party inspiration: a very sweet sixteen

I've had a vision of a 'sweets' sixteen party for quite some time, and I was inspired to complete it this weekend when I saw this modern sweet sixteen invitation from our new sponsor Paper Buzz. The playful red and pink colors blend perfectly with orange and yellow accents for a palette worthy of the sophisticated teenage girl. Hold the party between meals or after dinner and set up different stations with mouthwatering candies, sweets and mock-tails. Lively music for dancing is also recommended to help your guests down from their invertible sugar high.

Resources: invitation by Paper Buzz; candy boxes by Wonderful Graffitti; candy stand by Rebecca Thuss; party dress by BCBG; ice cream cones by Ici, sodas by Izze; other images from Martha Stewart.

real parties: primp & pamper spa party

While searching for things to do in Atlanta last week, I came across a local event planning company called Posh Tot Events with some great birthday party themes! My favorite by far though is this spa party. They gear the party towards pre-teen girls, but let’s be honest... wouldn’t you love a birthday party like this too?

{images via posh tot events}

real parties: sweet strawberries

This adorable strawberry themed party was dreamed up by Courtney of nesting instincts for her daughter’s 4th birthday.  The red, pink and green color palette was a perfect choice to pull all the details together, and would work equally well outside on a warm spring day.  Best of all, the menu was entirely focused on strawberry related foods like peanut butter & strawberry jelly sandwiches, strawberry lemonade, and chocolate covered strawberries.  Love it! 

{more details & photos at nesting instincts}  

wonderful graffiti

Another fabulous site I was reminded of when cleaning up my computer!  Wonderful Graffiti lets you design your own custom removable wall transfers.  Let the written word be your guide, or look to their site for endless inspiration.  A clever message would certainly make for dramatic party decor, such as... “Age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying you”.  

One of my favorite ideas however, is this “I wish” chalkboard graffiti design.  What a perfect place to capture your wildest birthday wishes!  How unfortunate that the framed chalkboard is not included... but maybe if I wish hard enough?

{image from wonderful graffiti}

fun funky flasks

I’m always collecting links to websites that catch my eye, but I tend to forget about them for long periods of time.  Last night I did a little online spring cleaning and was reminded of some really cool gift ideas.  Like these...

{images from  The Life Imagined}

robot party ideas at paper source

If you're planning a robot birthday party, start your search at Paper Source.  Over the weekend I spotted these friendly robot gift tags and party invitations.  They also carry several robot rubber stamps, and one of their creative suggestions online is how to turn them into cupcake toppers:  just stamp an image on heavy weight paper, cut around the outside of the design and adhere a toothpick to the back.  It's so easy, and your kids will have fun helping you stamp!

{images from paper source}

real parties: spring awakening

This party comes courtesy of photographer Jose Villa’s blog.  A bold spring theme... bright colors, fancy tutus, fresh grass and giant flowers.  I only wish I’d seen this party before I created my Alice in Wonderland post.  This decor would make a perfect compliment to the theme!

{photos by Jose Villa}

party inspiration: margarita fiesta

We went to a friend's place on Saturday to celebrate Cinco De Mayo a little early, and I got inspired to create a fiesta themed birthday board. We had such a relaxing afternoon... hanging out, drinking frozen margaritas and eating delicious homemade soft tacos & guacamole. They even had a silly (swine flu topical) pig pinata for the kids that held stuffed animals and games instead of candy. It made me think... even if your party is for 'grown ups', you could surprise your guests by loading a pinata with small (preferably indestructible) party favors, and let them have some fun! For dessert, try making key lime cupcakes as an alternative to cake, or check out the refreshingly delicious Margarita ice pops below. Feliz Cumplienos indeed!

Resources: red & white party via frolic!, margaritas & taco recipes from food network, chili pepper lights via evite, mariachi band via brides, popsicles from epicurious, margarita invitation by in ink papers, traditional banner cake & invites via martha stewart weddings, banners from plum party.

Margarita Ice Pops:

Ingredients
1/2 cup tequila
6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup coarse kosher salt
6 frozen lime-flavored ice pops or fruit bars, unwrapped

Directions

Mix tequila and lime juice in 1-cup measuring cup. Place coarse salt in small bowl. Place all ice pops, sticks up, in deep bowl, or place 1 pop in each of 6 glasses. Pour tequila mixture over ice pops. Lightly dip 1 edge of each ice pop into coarse salt and serve.