I am now the mother of a 5-year-old. That sounds so unreal even to write.
I thought I’d share some behind-the-scenes pics of the birthday party that my sweet girl and I put together. What began as simply having three or four friends over grew to be quite the shindig. It was a fun creative project for us that, interspersed with Chanukah and Thanksgiving decorating, gave us weeks of discussing ideas and putting the details together.
Since I think the anticipation of something is often better than the actual event, I wanted my daughter to appreciate the details of her party and really look forward to it. And I know she did because the morning of the party, she woke up and immediately began singing, “Today’s the big day!” and skipping around the house.
We decided to have the party at our house and to invite Cinderella to come as a surprise for our little guests, and she, of course, would need a place to park her pumpkin coach.
Oh my goodness… as I was putting this out and it was 34 freakin degrees, the wind picked up and the entire thing tried toppling over. You should’ve seen me trying to get that red paper to stay down with just cat food cans as weights. And then it started sprinkling rain. But it all worked out with duct tape and some trusting.
Another fun decoration was the table of photos of the birthday girl each year up to this year, even an ultrasound picture as a “sneak preview” that the guests just could not get their mind around.
We set up the dining room for snacks and cake.
I found a balloon banner tutorial on Pinterest here. Basically, you string groups of 3 or 4 balloons together, tie them together, and then connect the groups in one long strip.
We added confetti to the tables. Yes, they make Cinderella confetti. Oriental Trading folks. When the little ladies arrived, my daughter gave each of them a magic wand.
We (and by “we” I mean “I”) glued jewels to the forks and cups.
Upon arrival, each girl got to make a bead necklace and bracelet. 
The idea was to keep them from doing this once they heard that Cinderella was coming … 
Everyone said “Bippity boppity boo” in unison and waved their magic wands in the air and then Cinderella came through the front door. She was awesome in how she greeted my daughter and crowned her the birthday princess of the day. She led games and dancing before we all settled down for a story and snacks. Of course she had to change some of the words (“Cinderella” became “I,” etc.) and she asked fun questions too to engage the girls.
I tried making fruit wands with grapes, strawberries, and a watermelon star on top. They were droopy since I made them the night before.
And now the best part. Oh, this cake. My friend Becky made it and it was beautiful. She is beginning her own business so I’ll add the link here as soon as her website is finished. Everything she creates is just gorgeous (and tastes good too)!
Ta da! It was fun and I have a boatload of pictures and memories of my daughter smiling and laughing with her girlfriends. I hope you enjoyed seeing her special day.
Hi Naomi, I saw your comment on the book review of A Million Little Ways and popped over…I love your site. So fun and sweet and creative and inspiring! I agree that that book would be right up your alley!
And so fun to see these pictures– My now 6 1/2 year old had a princess party for her 5th birthday and has therefore inspired our middle girl to also want one in February! I’ve been so focused on Christmas that I haven’t had a chance to even think up ideas for her party and it’s sneaking up on me!!! Thanks for sharing!!! What a fun and sweet time you created (:
I’ve got that book in my Amazon cart… I think I’ll get it. I want art to be a more holistic part of my life… parenting, growing and learning, creating in new classes and for myself.
For the party, I got most decorations at Oriental Trading. I can send you anything you like, like the invitation I made, etc. My friend who made the gorgeous cake and cupcakes is just starting a business and she can dry ice overnight ship, I think.
Happy new year to you and yours, Lisa. I am enjoying your blog very much. 🙂
This is really, really impressive! I love the red carpet idea (cat food cans, and all!) That balloon banner is awesome, and I really like the idea of posting a photo from each year of the birthday girl’s life…I never thought of that! The cake looks amazing, especially that tiara on top. What a perfect, fanciful day for your “big” little girl!
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It was your birthday party last month that caused me to post this one here. It WAS fun! The things we do for our girls…
what a great day! the next time you start to doubt your mom skills, i will remind you that you glued rhinestones onto plastic utensils and cups. because that’s a great (and thoughtful, not obsessed) mama!
This looks like it must have been a wonderful day!
Janice recently posted…Business Portraits; Charles Fair, Calgary Mediator and Laywer
I completely agree that sometimes anticipation is half the fun. Last week I bought a front row ticket to see my favorite rock band play on July 4! So fun!
What a wonderful celebration, Naomi! I’m sure the little princess will remember it forever!
janet forrest recently posted…Looking Ahead to OLW
You are so thoughtful. I am sure you created many wonderful memories.
“Thoughtful” or “Obsessed?” I enjoyed it and kept telling myself it was for HER, not me!
So many fun details. Sounds like a lovely party!
Thank you again for the beautiful cake!!
I love the red “carpet” ! What a fun birthday day party you created for your daughter! One I’m sure she will always remember!