Party Time – Double Digits

How a decade has gone by is just beyond me. Along with the wonderful (sometimes equally trying) times have come and gone some pretty amazing celebrations and memories with friends and loved ones. I LOVE everything about this day each year, and the planning days prior. The designing, the sketching, the baking, the organizing, the buying, the setting up….every.single.minute. I realize even typing this it sounds a bit over the top but truly, I live for a day that is just for her, in every special way and I cherish being the one to create and present it to her, and for her.

Suddenly 10 was here last week and WOW. After “9” was celebrated holed up in quarantine (thank you Frank, Elaine and YiaYia for our So. FLA bubble party), I was going to hit this one out of the park. Details – 6 girls, crafts, gifts, treats (and all pandemic appropriate). Only buying craft and baking supplies, here’s a guide on how you can create and host an event with simple tips and use items from around the house (and garage).

Theme – With the pandemic still prevalent, a small, outdoor gathering was the only way to pull this off so going through my first step (always on Pinterest), I came across the fun idea of “glamping” parties (glamorous camping – it’s a thing, really). Even though there would be no overnight hosting, the idea of a pretty tent for the girls was perfect. Now to design and create it! My beach tent, some discount fabric and a lot of items from inside the house would make this tent one special spot. I grabbed drapes, end tables, area rugs, and a matching kitchen and coffee table from my garage that I use for outdoor entertaining.

Display – I wanted to create a gorgeous spot for her to sit and open gifts. I started with our 2 outdoor wicker chairs that I actually got for free at our local transfer station known as TIOLI – “take it or leave it”. I found some spare fence pieces and created a vertical structure (modified from our recent Spring beach soiree set up). Also repurposing the strips of old cloth and 2 dream catchers as well. Next was the lighting, my supply of IKEA outdoor lanterns that go everywhere for easy ambience were placed around the setup and strung with fishing line. A fur hide added some softness to the wicker and this area was ready. Lastly, an old ladder helped with stability and also acted as a display stand by adding some old boards across the rungs.

Food – Regardless of the guest list, parties are meant to be fun and this includes for the host too – I want to be a part of the party, even if it’s from the porch. Keeping it easy is always where I start and this party was no different. Chicken nuggets on skewers, individual panini grilled cheese bites, milk bottles for beverages and of course cupcakes! Everything in individual portions kept our young guests enjoying without sharing. For the cake, now that was ALL for the birthday girl to enjoy all week long (more Pinterest inspo). Finally, the cutest favors to send home with the girls were adorable little “tents” (upside down ice cream cones on a sugar cookie) covered in royal icing flowers. TIP – youtube offers great tutorials no matter what the topic. The key is to have no fear – and have a piping bag. The mandala cake topper (melted white chocolate and traced on wax paper) certainly isn’t professional looking or bakery quality, and the cake was totally a box mix (plus a bit of homemade vanilla extract) but none of that mattered. Alex thought it was amazing and that was the point!

Crafts – Following the Boho Glamping theme, I thought the girls could create their own dream catchers. I bought ribbon, yarn, discount fabric, beads and wait for it, woven placements and embroidery rings to make it easy for them. I put out some scissors and let them at it.

Needless to say, fun was had by all and the evening ended the same as the past parties, Alex telling me “No Mom, THIS year was the best party yet!” I’ll take the win.