Our darling Badoo turns three tomorrow and yesterday was her first ever ‘big’ birthday party. While I admit that I’m a little pinked-out, her choice of a ‘pink’ party was really a match made in heaven for me.
Dear readers, forgive me the lengthy details, but this is one party I want to remember… I’ll understand if you skim read!
‘Pink’ is such a creative yet easy theme to decorate for. I like to make my own decorations, but I don’t like spending a lot of money to do so. I prefer to spend party money on little extravagances like entertainers or monsters or costumes.
So I had a ball creating a pink fairyland scene that cost me virtually nothing.
I used a Martha Stewart tutorial to make the flowers which used paper bags but I wanted a gingham effect and couldn’t source any bags. So, I just colour printed decorative paper, folded the sides in and stuck them together with sticky-tape (like a tube), made the necessary gusset folds on the sides and, voila! Once I had my own ‘bags’, I then just did what Martha told me. The best bit was that by making my own bags I could make different shaped flowers by changing the size of the folds I made.
I even made pockets for the cushions on our daybeds, just so they could be part of the theme. Now, I think we all know by now that I’m a bit of a control freak, so being ‘part of the theme’ is pretty much essential. The aesthetician (aesthelete!?) in me loves to style and plan parties down to the sweet detail and it’s all I can do not to shout ‘places everyone!’ when party time comes around. My family is very patient with me.
So, even though I can’t sew to save myself, I was absolutely determined to cover the blue cushions on my daybeds pink. So I made ‘pockets’ and pockets only require a straight stitch down two sides. I would have Buckleys of doing a zip or button or anything fancy like that.
I then used the left-over fabric and pinking shears to make the pretty ‘bow’ garlands. The fairy bunting is just paper cut outs stapled onto pink bias-binding that I bought for $2 at the $2 shop (!).
It’s difficult to know whether to make ‘party day’ the day that you do all the celebrating, or hold off to do more on the child’s actual birthday. At our place, we just make party day the day and so the Badoo started the morning off with a ‘happy birthday’ and a pile of presents from her family. Spurred on by the fun of gift-giving, all morning Cappers and Maxi-Taxi were making her little drawings and things as ‘extra presents’ – do your children do that too?In the pic above, the Badoo is wearing a t-shirt that my bloggy friend Kasia custom made for her after I won a giveaway on her blog. The shirt is the softest cotton you can imagine and the Badoo was very proud of herself in her ‘3’ shirt. Great birthday gift for any little one, don’t you think?
When it was party time, two sweet fairies arrived to take the children on a magical journey to fairyland. It was a relief not to be ‘the show’ for this party – all the games and entertaining was done by the fairies. They were picture-perfect and absolutely wonderful with the children.
We used Fairy Crystal and Friends and I’m giving Christina a shout-out because we also used her fairies for Cappers’ third birthday (it’s become a tradition for our girls – thank goodness I only have the 2!). Christina has delivered a creative, magical experience both times now. I hope you understand what I mean when I say that aside from their skills at keeping sugar-hyped children amused for hours, the wholesome prettiness and quality presentation of the fairy is absolutely essential in these matters and Christina’s fairies are stunning down to the very last detail. They were captivating, even for us grown-ups.
They limboed and danced and blew bubbles and sang and told stories and face painted and passed a parcel… even the older boys were mesmerised (although they claimed to be above it all, they actually didn’t leave the fairies’ sides all day).
The pink themed food was so much fun to make. Generally party food gets the better of me because I don’t plan ahead. But this time, with my newly donated extra fridge and freezer space (thanks Gran and Pops!), I was on Easy Street. The Badoo and I baked everything over the past couple of Wednesdays (my day off from work) and froze them ready to be iced. I can’t believe what a difference that made to the smoothness of the day and the quality of the cakes didn’t seem to be compromised.
Coconut ice, pretty cupcakes with a variety of toppings, little choc-dipped wands, rosy meringues and lurid pink cake pops which were a huge lurid pink mess and I swear I am never making the darn things again.
We made ‘pink milk’ and poured it into Yoga bottles that I’d removed the labels from (canny eyes will recognise that these are the same ‘butter beer’ bottles from the Harry party!). Soaking bottles in hot water with a bit of eucalyptus oil makes the job quick and easy. I then just use plain old UHU blue to glue on the labels. To keep track of the drinks, I made name labels by cutting a heart shape out of left-over bunting paper and making two cuts for the straw to slide through.
After scrapping plans to make a Peppa Pig cake (beyond me, I’m no baker!), I just made a standard cake and used the sleight-of-hand of marshmallowy goodness to fool everyone into thinking it was fancy. The pretty little flowers were in the cake aisle at Woolies – who knew? It was a huge hit and absolutely no trouble.
