Backyard Picnic Bar Mitzvah

For those who don't follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you may not know that I'm undergoing a site makeover and re-design.  I thought it would launch yesterday but as technology usually goes, it hasn't happened yet!  In the mean time I thought I would share a recent party I styled for a client.  The photography isn't the best, and the impending thunderstorms created a last minute scrample to move some things indoors.  But at least the client & their guests were happy!   

You've probably not seen a bar mitzvah this casual before - but the client wanted a backyard picnic-style party on a budget and that's what we gave her.

We ended up having to move the photo booth area to the covered front porch, and the dessert table into the dining room.  The lighting was very dim (which means fuzzy pics) but you can see most of the details.  I covered a paper mache "L" (for Larson) with moss and hung photos of the guest of honor on the backdrop to add personal touches.

The pie pops from Cakewalk Desserts, displayed in mini bales of hay were a hit with the guests, as were the cupcakes in a jar I put together.  I got the mini spoons from Think Garnish and stamped "eat cake" on them - these were my favorite favors ever!  These are really small jars from Walmart, literally the size of a cupcake.  You can't see the frosting covered by the lid. 

The backyard was covered with a tent so I was able to proceed as planned...with one caveat.  I had planned on 4 tabletops but when I got there, there were 5!  I had to spread out the centerpieces in order to cover the 5 tables.  Oh well, gotta roll with the punches when working on real events!

The guest book area was set up with 2 large canvas boards and paint pens so guests could write messages to Larson on his special day.  These can be hung in his room afterwards.

All the printed items were by the fantabulous Kori of Paper & Pigtails.  You may notice this is very similar to the Backyard Printable set she shared.  Since we worked together on this event she simply changed the colors a bit for the "summer party" and offered it as a free download exclusively to CAH readers.  Also repurposed were extra napkin pockets I had made, and the fabric wrapped cans holding flowers.  I love recycling!

I hope this party design relays 2 important messages:  1) Real parties are much less "perfect" than styled photo shoots; and  2) Sometimes you have to go with the flow & Make It Work!

Cheers!

Designer Kids Tables For Weddings & Birthdays

Ever think about the fact that during most weddings the kids of your guests are all but forgotten?  I came across this innovative business called Petite Fete in Toronto in which Azie, the owner, provides child care during the event, and does it in high style.  Genius, Right!!  Azie provides a gorgeous party setting and includes activities and favors so the grown ups can enjoy the event worry free.

Here are some of the designs that represent her business.  Notice how upscale they are but still have kid-appeal.  Azie's services are also available for birthday parties.

While the above parties are adorable for younger children, I think the 2 below would be well suited for elementary age up to pre-teens and teens.

I just adore all the attention to detail, and I think there are some great ideas to inspire you when planning your own child's birthday.  Meanwhile, if your in the Toronto area, give Petite Fete a call!

Photos - Rebecca Wood Photography

Little Monster Birthday Party

Oh my goodness, this little monster party is so cute to look at, even if I'm not throwing one of my own!  The colors are fun and vibrant, and the black & white chevron pattern adds a cool graphic punch.  Sent to me by Jennifer of Nounces, this monster party designed for her 2 sons (1 year apart in age) is full of great ideas.  Read on for Jennifer's description and a special Reader's Discount, at the end.

"For me, choosing a party theme is the easy part.  Then I get started on pulling it all together.  When I was working on the monster theme, it just wasn't coming together like I had in my mind.  Until I found the black and white chevron fabric!

Since we had 17 kids under the age of 4 (CRAZY!), we decided an early party time would work well with nap times. While a brunch menu can be challenging for a large party, everything turned out perfect! We served cereal, french toast sticks, a couple quiches, potato casserole, donuts, fruit, etc. 

Drinks include, milk, orange juice,  water, and a green smoothie recipe courtesy of One Charming Party."  

"Streamers and the numbers 3 and 4 were created using tutorials from Oh Happy Day.

I created a huge wall with the outlines of the monsters from the invite for the kids to color. It was definitely the hit of the party! I also created a pin-the-eye-on-the-monster, and had a table for the kids to make their own masks."

"{For the invitation} I like to include a picture of the boys....it's a great keepsake!   Luckily, the boys cooperated and I was able to get great pictures to use.  Of course, I had to incorporate the black and white chevron pattern too.  I used a 5x5 tri-fold design.

Favors are always fun for me to put together.  I like to send guests home with something they will end up using....or eating!  Favors included cute monster bags (created loosely from this tutorial.

Inside the bags were, a monster sticker book, a box of crayons, a coloring book I created, pencil, tattoos, sucker, monster bowl and spoon set, monster mask and monster duckie.

Adults were sent home with delicious blueberry muffins using the recipe {from The Pioneer Woman}."

Like I said, this party is just so fun to look at!  If you'd like to create your own monster theme, you can find this printable party set in Jennifer's etsy shop for a Special Reader Discount!  From now until next Friday, May 27, you can get this set for 20% off using code CELEBRATIONS.

Vendor List:

Printable Party - Nounces

Photography - Kevin Oelke & Jennifer Kielp

Straws, milk bottles, mini chevron print bags, tissue decorations - Shop Sweet Lulu

Birthday boy's shirts - Banana Bear Boutique

Favor box for muffins - Think Garnish

Monster bowls - Kitchen Stuff Plus

Orange straws - IsaKay Boutique

Chevron Fabric - Stitch-n-Lounge