I adore celebrations. I mean, for real, I think about them for weeks with anticipation and when they are over I am truly a little bit sad. Birthdays are at the top of my list. I love to plan parties, host parties and go to parties, I swear it’s just in my make up. So because of this, I have made a big deal about my daughters birthday for the past 5 years. I have switched between hosting them outside our home and having them at home. This year was an at-home year. In my opinion, there are pros and cons to each option. There is much less work involved when you have them somewhere else. You can show up and it’s all done for you, you enjoy your celebration and you return home to an untouched space. I LOVE this option and have enjoyed it whenever we have done it. That being said, there is something amazing and personal about hosting something in your own home. Rolling up my sleeves and making it all come together brings me great joy.
With my little Hudson’s love for dance developing (especially Ballet), we together decided to have a Ballet theme for her special day. I immediately put together a Pinterest board to collect my thoughts and get the ball rolling. One of my first challenges was how to do this super girly pink theme knowing there were just as many boys on board for the party. Being a dancer myself I don’t have to raise too much awareness here that I realize many boys love to dance and I am a BIG time supporter of this. That being said, it’s fair to say that the ratio has always been pretty skewed. Eventually, I just figured if we kept the craft generic and let them do lots of improv when dancing we would be safe.
The party was from 11-1 which is still my favourite time of day for a kids party. They are all pretty fresh and energetic and ready to eat at Noon, which marks the halfway point. Our party schedule was as follows:
11 – Arrive and go to craft table for some fun
1130 – Mini dance lesson led by our friend from The National Ballet of Canada
12 – Eat lunch, sing Happy Birthday and eat cake
1230 – Open presents and free play
1 – Pick up
Our menu was simple and yummy with some variety. When using Pinterest and getting your ideas together it can be very easy to get out of hand and do too much. I try to remember that they are kids and minimal is always better. I served veggies in pink muffin cups with a scoop of hummus, fruit trays and mini sandwiches from Whole Foods (cream cheese&cucumber, turkey and cranberry, egg salad and smoked salmon with cream cheese). Although I don’t let my kids go crazy on sugar and tend not to have much of it kicking around the house, I believe birthdays are for indulging. I start their birthday by waking them up with cake and candles before they have even opened their eyes (sorry to all you anti-sugar mamas, I get your philosophy too). In all my Pinterest research I did see some pretty spectacular treat tables. As tempting as it was to want to make that come to life I restrained myself and picked 3 items. I ordered a stunning “pink” chocolate raspberry cake from Bobette and Belle, ballet themed cookies from a lovely local baker that I found on Instagram (@elleventy) and I made marshmallow ballerinas (super cute and easy).
I ordered party favours and lots of adorable personalized items from Birthday In A Box. They ship to Canada, their prices are great and everything arrived 48 hours within ordering. I bought pink Mason Jar cups from Michaels (they were on sale for $3 each) and I KNOW I will use them again. I ordered about 4 dozen balloons from Balloonagram, my favourite local balloon boutique. The owner even delivered them the morning of! I must give my own Mom some props for making a Happy Birthday Ballerina wreath for our front door (complete with my very first pair of ballet shoes from 1980 – major tear jerker moment!). I have to admit, I did go a little over-the-top on her ballet dress and shoes. This is a girl that wears a dress EVERY second she gets the chance to, so I don’t mind the splurge. The bow trimmed hot pink ballet flats are from Jacadi and the Little Miss Sunshine dress is by Tutu Du Monde and purchased from Mini Model Gallery.
I could not have done this soiree without my sweet sister. She always brings out her “teacher voice” to get the kids cooperating and kept in line. As I was politely trying to organize the kids from activity to activity she has this incredible ability to get them all cooperating.
The party was a success and the kids had a blast. There is nothing more heart warming than watching their smiling faces and hearing the belly laughs as they spend time together enjoying these magical childhood moments. ’Twas yet another teary moment for Mommy as each year I feel like I have to let go of my baby girl a little bit more.
xx
Alison Heden
Photo Credit
Tara West Photography
