Growing up I would probably classify myself as a girly tomboy. I played with Barbies, watched Jem!, and loved learning to bake little treats; but I equally loved catching lizards, hiking, and playing ditch with the neighborhood kids. Fast forward thirty-ish years and I have a daughter of my own who I would classify as uber-girly! If it has tulle, bless her, she is wearing it, and watch out if you mention the word jewel, she will be expecting a sparkly item to be in her hand stat. (Thank you Hobby Lobby for your exquisite collection of plastic jewels.)
So, for this darling’s fourth birthday, I had one option and one option only: To plan a superb, extremely girly affair. The bluebirds from the new Cinderella movie were still fluttering through mine and Layla’s minds, and so a Cinderella Tea Party seemed to be the perfect birthday theme. And, friends, it WAS an adorable success.
Party Details
The Decor
Simplicity was key to planning this tea party. I wanted each sweet princess to walk through the gate and feel like she was truly walking into a palace garden. For this reason, I took advantage of springtime in Texas and used the backyard as the backdrop for our soirée. All decor was purchased on a strict budget and most either came from my 40 percent off coupon from Hobby Lobby, or my mom’s china cabinet! My mantra is: Use what you have, or get what you need with a coupon. 😉
- Bluebirds — a necessity, especially holding pink ribbon. This welcomed the little girlies to the tea party space. I traced a bird onto blue poster board and cut out two. They both held pink ribbon from their beaks.
- Clock set to almost midnight — also made from poster board.
- Flowers — you probably know by now that most all of my parties contain some sort of floral arrangement (in my dreams I am a florist/baker). For this party, I scoured my mom’s china cabinet and found the perfect vases from my grandmother’s silver tea set pieces, and my great grandmother’s vase that looked like a log with two perfect bluebirds perched upon it. They provided delightful touches, and it warmed my heart that Layla had touches from her great and great-great-grandmothers. They would be proud, I am sure.
- Princess Carriage made of . . . you guessed it, 🙂 poster board and pink fabric. My dad helped out with this one and used some leftover 2×4’s to stake into the ground so it would stand like a carriage. It was so fun to see the sweet princesses take turns sitting in and waving from their beautiful carriage.
The Food
For four little princess bellies, my mom and I curated a menu that consisted of heart-shaped PB&J, fruity magic wands, and vanilla yogurt with sparkly blueberries atop. The little girlies also sipped Cinderella blue punch from my teacups circa 1984.
The cake was strawberry with vanilla buttercream, tinted Cinderella blue, and sprayed with luster dust . . . made with love by me.
The People
Four precious princesses in their tea party best, their mommies, and Layla’s grandmothers graced our soiree. I have been known to throw large birthday parties, but this year I wanted it to be intimate and sweet for four good friends. A successful party is not about quantity of guests but quality of time spent together, and four was the perfect tea party number.
The Favors
Before our tea party lunch, each princess received a small cup with ribbon and a dainty carriage to make a necklace. They each carefully put together their craft and proudly wore their necklace throughout the day. Layla refused to take her necklace off for about a week. It warmed my heart that she loved it and the party so much.
Friends, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to throw a Pinterest-worthy party. Look around, see what you have, and let those creative juices flow. Have fun and don’t worry about perfection! None of us are perfect. Here’s a little secret: My hands were all sorts of blue after making the blue frosting. You know what, who cares?! Things often go awry, but our littles stay little for such a short time, so enjoy every single moment and let yourself go, throw on a tiara, and party with your princess!
And all lived happily ever after . . . .
Don’t delay! You have only until midnight to execute the most delightful Cinderella Tea Party. 🙂