Splish Splash! A Water Party!

Nicholas loves the water.  So much so that for the second year straight, he asked for a sprinkler/water party for his birthday.  Given this, I went with a party design with lots of shades of blue, his favorite color, orange, and fish.    


I created a water effect back backdrop with a swimming "N" for a personal, yet theme cohesive styling element.  I carried the blue water effect over to the framed signs on the table and at the front door by using the streamers as the background to mount the signs. 
The fun fish and bubble printable paper I found made for great pops amidst the sea (wink, wink) of orange and blue.  


For entertainment, there was a pool to splash in, sprinklers going, and everyone's favorite...a slip n slide.  However, for some additional fun,  Nick's mom came up with a couple fun target games for the kids.  First, she made a huge "Happy Birthday Nicholas" sign and added some  bullseyes.  She got some bright squishy urchin balls that the kids dunked in paint and then threw at the targets.  The kids had a great time trying to hit the targets, as well being able to play in paint!  She also came up with another target game by using  pop cans and plastic water bottles.  She set them on a ladder and gave the kids water blasters to attempt to knock them down.  


With it brights colors and fun prints combined with creative games and a hot day....this party definitely made a big SPLASH!

Credits:

Party Styling/Photography: Party Pretty Design

Paper:  Dad's Day Paper Pack by Cupcake Cutiees via MyGrafico

Join Me...

Starting next week, I will be blogging a couple times a month over at MG Party Impressions.   You can join me as I post party designs and about various elements of party styling.  In the meantime, head over and check out all the good ideas posted already!  And take time to shop MyGrafico....there are all kinds of printables and party packages that you can use to style your next event!

Teal and Black Bridal Shower

At the end of last month, I put together the predecessor of my big wedding event in November. It was my first bridal shower and my first event design outside of someone's home.  I'll admit, I struggled with this design as this lovely bride is all sophistication and style, with a little bit sassy.  Naturally, with this being such a personal event, I wanted her bridal shower to follow in her footsteps.  

The color scheme was established early with the Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired invitations selected by the hostesses.  I knew that zebra print would establish the sassy element I was looking for, and when the bride mentioned diamonds, I instantly knew that was the key to sophistication and style.    

For the lunch tables, some simple elements used in "out of the box" fashions created for an en vogue table design.  For each place setting, I made tissue paper poms and attached them to glass stirrers to give the center table instant color.  Because I didn't want to overkill the look, on the two outer tables I alternated the teal poms with "A" monogram stickers swizzle sticks.  The place card holders were favor boxes filled with white shred.  In order to make the bride's seat a little more special, I put silver shred in hers.  I created the name card on Word with a font that closely mimicked the invitation.  Each place setting also included a menu.  I printed them on photo paper since the glossy paper would add to the style I was aiming for.  Faux diamonds at each seat finished the look.  

The gift table decor continued the personalized feel with a white wooden "A" which I dressed up with black  ric rac and teal ribbon.  Continuity is an important element in design and I addressed this on the gift table by carrying over the faux diamonds and flowers.  Popping the invitation in a stylish frame was an easy, simple way to pull all the design together. 

In the end, some simple design elements put together in a cohesive manner made for a stylish and powerful design.  And because I reflected the bride's personality and style, the otherwise impersonal venue quickly became intimate and special to the bride and her guests.

A Kindergarten Party

I can't believe my little peanut is going to kindergarten.  While part of me is sad, more of me is proud.  As a preemie, he has fought hard for his life.  He has faced more obstacles and overcome more at the age of five than some people do in a lifetime.  Given that, I look at this milestone as quite an achievement and that makes me glow.  It seems lately I walk through the house and catch glimpses of pictures of my kids and smile from ear to ear while at the same time my eyes well up with tears. The pictures remind me that time flies so I have to cherish the moments and milestones.  Even before I started my business, I knew I wanted to throw a special kindergarten party for my little guy, it was too special of a time not to.  And with THIRTEEN neighbor kids heading off to kindergarten this year, I knew it was great way for them all to get together and familiarize with all the faces they will see.
The tone of the party was set with fun invites Nealon and I made together.  Simple, yet very classic.  The front was black construction paper that he glued, while I did the writing in chalk.  The inside was standard school writing paper describing the details.  Let me tell you hard it is to write in basic manuscript.  I concentrated...a lot.
I carried the simple, classic look into the party design by using a lot of basic colors and lots things iconic of school...primary colors, apples, school supplies.  The lunch served was even a iconic so to speak...turkey/cheese sandwiches, grapes, pretzels, juice box.
While the primary goal of the party was for the kids and mommy's to hang out and get to know each other, I had the kids do a keepsake craft.  Each child did handprints and wrote their name on a sheet of white paper to show their size and ability at the start of school.  I hope to remember to have Nealon do the same when he graduates high school.  I also took a picture of each child with his/her mom.
For a parting gift, the kids got an art box filled with crayons and pencils, as well as my son's favorite, a spiral notebook.  The art boxes coordinated with the color scheme and added to the table well.  Speaking of tables, thanks goes to the lovely Debbie of Tabletops for Tots!  She is fabulous and being a local vendor, I'm excited to work with her on upcoming events!
Overall, this party pulled together easy since the elements were so basic.  I just might do an annual party to make an otherwise dreaded event a little bit more exciting.  At least, I can hope:)

Yes, I really did spell "kindergarten" wrong.  On the focal point no less, and I didn't notice until I started editing pictures for this post.  How embarassing.

The whole crew.....

This was their "silly" shot...no joke. Boy, are their teachers are gonna have their hands full...

To my peanut, 

I love you and am more proud of you than you can ever imagine.  You have taught me patience, given me strength and shown me infinite love. You are the brightest, sweetest, most compassionate son and big brother.  You are gonna make a girl really happy one day.

Paperie and Party Styling: Party Pretty Design

Tables/Chairs: Tabletops for Tots