modern :: birthday party :: guide

Your little one is about to hit a milestone, another birthday is on it's way, and it's time for some party planning! There are two routes for birthday parties (I have done both).

Route 1: The Absolute Minimum approach. Blow up some balloons, wrap presents, invite friends & family, and buy a cake. This route is fantastic when you feel overwhelmed, are too busy to plan a party, or are 8 months preggo (as I was for my daughter's party last year).

And then there is Route 2: The Memorable approach. You'll plan, and plan. Put your heart into creating a memorable event. Add your special touch to everything you do: the cake, decorations, presents, games, goodies, even clothing! You will probably feel exhausted in the end, but you will have created an awesome event, and your child will love it.

If you have chosen route two, this party guide will hopefully be helpful for you as you begin planning...

photography by talena marie, organic tank by little lark ($15), headband from lylalous ($10-15), tiny prints

First things first, invitations! I suggest starting this process at least 6 weeks before the party. I love detail, especially personalized detail, which is why I use a professional photographer whenever I can. If you're in the Raleigh area of North Carolina, I suggest using http://www.talenamarie.com/. She is FANTASTIC & very reasonably priced. (If you are on an extremely tight budget, and can't afford a photographer, pull out the camera yourself, or check out Craigslist--you might just find an awesome photographer just getting started!) Personalized photo invites are always a big hit with the guests.

Talena created our personalized invites after our shoot with her, but if your photographer doesn't offer this service, I suggest checking out Tiny Prints. We've used this company for birth announcements, party invites, and Christmas cards in the past, and I have nothing but positive things to say about their products & service!

Invitations, check, now you can start thinking about decor, activities, and goodies! (the fun stuff)

1. Made by Mosey 2. Birthday Party Table Set 3. Mary Had a Little Party 4. Happy Birthday Candle Holders 5. Party Pom Poms

1. Poot and Boogie 2. Automoblox

2. Lyla Lous 3. Handmade soap tutorial by Little Birdie Secrets 4. Freckle Box

Finding the perfect presents should be the least of your worries when you've got us to help! Finding modern must haves is exactly what we do here! If you're shopping for a 3 year old girl, you're in luck! Here were my daughter's top favorite gifts:

1. simpli jessi 2. dante beatrix 3. green toys

GIFT TIME! I love adding my personal touch to gifts. For my daughter's presents, this year I used fabric scraps (which matched her party decor) to add the letter K (K for Katie) to her gift wrap. Kids who are learning to read or the letters of the alphabet will love this, especially if they know the first letter in their name!

When it's time to open gifts make sure you get a good seat, so you can watch her excitement. One of my biggest party regrets is getting so overwhelmed with guests that I miss out on my child's special moments. Your guests will be fine, enjoy yourself & take it all in!



shop the Zutano collection {here}

I like to make sure my kids have something spiffy to wear to all of their birthday parties. My latest party was obviously a costume party, however, when they weren't in their costumes, they were wearing their cute outfits I found over at Zutano. I love their bright, fun clothing--perfect for parties!

At the end of the day, you child's party is about one thing: your child's happiness. Take it all in, and enjoy the special day! ...oh, and congratulations! You've survived another year of parenthood.