Unicorn Birthday Party!

Eight is a magical age, deserving of a magical party.  My daughter picked unicorns for her birthday theme this year and it was too fun!

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We had no shortage of sparkles, darling friends, and enchantment.  I LOVE planning birthday celebrations for my children.

Today I'm sharing the details of this sweet party, broken down by category.

Decor

It was all kinds of pink, purple and sparkly for this party... too fun!  I found the little signs at Zulily and Prep Obsessed.

I picked up the little unicorn cake plates at Walmart.

I adore these floral arrangments from Costco.  For $19.99, they are beautiful and easy!

I always do custom napkins for my kids' birthday parties.

Unicorns everywhere!

Food and Drink

The party took place after lunch time, so we just did some simple snacks, lemonade, and of course birthday cake.

I found the napkins at Homegoods and the plates at Target.

The cake is from Sugar Bakeshop in Denver and was absolutely gorgeous.  It was vanilla with caramel filling and so delicious!

These unicorn straws make me so happy!

Activities

We had about two dozen kids for this party so I had several activities to keep them entertained.  Of course we HAD to have a unicorn bounce house!

These little unicorn wand kits are from Oriental Trading and proved to be an enjoyable craft.

Second grade girls LOVE to color, so I found this free image on Pinterest and we printed them on cardstock.

Favors

I've learned to keep party favors simple because no one likes their kid coming home with a bag full of tons of tiny junk.  Am I right?!?

When the guests walked in they could choose a unicorn horn.

Each child left with a favor bag holding a little plush unicorn and either a pen or necklace.

I found the custom labels here.

It's always a joy to choose and birthday theme with my children and plan their parties.  When else in life can you wear a unicorn headband and eat cake?

I hope you have a magical day!

My Top Five Entertaining Essentials

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My husband and I love to entertain, whether it's just a couple of friends or packing our entire house for a Christmas party.  While I have lots of dishes, serving platters, glasses, etc... there are a few items I seem to pull out every single time I open my door to guests.  I'm sharing them with you today along with several links to options you can add to your entertaining arsenal.  These things make life easier, and they get plenty of use!

Beverage Dispensers

I am ALL ABOUT setting up a self-serve situation when I entertain.  Sure, you can grab drinks for the first few who walk in the door, but then conversations start, more guests arrive, and it's too much to keep up with.  Beverage dispensers allow you to put out plenty of water, tea or any other beverage and your guests can help themselves.  Even if you hand out the first round, the dispenser allows easy refills for everyone.  These even work for kid parties.  Here are some cute, go-with-everything, affordable options...

Single-Cup Coffee Maker

If you aren't on the Keurig train yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?  I always say the Keurig and gel manicures are two of the great inventions of our time.  Even if you aren't a big coffee drinker, you will want one for guests.  Like for example if I'm coming over.  Ha!  It allows guests to choose between regular and decaf without waste, not to mention the option of flavored coffee.  Having a coffee setup with all the essentials is so inviting and encourages guests to linger after dinner for more conversation.  Be sure to have lots of K-cups, creamer, and sugar options out.

Basic White Dishes

I have many, many sets of these plates.  As in, if I told you how many you might turn me in to the show Hoarders.  They are inexpensive, durable, and versatile.  You can't go wrong with a great set of white plates.  (Of course you will dress them up with fun food, napkins, and decor!)

Big White Platter

I can't tell you how often I use my big, white platter.  As much as I love colorful, seasonal serving pieces... the big white one always ends up in the mix.  You can use it to serve the entree, an appetizer assortment, or dessert arrangement.  It's also the one I reach for the most when I'm taking food somewhere else. 

Ice Bucket

Many years ago I got on a kick and bought several different ice buckets.  I have copper, red, silver, lime green, pink, and black with white polka dots.  I was just telling my husband how that random color combination means at least one will match whatever I'm doing.  You can be more practical and just get a neutral one, of course.  The ice bucket also plays into the self-serve idea.  No need to use the noisy fridge ice maker in front of guests.  I prefer them to have lids to prevent melting.

These are my must-have items for entertaining.  Whether you're just having neighbors to dinner or throwing a big wedding shower, stock up on the essentials and you'll find you use them over and over again.  Happy hosting!

