The Magical Mermaid Party

I had so much fun creating this mermaid party for my daughter's 5th birthday! Her only requests were that there be sea shells and chocolate cupcakes. Easy enough! But, of course, this party planning momma couldn't stop there! We started in the winter months and painted sea shells together.  Such a fun thing to do on cold, dreary days. Made us day dream about Spring and her upcoming birthday. By the time it got here, we had enough sea shells to decorate the whole house! (And then some!) Found some adorable clip art on Etsy by Peach Pop to make signs and labels and there began our mermaid adventure!

The magic started as soon as guests got out of their car. We had a sea shell garden, a bubble machine, and fabric "waves" hanging to create an under-the-sea effect. It sure wasn't lost on these little ones!

Inside, the table was set for magic. There were balloons and jellyfish and plenty of sparkle.

This is one occasion were I really wish my dining room wasn't red! I seriously considered painting it white for the party but the husband vetoed the idea!

Another view.

Hand made tulle pom pom "jellyfish"

 Loved these plates and found napkins that just happened to match. Hand painted the flower napkin rings, glittered, then hot glued a sea shells on each one.

Sand filled centerpieces held sparkly shells, glitter, and a mermaid sign.

Hand made mermaid crown awaited the birthday girl

Sea shell craft.  Pre-painted wooden & real shells in party colors. Girls glitter glued them and decorated with gems.

Made a #5 for the craft room out of a hanger and bits of fabric left from other projects.
Love how the girls were so into the sea shell craft. 

Hand made birthday bunting and fabric backdrop.

Guest nibbled on starfish PB&J and goldfish turkey sandwiches, goldfish crackers, fruit and veggies...

...along with Octo-hummus dip

...and aqua popcorn!

Chocolate mermaid cupcakes were made by me, but the fab cake toppers are by IncrEDIBLE Toppers.  Too cute!

Wavy marshmallow pops

Pink lemonade served in mini milk bottles and paper "bubble" straws by The Sugar Diva.

Deep Sea cookies by A Cookie Jar on Etsy. As yummy as they are cute!

Ruby and her sweet friends got a surprise visit from Ariel!

There was face painting and smiles among friends.

There were giggles and games.

Ariel led the kids on a treasure hunt...

...that eventually led them back to the front porch where their "sea" pails were waiting...filled with bubbles & goodies.

And, of course, there was cake and singing!

A very happy day for my sweet pea! Happy 5th Birthday, Ruby!

A HUGE thank you to my friend and very talented photographer, Sarah Zimmerman for capturing the day so beautifully!

Credits:
Party Design: Pretti Mini Parties
Photography: Sarah Zimmerman Photography
Clip Art: Peach Pop
(pink mermaid image on signs, pails, & water bottle labels):
Cake Toppers: IncrEDIBLE Toppers
Specialty Cookies: A Cookie Jar
Paper Straws: The Sugar Diva 

Fancy Tea Party

The invites were sent. Then just days before the party, the mom of the birthday girl's water heater burst leaving water damage behind. It couldn't all be repaired in time for the party. What's the mom to do? Cancel? Postpone? "Have it here! Have it here!" I said.  She agreed and I quickly went to work.

A little welcome sign to greet our guests!

Pretti Mini water bottle labels

I made a keepsake Pretti Mini banner for the birthday girl to hang in her room after the party.
We served tea sandwiches shaped like butterflies and flowers, along with fruit, veggies, and sweets. And tea, of course!

Before lunch, the girls got light make-up and had their hair done. Then it was time for a fashion show!

Birthday girl, Brianna, leads the show!

It was a gorgeous, sunny day, so we headed outside later for fun and games.

Skittle relay

I loved their faces and watching them cheer each other on!

Happy smiling girls! The best part of what I do!