Annabelle's 3rd Birthday

I have been known to go overboard on my children's birthday parties. I love planning any party and I especially love celebrating my babies. I love anything kid themed and it really does bring me joy for them to feel celebrated in a big way.

Annabelle's party was no exception to my inability to find moderation. It was really over the top. It had much to do with my baby girl becoming a little girl, the fact that she is a girl and girls parties are SOO fun, and the fact that I was stressed about the possible move to Seattle so I used the party as an escape. Regardless of all the reasons, I had so much fun searching on line for ideas, getting ready and eventually showing it all off to her.

The party was a Flower Fairy Party. We started a week before the party setting up a Fairy Garden in our backyard with hopes that some Fairies might find it and come to her party. All the kids got involved in designing it and Tyler even made a sign out of tree bark and nailed it to the tree. All his idea!

The colors and patterns for the party were based off Annabelle's dress that I found last spring at a consignment sale. I used just 2 yards of fabric for table runners, center pieces, banners and napkins.

Tissue paper flowers hung from the trees and around the banner I made from scrapbook paper. I also made Fairy wands by wrapping kaboob skewers with floral tape and adding a tissue paper flower to then end with floral wire along with ribbons and a jingle bell. The shook their wands around the yard while we went on a "Fairy Hunt"



We served brunch: 3 different kinds of mini quiches, baked oatmeal muffins, yogurt parfaits with raspberry purree, fresh veggies and fruit.

We had pink lemonade for the kids and Momosas for the grown-ups. Brian broke out the beer but drank it with pink straws to keep with the theme.

The little girls table sat under the tree canopy of tissue paper flowers, lights and tulle. The chairs were covered with pillow cases and ribbon.

At each spot were small watering cans used as place holders. Each can was filled with hummus and a veggie bouquet. The napkin rings were tissue paper flowers on hair rubber bands that the girls used as bracelets.





Flowered hair garlands waited for each of the girls on the backs of their chairs.



The highlight of the party was when the "Real" Fairy showed up to read a story and paint faces. This was an 8th grade friend of ours who did a fantastic job. Annabelle still thinks a real fairy came to her party.



The other favorites were getting nails painted, going on a fairy wing hunt, potting a flower in their own small pot, and ordering cupcakes and other pretend food from Annabelle's Sweet Shop.

Obviously, Annabelle had a great time, as did we all.

This will be a tough party to top...not that I need to try!