Be a Gracious Holiday Guest: How to Get Invited Back Next Year

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I absolutely love checking the mail each day (I really do), but this time of year is the BEST.  That's when Christmas cards fill the mailbox along with invitations to celebrate the season.  Now that the parties are starting to fill our calendars, it's a good time to brush up on how to be a good guest.   I've hosted events at my home for anywhere from 3 to 100 people... am I'm here to offer my advice on how to be the ultimate party guest from a host's perspective.

R.S.V.P.

This is the most obvious one on the list, but I couldn't leave it out.  Do your best to respond early and stick with that response.  As a host, it's much more fun to hear from people who eagerly accept right when the invitation arrives than to get, "oh by the way I'll be there tomorrow" or "ya, we're not going to make it" at the last minute.  Sure, things can always come up, but a gracious guest enthusiastically responds at the first opportunity.

Get Excited

When you show up, be excited to be there.  Pretend if you have to... or pound an espresso on the way over if you're tired.  Ha!  As a host, it's always nice to have guests who are eager to participate in whatever is planned.  A dumb party game?  Jump in and have fun with it.  Singing cheesy Christmas carols?  Belt them out as loud as you can.  A girls' party with a craft and you're not the most crafty?  Do your best and just enjoy it.  Hosts who put thought into activities love guests who are excited to participate.  So, don't be too cool or too awkward to be a part of the fun.

Bring a Hostess Gift

Now, I never expect a guest to bring me anything.  However, I love to bring hostess gifts wherever I go.  Who doesn't love a little treat?  Especially after doing all the work to throw a party.  My hostess gifts are always inexpensive, but wrapped and presented in a festive way.  Here are some ideas from my absolute favorite place to shop for these, Swoozies.  These are all under $20... most are under $10.

TEA TOWEL // SPREADER // NAPKINS // PLATE // PILLOW // TEA TOWEL // NAPKIN RINGS // GUEST TOWELS // COASTERS

Be sure to add a gift tag or card so that the host knows who it's from.  Hostess gifts are often piled on a side table and left until the end of the night.  Your host will want to know who was so thoughtful.

Timing is Everything

Be on time.  It's okay to be fashionably late, but don't push it... and for the love of tinsel don't be early!  At the end of the party, if pretty much everyone has departed, you should take the cue and make your exit too.  Don't linger too long.

Eat the Food

This sounds silly, but have you ever spent hours getting food ready, timing it perfectly so it's hot right as guests arrive, but then had to spend half an hour convincing your guests to grab a plate?  Don't be shy.  Jump in and enjoy what your host has cooked up (or catered) because it's for you!

Mix and Mingle

The hostess can't talk to everyone at once.  It always makes me so happy to see guests introduce themselves to one another and start conversations.  I love how Lysa Tekeurest's book Uninvited talks about using social settings as opportunities to look for those who are on the outskirts, sitting alone, and make them feel included.  Instead of wondering who is going to talk to you, look around and see who needs a friend.  It's always a good idea to come with a few funny stories (funny, not complaints about some "terrible" thing that happened to you) in your back pocket to use as conversation starters.

Do a Clean Sweep

I also would NEVER ask my guests to clean anything.  In fact, if I do spot a guest cleaning up I tell them to stop.  BUT, to my point above, if you're feeling awkward or don't know who to talk to, find something to do.  Take a stack of plates to the kitchen.   Pass out cake.  Go around and see who needs more coffee.  It's a great way to busy yourself if group settings aren't your favorite and it helps the host.  Have you ever had a bunch of kids over and when they leave you realized someone picked up all the toys?  It's as refreshing as a day at the spa.  

Dress to Impress

My theory is that it's always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.  A guest who shows up looking their best is excited to be there.  (See above.)  In the past, we've thrown big Christmas parties and noted "festive attire" on the invitations.  Guests who show up in a sparkly dress, crazy Christmas sweater, or wearing a Santa hat are my favorite.  Never miss an opportunity to dress up.  Even if it's a casual get-together, look your best.

Follow Up

The next day, or even on your way home, let your host know how much you enjoyed the party.  A handwritten thank-you note is always appreciated.  I also love using the Red Stamp app to send a fun text message to say "Thank you for having me!”

Follow these tips you're sure to be on the guest list for years to come!