Also if you are a regular reader of this blog or if you spend any time around me, you know that I am not much of a girly girl. I am also not thrilled with the princess phase my daughter has been stuck in since age 2.
But, with that being said, I decided to embrace the theme and give it my best. After all, it is (hopefully) the only time I will be throwing a princess party.
My mom came over several days before the party to help decorate and I'm disappointed that I didn't even get all the decorations captured on film. Boo. But, here's what I did get
The grand entrance:
I tried to downplay the Disney Princesses, but sometimes you just have to give a dog a bone. I found these life-sized princesses on clearance at Hobby Lobby so I went with it.
I've gotten into the habit of making a birthday banner each year that coordinates with the theme. I was a little concerned about having TOO much pink (although Amelia would say this was impossible) with the little boys who were invited, so I decided to decorate with green as well.
I really like how this banner turned out, but was trying for a little more princessy. I chose to hang it on tulle and add some sparkly pink ribbon bows (which I apparently didn't get in the picture).
For a festive feel, I copied my friend Erin's idea to sew together strips of streamers. I won't try to explain it any more, but if you are interested check out her tutorial. Its SUPER easy and I love it because the messier you are with it, the cuter is turns out. My kind of craft for sure! And although the pictures don't really do it justice, it turned out great and I received many questions about it and compliments on it.
The entrance to the royal dining room:
Again, I didn't get pictures of the hats I made for the little ladies in attendance. But here is the special birthday girl one Amelia and I worked on together.
She loved wearing it before her party, but preferred to sport a headband on her big day.
The cake was a constant source of stress for me leading up to the party. I knew I wanted to attempt a castle cake, but I wasn't sure how to do it. Once I found one online and had a plan, I felt pretty good about it. That is, until I started talking to people who actually make cakes professionally. They mentioned things like dowel rods, cardboard cake plates in between layers, and making my own buttercream frosting.
After lots of thinking and worrying, I decided that my two goals in making the cake were 1) for it to remain standing at least until the candles were blown out and 2) for the frosting not to slide off of it before it was time to cut the cake. Luckily, both of these goals were met. It certainly wasn't perfect and it looked pretty amatuerish when I was finished, but I was pretty happy with the outcome. And the dowels, cardboard cake plates, and homemade buttercream frosting? Check, Check, and Check.
And best of all, my little girl...
LOVED it!
LOVED it!
As for entertainment, I had some just in case games in mind, but I really am uncomfortable running organized games with a bunch of mixed aged kids. I put a lot of stock in Amelia's little playhouse, sand/water table, and slide occupying the littlest guests. I also made a cardboard castle out of some extra moving boxes we had around. I kept them for an opportunity just like this!
I put some stickers, markers, and paint dobbers out for the kids (and adults) to decorate with and they did great! This is the only "after" picture I got, but the whole thing was decorated inside and out.
As for the guests themselves? So many came in princess attire. I wish I would have taken the time to snap pictures of each guest upon their arrival. I have never been to a party where so many people have outfit changes. Many people (mostly the adult women) dressed up in old prom/bridesmaid dresses and most people at least had on a crown.
Heck, even Henry got in the spirit!
And my mom? Oh, where do I start? She came over early to help with final preparations and next thing I know, she emerges from the bathroom as "Queen GG" and would answer to nothing else. Her outfit was complete with a GG staff, a "diamond" necklace, and a royal purple cape.
She outdid herself by volunteering to face paint during the party. It was a hit. I almost felt like I should have paid her or something. Almost.
The party went late into the night. After the majority of the guests had left, Amelia decided it was time to act out some of her favorite princess story lines. After Snow White, she decided to give The Little Mermaid a try. Somehow, she talked a whole slew of people into joining her on the floor as mermaid friends.
I think the big hit gift-wise was the princess make-up she received. I cannot tell you how close I am to throwing it in the trash, however. Just tonight, in fact, I heard her out of bed and went to check on her. I found her in our bathroom with a bright orange face and rosy cheeks made of lipstick. Yep, she had helped herself to mine (hers was up out of reach). Eeek!
I can't complain though, it was such a special day with family and friends. It's so hard to believe my little girl is four!
