Charlotte’s Second Birthday: A Kite Party

Description

I created a kite party for Charlotte's second birthday in pale pinks, blues and yellows with touches of gold, using a combination of patterns and vintage touches.

Design Inspiration

Charlotte is a happy free spirit who loves life, and kites represent her personality perfectly. Once I found the custom kite-themed invitations from Party Box Design, I knew I had my theme, and I based the details around the design of the invitation.

Decorating Style

Clean, classic and elegant.

Project Details

I did the event design & styling - Kate of Peony Party Designs

DIY Projects:

Kite over dessert table - Created using foam board, four different patterns of scrapbook paper, wood "C," gold spray paint and ribbon from Michael's, based on the design of the invitation

Ribbon backdrop for dessert table - Created using ribbon from Michael's, based on this tutorial.

Kite garland for dessert table - Created using cardstock, paper straws and ribbon from Michael's, based loosely on this tutorial (I made my kites larger than instructed in the tutorial)

Gold cake stand - Created using a hat box purchased at HomeGoods which I spray painted gold, then glued a ribbon around and affixed rhinestone stickers, both from Michael's

Tissue paper flowers - Created using tissue paper from Michael's, based on prior experience and this tutorial

Flower arrangements (except for roses on dessert table) - Created using wildflowers I picked at a local farm (the roses were from Whole Foods)

Local Vendors:

Vegan, gluten-free cake - Custom made and decorated by my sister Elizabeth, with hand-made kites she made using this tutorial

French Macarons - Taste by Spellbound, Avon, CT

Photographer - Stacey Coleman Photography

Etsy:

Custom invitations, thank you notes, favor tags and water bottle labels - Party Box Design on Etsy

"Follow for your dreams" Charlotte print - Slade Studios on Etsy

Kite cookies (also cookies in the shape of Cs and 2s, inside favor bags, not pictured) - Cookie Cheers on Etsy

Charlotte pillow on highchair (borrowed from Charlotte's nursery) - Lucy's Pocket on Etsy

Burlap & lace table runners - Hot Cocoa Design on Etsy

Chains/Online:

Large photo frame for "Charlotte" kite print, all cake stands, gold tray for favors, table for bar - HomeGoods

Favor bags & clothespins, paper straws, round pink tags, gold C and 2 stickers, "Happy Birthday" tags on mason jars, washi tape on straws, white letters for TWO (which I spray painted gold), all ribbon and twine, gold spray paint, small white frames - Michael's

Milk bottles and ivory tablecloth for dessert table; all candles - IKEA

Paper plates, napkins, plastic forks, balloons, candy - Party City

Candy jars and flower vase on dessert table - Crate & Barrel

Charlotte's hat & bib, mason jars - Amazon.com

Charlotte's dress & hair bow - Janie & Jack

Pink polka dot curtains (borrowed from Charlotte's nursery) - Pottery Barn Kids

Mason jar drink dispensers, monogrammed galvanized buckets - Walmart

Pink pintuck tablecloth for gift table - efavormart.com

Favorite Items

The kite theme isn't too common, so I didn't find an abundance of other kite parties for inspiration. This was initially a challenge, but it ended up making the process more fun, because it stretched me to be creative.

Of all the items I designed and created, my favorite was the dessert table. I went back to the drawing board at least half a dozen times until I achieved exactly the look I was going for. I adored my sister's hand-made cake. It really gave the table a down-to-earth vibe...it was just so sweet, and meaningful.

Another special item was the high chair that my daughter used for the party. It has been in our family for five generations, and my mom found photos of herself and of me when we were little in the highchair, which I displayed beside the chair. This was a sweet, sentimental touch.

Advice

Create a board on Pinterest and look online for inspiration. Don't buy too much up-front (or, if you do, keep receipts!), as it has always been my experience that my vision for the party evolves as I delve more deeply into the planning stages. Keep in mind the person you're designing the party for. Whenever I started to get lost in the possibilities, I envisioned what would truly reflect my daughter and make her happy, and that kept me grounded. If possible, hire a professional photographer. This was a last-minute decision which was worth every penny. The photos I took - even with a very good camera - paled in comparison to the professional photos.

On the day of the party, play some good music and relax and have fun with your guests...they will enjoy your party if you do!