Cinco De Mayo!!

If you happen to love mexican food as much as I do, then you may have already thrown a cinco de mayo themed party. If not then its time to start!  Today at work, I was surrounded by chips, salsa and guacamole...if they had stopped there I would have considered it a successful party. BUT NO..there were burritos and fajitas and rice and beans...all foods I adore! Everyone was happy and chatty and It got me thinking about what a festive holiday cinco de mayo is. All the bright colors, music and festive decor. What a great theme for a kids party! I found so many great items to add to this theme not to mention a place that will come to your house and help your guests paint their own plate as a souvenir!

this vintage tablecloth will definitely brighten any table

hand painted plastic cups

love these paper banners called papel picado 

cookie flower centerpieces

candy centerpieces too!

these frames are perfect for place cards

these plates were painted at a plate painting party...what a perfect craft for kids

finally the piece de resistance...a pinata!

Under the Sea

My wonderful neighbor and friend Carol recently told me she wanted to redo her girls' room in a hawaiian/surfer theme. Being a California girl myself, I love a good beach theme. It reminds me of sorority socials and for some reason a dessert I've made countless times over the years. Its blue jello in a clear bowl with gummy fish in it. Its simple, delicious and screams beach party to me. These days, I've traded in my silk sorority leis and wedge flip flops for a more grown up beach decor, but I still love incorporating a little whimsy and blue jello into a kids beach party!

the famous jello!! a great thing to have at each place setting

i found these prints that would be great as placemats!

amazing starfish lollipops

i found the most amazing site with handmade creations like these surfer girl boxes and decorated bottles

Its a small world

We recently took our 18 month old to Disney World in Florida. We were in the area, he was free and so we figured why not? Growing up in CA, I had never been to Disney World before...what was the point, we have Disneyland! I was extremely curious and excited to see Disney World though. Growing up you are told that its Disneyland on steroids.  We were so excited as we entered the park, you forget each time you leave how very magical a disney park is. As first time parents we were thrilled to witness the reaction on our sons face as he encountered such a fantastical world. We were limited to the smaller rides, but in actuality, as you get older and bypass Dumbo or Sleeping Beauty, you do lose a little of the experience. With no lines and a limited crowd we were able to successfully negotiate through most of the park in the morning. Just before breaking for lunch and nap, we stumbled upon its a small world. We whisked through the "line" which was basically poles and chain links set up for crowds that simply weren't there and boarded our boat. We were lucky enough to snap a front row seat. Our son, between us, was naturally immediately excited to be on a boat...no idea of the excitement just around the bend. As we floated off, we could hear the melody of its a small world growing louder. When I was a child, its a small world was enchanting, but as I grew, it was just a ride with a short line. Seeing it now, as an adult I was struck by how much detail goes into this particular ride. The dolls, costumes, music, decor. Watching our sons face, it struck me that this would be an incredible theme for a birthday party. Sort of an around the world party but for kids. The different foods that you could incorporate, the bright colors that would be displayed. I am basically drooling waiting for the day my child will understand this theme and make the connection to the ride. In the mean time, I have come across numerous details that would add to the overall impact of this party theme.

I found these envelopes on etsy..what a perfect way to send out invitations to this party!

These wooden flowers would be perfect for your table decor.

thelongthread.com found all of these items on etsy as well, which would serve this theme beautifully!

Up and Running

By nature, I am a girl that loves parties. Since my wedding, i have been fascinated by the process of planning a party and each detail that completes a larger picture. Every place that I go, I see things that inspire me for my next party. So, after years of talking about starting a party planning a business...I am just doing it. My goal on this blog is to inspire readers, to keep myself fresh and excited and to help people bring a sense of fun back into their lives. I will post photos of great party themes I have come across or things that inspire me. I will post party ideas and tips, great recipes and links to amazing sources Basically anything that will bring out the creative genius that hides in all of us. I hope you enjoy and let me know anything that has inspired you!