For our daughter's birthday this year we hosted her first friend birthday party. This was a big deal, both for her and for me, on many levels. We have yet to throw a party inside our home since we moved here six years ago, which seems wild since we entertained so much in year's past. But this was the bandaid I needed to rip off to open up our home to more than just a few people. Add in our own four kids and it alreay feels like a lot. And with a rainy and wet February birthday, going outside usually is not an option.
But with some thoughtful activities and a sweet little group of first grade girls, it ended up being lovely. I was literally trying to time out how long each craft would take and divide it by the amount of time the party would last. I was very nervous about keeping everyone entertained but we had more than enough activities to keep everyone busy.
There are so many insecurities I could use as an excuse to not open up our home. But The Nester always reminds me that the size of your house does not dictate the size of your hospitality.
For this party we put the focus on the crafts so we reused a lot of things we already had to create a whimsical and artsy environment. I planned a bunch of different crafts and then we had the kids all decorate their own cupcakes for the cake portion of the party.
My daughter was also excited to help out. She made these paper chains that we hung up with her seven balloon decoration. It was the perfect handmade detail for an arts and crafts theme.
We reused the paper lanterns I had gotten for our other daughter's farmer's market birthday party.
I used white paper gift bags with each child's name and a star tag as their take home bag. They could decorate the bag if they wanted and then it provided a place for them to put their finished crafts in to take home.
We put together really simple goody bags that included stickers, a rainbow coloring pencil, and washi tape.
I wanted to spread out the crafts into stations so that the guests could move around to whatever project they wanted to and to spend as much time as they needed. So I moved part or our couch to the other side of the living room to extend out our dining table. Then I put out our train table to add another space for crafting. It worked out really well and gave everyone plenty of space to move around or sit.
At the dining table I used more paper lanterns and hung a bunch of ribbons and star garland from the chandelier. I loved how it created such a whimsical focal point.
I spread out a variety of craft projects, each with an example of the finished project. We stocked up on extra scissors and glue so that there would be plenty at each station.
We made flower bouquets using printed paper flowers. I used paper grocery bags to cut and fold paper wrapping for the bouquets.
Then there were cardboard rainbows to decorate. I cut out a bunch of cardboard rainbows from thin cardboard from food and snack boxes. They could then use a mix of materials to glue or stick on. I cut tissue paper into squares, provided foam shape stickers, washi tape, and pom poms. It all was neatly organized in this round serving tray.
There was a beading station equipped with beads, pipe cleaners, and string.
There were also bookmarks to make. I precut some white cardstock into book markers that they could then decorate and add ribbon if they wanted.
This silicone muffin tray worked well for organizing materials. I also put out extra construction paper.
My daughter came up with an ice cream craft station all on her own. She cut out all the cones, ice cream, whipped cream, and toppings. It was really cute and impressively excecuted.
I used my favorite seagrass scalloped trays to organize some of the materials along with our Valentine bowls and these white organizing trays I use for everything.
All the crafts were so much fun. It was helpful to have examples for them to follow but also giving them the creative expression to make it their own. It is always fun to see their own interpretation - some like to follow the example exactly while others are a little more free spirited with their own ideas.
For cake I made some unfrosted cupcakes. The kids then each got their own plate with frosting and candy toppings. It was a favorite activity and so easy! I used cupcake liners to scoop frosting into and everyone got a plastic knife.
The birthday girl happily posed for a photo with all the projects. We also got her a new party dress for the special day.
Our precious girl! I can't believe she is seven!
Since it was a morning party we offered cake, snacks, juice boxes, and sparkling water. Basically a kid friendly charcuterie board that was super easy. I made a cupcake tower for the cake decorated with candles, a seven candle, and star picks. It was also fun to pull out my ampersand board again that I had received from Uncommon Goods years ago.
Since her birthday is in February we used Valentine candies for the cupcake toppings. Cupcake liners made for easy disposable bowls to hold the sprinkles and frosting. I used a round scoop to make perfect frosting rounds. These scalloped plates had a sweet detail while still being versatile.
And here is the invitation I created. I just made it in Canva and then texted it out to the guest's parents with the details. So simple and corresponding one on one made for smooth communication.
I love a thoughtful themed party but I also chose to keep the non-essential parts easy. I focused on the fun parts that I enjoy doing and tried to sreamline everything else. It made for a really special and doable party for my sweet girl. Becasue most importantly - she loved it!
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