All in all, that wonderful little Badoo and all her friends had a fantastic day and her Mumma did too. Happy Pink Party to us and Happy Birthday my sweetheart!
May your year ahead be cherished one and may you continue to be that certain cheeky, loving handful that we admire so much.
– The (very pink) end –
♥
If you’re keen, here are some other parties I’ve gone mental over:
PinkPatentMaryJanes says
Oh wow, I’m all teary – what a beautiful, beautiful party. Can you adopt me?
mrs c. says
your decorations were amazing. absolutely gorgeous. looks like it was a great party. xox
deux chiens et un garcon says
All soft and pretty and floaty.
xx
PaisleyJade says
How sweet! What a stunningly beautiful party – and that cake is so amazing!!
amberlee says
Love, love , LOVE all the pink you made. I have great memories of the birthday parties my ma went over the top with.
Diminishing Lucy says
She is divine. Your partiy efforts are utterly amazing – I dare not show this to Lexie – she would feel greatly short-changed! (Although your crake creation is so very similar to the one I made for her last year – the marshmallow is a lovely handy thing!)
Mammamusing says
Absolutely gorgeous!
I love all the hand crafted decorations.
Naturally Carol says
That was the very prettiest of pink parties! Happy Birthday to Badoo..and congratulations Maxabella..top marks for pink fun!
Kellie says
Oh my goodness that is the pinkest pink party I’ve ever seen! You did a fantastic job!
I love the look of that marshmallow cake too, if only they made blue marshmallows I could make it for my little boy’s first birthday next month!
x
Mrs Woog says
Holy shit you are clever! Well done x
Daisy, Roo and Two says
GORGEOUS!!! Great job with the pink party! I’m really impressed! Just a beautiful party!
IAMJOROSS says
Gorgeous Cake… Congrats for having a blast party 😀
x S.K.K x says
What a gorgeous party! I wish I could have a pink party! I LOVE the day beds! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your little pink princess xxx
emma @ frog, goose and bear says
I LOVE it! So special – all of it! They all look like they had so much fun. Of course I had to read every little detail. No skimming over from me! I love that you covered the cushions I would SO do the same thing! It looks so very magical and now I am wishing that we didn’t have a pink party for Frog’s first birthday, because the girl is obsessed with pink and she would absolutely love it!!
InkPaperPen says
Bookmarking this post. I have boys but you never know when the need for a pink party may emerge. I am normally not a pink lover but I would love to be invited to a party like this, it looks very sweet and pretty – no overkill in sight! Your children look very happy in those snaps – and no wonder they are with a Mumma like yourself. Gill xo
Mum on the Run says
Oohh – the details. LOVE the details.
I am a ‘theme fiend’.
Fantastic job.
Thank you for your inspiration.
What a super lovely party and a lucky birthday girl.
Hope you’ve rewarded yourself with something bubbly – and pink!
🙂
Felicity says
Ah-mazing!
xx F
Shelley @ My Shoebox Life says
Oh I love. I didn’t skim, I read and savoured every detail of the party. Just beautiful. xx
Simoney says
We are aprty twins, you just don’t know it yet.
I lapped up EVERY detail of this beautiful party and found ONE MORE REASON to make your blog a favourite.
I am a party nut, and its so lovely to find others like me out there.
Absolutely STUNNING gorgeous sweet and perfect.
That cake!! My kind of cake. Simple but FAB. Makes everybody ooh and ahh but it doesn’t make you want to throw it across the room while you sweat over it and mutter curse words.
Best thing – ENJOYING the party on the day, and really being able to celebrate with your special little one; instead of doing headless chook imitations.
LOVED IT.
You know I have a party linky, open year round…? Would LOVE you to link this up (and any other parties you’ve done)
♥
Simoney says
darn it that was meant to say PARTY twins.
Now you’re thinkinking what the heck is an aprty twin??
Kim H says
How gorgeous! You are so clever! Badoo would have been out of her mind with this most special pink party.
Inspirational!
xx
Leah says
What a lovely party – and look how crafty you are!
ms. freelancer says
so pretty and cuttie and cuddly, magical, fantastic…what else can i say? =)
zigsma says
SO cute! Excellent work!!
Aakriti says
heartiest Congratulations Maxabella….ur girl is shooo cute and pretty and wow…just wow…it seemed like a perfect birthday party….u did sooo much…the cake is faaab!!looks like done by some professional…in fact every single thing:) the cupcakes, the invites, the bottles with their cute tags:) wow..how creative u are..wish I do all this when I grow up, for my kids too:)
Claire Chadwick @ Scissors Paper Rock says
Ooooh I love every little detail! Looks like so much fun! You did an awesome job! xo
Toni says
Hmm. Can I hire you for my birthday in September??? cos that was AWESOME!
