I’m not an event coordinator, but I do LOVE planning parties and entertaining – especially all the unforgettable details that make a party unique and fun. My two sisters and I have had a blast planning parties for our kids, ever since my nephew’s first birthday in 1998. We almost always do everything ourselves and without spending a lot of money. Even before I officially started my custom stationery business, I was designing over-the-top invitations and hand-crafting decorations, signs, games and activities for our fantastic bashes. Thanks to the help of our family and friends, we’ve created quite the party “Dream Team”. We LOVE DIY and finding ways to throw a really fun party, on a budget – hey, a party doesn’t have to be outrageous to be awesome!
We’re asked all the time for party advice, so this series is devoted to featuring some of our parties and sharing all the details, DIY ideas, budget-conscious tips and vendor resources. Of course, all the invitations and printed items are by Love Paper Paint (EITAK) and can be customized for your special event! Feel free to leave a comment or contact me if you have any questions…I’m always happy to help make your party AWESOME!
Last Minute DIY BEEMO Costume
It was the Friday before Halloween and we were busily working on our costumes to wear for Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland that Monday, when Mason (our nine year-old) decided that he wanted to be BEEMO (from Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time) for his “actual” Halloween costume. I was already inundated with all the costume and prop prep for our “Steampunk Robot Skeleton” -themed costumes, so I said, “you’ll have to ask Daddy if he’ll make it for you”…which wouldn’t have been a problem, IF he wasn’t asking to have it...
Turning FORTY and You’re Invited…
…to my IMAGINARY party (or how I would have planned my birthday if I was indeed having a party this year). So, welcome to my virtual soirée…or a glimpse at my “dream party” mood boards. Indeed, on November 18th, I’m leaving my thirties behind and entering my FORTIES! * Gasp * Ugh * Sigh * Although I’m not exactly thrilled about the notion that I will be 40 years-old…I am so very grateful to be alive, to be healthy and strong, and to have this opportunity to enjoy everything that...
Vintage Carnival
This Vintage Carnival themed party celebrating my sons’ 7th and 5th birthdays was, without a doubt, my favorite to date. With its timeless theme, festive color scheme, classic games and fun prizes…this party was my ultimate “awesome birthday party” and will be a tough one to top. I dreamed of having my own carnival party when I was a kid, and I’ve always loved the vintage circus theme…so this party was (almost) as much for me, as it was for my kids. Oh, who am I kidding…I was probably more...
Vintage Carnival – The Sweet Shoppe
Candy buffets and dessert tables seem to be standard at every birthday party, shower or wedding these days. I’ve seen my share of them at the amazing weddings I’ve worked and everyone loves a good candy buffet. They are always a hit and it’s nice to take home a little bag of sweets to enjoy later. A lot of sugary treats were already planned for The Gaines Bros. Vintage Carnival, but a candy buffet was a still a must for my boys’ party! So after loading kids up with...
Vintage Carnival – The Entertainment
A carnival simply would not be a carnival without fun games and prizes! For my boys, having game booths and prizes at their Vintage Carnival party was what they were most excited about. And when my sister, Mary, suggested a ping pong ball toss to win a real goldfish…they could not contain their excitement and had to tell all their friends before the invitations even went out! My family brainstormed ideas for all the games and narrowed it down to activities that would be easy and financially feasible to put together....
Vintage Carnival – The Treats
Popcorn, cotton candy, corn dogs, nachos, sweet treats and junk food – that’s what comes to mind when I think of “carnival food”…so that’s exactly what we served at The Gaines Bros. Vintage Carnival Party! Scroll down for photos and descriptions of all the delicious snacks, treats, and birthday cupcakes offered. All the fantastic photos of the party were taken by my sister, Julie of Lot116 Photography (unedited shots), and our friend, Hughes of H3 Photography (vintage edit). Popcorn and cotton candy machines were rented through Nichols Party Productions. They provided the rentals, supplies, as...
Vintage Carnival – The Photo Booth
Who doesn’t love a PHOTO BOOTH! They are so much FUN!!! For the MARVELOUS Gaines Bros. Vintage Carnival Party, a painted drop cloth used as party decor created a delightful backdrop for our version of a photo booth. And since my boys enjoy dressing up for their themed parties, a chance to be silly in their carnival costumes made a photo booth a must. Mason wanted to be The Ringmaster and Isaac chose The Strong Man character. With Halloween around the corner, I was able to find an awesome...
Vintage Carnival – The Decorations
With game booths and activities planned, lots of messy treats, and a slightly larger guest list than normal (since we were combining both boys’ parties), we decided to have The Gaines Bros. Vintage Carnival Party at our local neighborhood park. I obtained a park use reservation/permit and set out to plan how I would transform the gazebo and lawn areas into a carnival, within a very limited timeframe. Normally, when we have parties at our home, we have days leading up to the party to decorate the house and...
Ribbon Bow Ties for My Superstar
Last night (April 18, 2012) our five year-old, Isaac, performed at the San Elijo Elementary School Talent Show. It was his very first time EVER being on stage in front of so many people and I am extremely proud of him! It takes a lot of courage and confidence to speak, sing, dance, perform in public. Most people (including myself) would have been nervous wrecks. So it was incredibly awesome to see my little dude up there, under the bright lights, in front of a packed house, doing his...
Vintage Carnival – The Invitations
When we decided to combine our boys’ birthday parties into one bash this year, my original thought was for a “Dynamic Duo” theme. Mason and Isaac are two years apart and best buds. They have a lot of the same interests, play so well together, and still sleep in the same room (even though they each have their own bedrooms). They’re inseparable and really good brothers. Like Batman & Robin, Sherlock Holmes & Watson, Erik B. & Rakim, Hall & Oates, Peanut Butter & Jelly (you get the idea...
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