We did it!! We celebrated Addie’s third birthday in major mermaid style. And I think all of the kids had as much fun as I did! All of the creative elements of the party came together just as I had envisioned and I think it was pretty darn amazing (am I allowed to say that?) We transformed our hot, weedy outdoor space into quite the beachy destination and I’m really excited to have that space to hang out in now that the party is over!! In fact, we were out there all day Sunday, and Graham and I even sneaked down there after the kids were in bed to have a glass of wine in the peaceful evening with our lantern candles flickering – bliss!
I have a lot I’d like to share about the party and some tutorials planned, but I’m going to just overload you with pictures today and then, when my brain functioning returns, I’ll post more of the details – assuming you’re interested, that is. It’s sort of a weird thing – this blogging gig – because I feel like I’m talking to you, but I don’t really have any clue if you’re interested…good with a little info….wanting more details or more pictures or tutorials or maybe just something else entirely? Such a guessing game, so speak up, I’m listening, okay?? Now… here’s a snapshot (or many) of the party:
My beautiful birthday mermaid! I think she looks pretty dreamy in her cute swimsuit and pettiskirt (full tutorial here) made by her mama.
Dining for mermaids and mermen – kid menu items included: goldfish, chips, watermelon, terriyaki chicken wings, and mac and cheese shells.
If you can’t have your mermaid party at the beach, you can have the beach delivered to you! I knew it would be cool to have a sand pile, but I didn’t anticipate just how much it would round out the beachy feel of the party. AND now my girls want to live outside covered in sand. They played pirates all day after the party and built a super cool “pirate ship” – see?
One of my favorite spaces for long term potential – this is across from our kiddie pool – great for hanging towels and admiring my – let’s call it whimsical – beachy art (get the beach art how-to here).
Homemade taffy. It’s not that the party needed homemade taffy, but how much fun is it to have a great excuse to give taffy-making a try?
The fabric banner found a nice place hanging above the seashell painting area. I kind of love this little seashell sign I painted up, but maybe not as much as I love this next sign….
I thought this would be a good spot for naughty children to have a time out. The Crab Shack – get it? sorry….I entertain myself with that kind of humor. Okay, moving on…
More candy on the dessert table – this is candy sea glass, candy making doesn’t get easier than this one! And I can’t get over how great raw sugar works as “sand.” Thank you, Pinterest, once again.
A zoomed out shot of the dessert table mostly set – I also had cupcakes out here, but they didn’t make it down from the house in time for their photo shoot. Do you recognize the dessert table?
And as long as we’re talking about dessert, let’s squeeze in some more yummy pictures of candy and cake. The candy seashells turned out pretty on top of that ocean-y cake, right?
I hear the cake was delicious – chocolate with rasberry filling and lemon with rasberry filling, frosted with swiss meringue buttercream. I’m not usually one for fads, but the ombre ruffles were a must for this cake!! (Full tutorial for the decorating the cake here.)
A pre-party picture of the cupcakes. I love those mermaid cupcake toppers!
Pillows are so simple to make – I whipped up a pile of them to cozy up the party space and add some extra color. (Read all about the pillows here.) I used remnants from the quilts I’m working on for the girls’ room so that the pillows are ready to accent their beds should I ever finish the quilts!!
And, finally, I even handed off the camera to get my picture taken with the birthday girl herself!!
Alright! Happy Monday everyone! It’s a new week, a new month, and I have just tossed my mermaid party to-do list in the trash. Checkity-check-check-check!! What are you working on?
Comments & Reviews
A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says
What a fantastic party! All of the details you put together are amazing! So so fun!
Jo-Anna
Colleen Barron says
I am amazed at your talent! Your attention to detail is incredible. Everything was just so precious and much more. Your daughters are blessed to have such a crafty, wonderful mom. I’m new to your blog but I’ve enjoyed it so much, I can’t wait for each new segment. Thanks for sharing!
Night Garden Design says
That cake is A. Mazing. I just popped over from CSI and spent 45 minutes lost in your blog. You’ve re-set the bar. 😉
Ginger ♥ Barnhill says
You are so dang creative! I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE this idea and when I saw the heading I thought “a mermaid party???” Only YOU could pull it off! Every thing looks wonderful but the treats look too gorgeous to eat!
I am still completely hung up on the circus party and am planing on doing that theme for my Lily’s 2nd birthday next May so I would LOVE to see anything else you have on that theme idea. I always borrow your ideas so keep up the amazing work!
tatiana says
me encanto la fiesta de sirenita y la foto tuya con tu niña hermosa
Lanie says
This was totally impressive! I am sorry to have missed such a fabulous party! Love the blues and greens.
Creations By Cindy says
What a lovely party! Love it all! Two beautiful ladies on here today! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Kelly says
Wow! So beautiful! I would love to see more pics and A pettiskirt tute would be amazing. And maybe if you would not mind, one for your signs. I would never have guessed that those did not come from Pottery Barn. The whole party looks beautiful! Thanks for posting! You are an amazing artist…I don’t suppose you would sell me that pillow with the mermaid on it?
kristin says
Oooooh buddy. This party is everything I dreamed it would be (from your previews) and more! I love every bit of it, and once again wish I lived nearby so Em and I could have come (crashed)! She would have freaked out at how amazing this all was, and I know I would’ve too. I want to know more about any little detail you care to post about, but especially how to make that pettiskirt! Also, you’re a pretty lady. Glad you showed your face. I know it’s rare but you should do some selfish sewing and surface more often (probably by the seashore). 🙂
zoeope says
Ha. Congrats. Beautiful party. Isn’t it nice when things go as planned. I would like a pettiskirt tutorial please, when you have the time. Regards.
Erin says
Stef! Harlie told me about a month ago that she wants an “Ariel” party for her birthday this year (November), so thanks for some great ideas! As always you pulled off a stunning party, and I love that beautiful photo of you and your girl. Happy Birthday Addie!
HandyManda says
Gorgeous, Wow!! My girl’s totally missing out in the whole themed party area…You’re a great Mum!
Joanna says
Really pretty as always stef. Contrary to Anne above, you actually look like I’ve always imagined! Young, slim and beautiful. I knew you must be as Olivia, grace and Addie are so pretty 🙂 tutorials would be great – I love seeing any and all photos too!
The Davis Family says
What an amazingly fun day!! Every detail, perfect!! And the cake!! YUMMY!!! You did it again, Stef!! Thanks for having us 🙂 xoxo
Carol Pack Urban says
OMG! Love it all!