“Swimsuits and Snowballs” – Ashley’s 4th Birthday Party

Description

I wanted to create my own spin on the very popular "winter wonderland" party theme for Ashley's 4th birthday party.

Design Inspiration

I loved incorporating some of Ashley's favorites.  From swimming and snowball fights to her favorite colors of turquoise and pink.  Once the theme was set, to the internet I went.  I searched "indoor pool party" and I was happy to find a similar theme from a blogger, 5 foot 12 Creations.  She inspired the invitation and several other little touches. Then I added some ideas of my own (Pinterest certainly helps get the creative juices flowing) to make it more unique. The clip art packs purchased from MyGrafico were essential in pulling the design together.

Decorating Style

I'm really more eclectic.  If I like it, it works.  I don't follow too many "design rules" and love mixing styles.  I love vintage pieces mixed in with trendy design.

Project Details

I gathered various design elements from different places.

The centerpieces for the tables were large metal bins (purchased at Michaels) with a balloon weight & balloons in the center of each.  Each bin was then filled with indoor snowballs.

The white shelf was a store fixture from a local shop that was going out of business.  It was originally green but a can of white spray paint gave it a fresh, new look.  Tablecloths and other party elements were purchased at a local party supply store.  Pink quatrefoil fabric purchased at Hobby Lobby.

The cupcakes were made by a local chef...they are to die for good!  I don't know what her secret is but her almond buttercream is the best I've ever had.  I designed the water bottle labels from the clip art packs and laminated them to prevent the ink from running.  Mardel has the cheapest laminating around.  At $.25 a foot, I laminated 54 labels for a dollar!

Since the party was in the afternoon, we oped for a snack instead of a meal.  A popcorn bar was just the right fit.  We filled each of medium sized metal bins with Kettle Corn and White Cheddar Popcorn.  Guests chose their favorite flavor and then added the toppings of their choice.

Her swimsuit, birthday shirt, bows, and pants are from The Boutique in Moore, OK.  Ashley does wonderful custom birthday sets.  The indoor snowballs came from there as well.  I used four, 40-pack indoor snowballs.  At the end of the party, each family received a large sack and the snowballs were divided up.  I loved how the snowballs doubled as party favors...let the fun continue after the party!

Favorite Items

By far my favorite item is the snowflake backdrop.  It consisted of 150-ish snowflakes thanks to my Cricut and a pack of white card stock.

However, the indoor snowball fight was a blast and a favorite too!  I loved how the adults had just as much fun as the kids.

Advice

Snowflake backdrop tip:  Make individual strands of snowflakes and place each strand in its own plastic bag for transport to the party spot.  Then hang one at a time.  These tangle in a snap so learn by our trial and error.

Opt for drinks with screw top lids.  Snowballs fly everywhere and you don't want to be cleaning up spills.  We removed the remnants of the popcorn bar as well just in case.