much.
i expect nothing less from you, brooke. just great.
and is bee seriously wearing that little dress outside this time of year?! come on!
Such a sweet party!
I absolutely LOVE her party! I feel like I'm reading a MS Kids magazine (ha!). I say that the kids shouldn't be the only ones to have fun at their party. Mom's should get to have fun to, so good for you!
The details are what makes it so special. My daughter turns 2 at the end of August; I started planning last weekend!
Just imagine your little girl looking back at these pics when she's older. I know she'll love them and probably be inspired to throw great parties for her children.
Don't be so sure that your artistic efforts are lost on 2 to 3 year olds. I have three grown daughters at the ripe old ages of 40, 37, and 34, and they all recall their toddler/preschooler birthday parties with great fondness. Their dad--an architect--and I were artistic party-throwers. We had incredible fun planning and making things for two or three nights before the big day, and the kids loved the results. The devil may be in the details, but so is the delight.
so fabulous Brooke! (as always). Happy B-day B! Little A will be turning 3 in March. We must get you two together to play.
She might not notice them now but she will notice them when she's older and it will mean a lot to her that her mama was so thoughtful and creative! I love it and I love your blog!
I want to have a party like that.
My daughter is 6 months old and I can't stop thinking about planning her first birthday! No apologies necessary! Your blog is such a delightful read, you really are so talented. I really miss MS Kids!