Renee says
Oh wow – a party fit for a princess! What a fabulous theme – I loved every bit of it – especially that cake – absolutely my kind of cake!!!
Megan says
absolutely gorgeous! loved all the pics, what a lucky girl
Amy says
What an absolutely awesome, fab party. I bet the Badoo was impressed. I see the cakepops made a comeback.
Everything looks gorgeous.
TammyJ says
We partied today too but not in your lovely pink style, a bit of home made goodness never goes astray.
Lou says
Oh my – what a fantastic party you had. I am insanely jealous of the effort that you put in to ensure that everything went really smoothly. My party efforts go as far as lighting the BBQ and letting the boys and their friends lose in the garden to do what boys want to do – usually football or something..Mind you my youngest is 12 now, so they don’t really want a proper party anymore!
I really love those bag flowers – I may have to look them up because they would be fab to do at work for the children at nursery.
Winderfully entertaining post as usual
Alicia says
WOW! What a gorgeous party!
Emma says
What a fabulous party! You put so much thought into every little detail, I am so impressed! Happy Birthday to the Badoo! We used Pirate Peacock from Fairy Crystal last year for the Captain’s birthday and I was thrilled with how fantastic he was. Anyone looking for a boy entertainer, he is brilliant and Christina is lovely and very helpful. I am hoping we can convince him to be a Jedi knight this year! x
supermac says
Oh, this is something you don’t just skim over. This is one post you absolutely devour in all its goodness. I am bookmarking this for future party celebrations. It is absolutely delightful.
Jess says
Wow. Wow. Wow!! What a wonderful party. I love that you have put so much thought in to every little aspect. And you are so right about the importance of impeccable fairies. We ‘invited’ a fairy to Izzy’s 1st bday and she looked like she had come straight from a night out partying…. we called her the crack fairy in the end! Had to laugh 🙂 The fairies in your photos look like they flew straight from fairyland xx
MultipleMum says
All those snaps came together so well. Good for you! It was like being inside some fairy floss for a couple of hours – all pink and sugary! The boys and the Minx had a ball!!!! Thanks for having us x
LionessLady says
For a self confessed non crafty lady, you are one clever poppet! Love your ‘pink’ theme! Favourite photo – the fairies leaving at the end! I am praying the car runs out of petrol so that they have to get out in that get up in public.
Well done clever clogs :-).
Jane says
You’ve outdone yourself, Bron. Plaudits to you, my friend. I’m bookmarking this one for a certain Miss India’s 4th birthday party in December. Oh, and you are an ‘aesthete’, BTW! J x
Suzi says
You are the coolest mum in the whole world, you knw that, right? I’m so stealing that idea for The Princess one day.
Wow, perfect!
Kymmie says
So, I just luuuurve your party posts (and don’t skim over a thing!). Because you do parties so very well! No details left unturned. I must say that the pink party is such a gorgeous theme (as it that cake!) and I love even more that it was all planned ahead with not as much trouble on the day. Being a fellow control freak (we control freaks must stick together), I’m a fan of pre-baking and then not stressing on the day. There’s enough to think about besides the cooking! But what fun! This is a party that The Badoo is going to remember forever! xx
Suz @ Segovia and The I Love You Song says
Just gorgeous 🙂
Catherine says
Happy pretty in pink Badoo! What a wonderful day you had and what a super clever and lovely mummy you have. It looks great and very pink!!! We love pink here:) xo
Posie Patchwork says
Adorable & how sweet are those fairies, the grown up ones. She looks tickled pink & hello, pink gingham, LOVE!! Oh your baby is 3, where did they all go?? Love Posie
Tara @ Mum-ments says
Stunning! Love it you did such an amazing job!
and all the kiddies look liked they were having a ball
well done mumma
x
Kate says
Looks so pink-a-licious. Great job.
When my 7 year old turned three she desperately wanted a poo party. A poo party!! Can you imagine.
It took us until three days before to talk her down and we ended up with a dotty party. We dressed in polka dots but by that time I was also going dotty myself.
Abbie says
You did a great job! The look on your daughter says it all.
Making all that you did worth it.
Having that extra fridge does make a difference.
I love the wings on the little girls.
Salamander says
Oh! How adorable is the Badoo??? And how wonderful are you?? It looks like my ultimate dream party – and I’m afraid I will now have to recreate it for Phoebe’s fourth birthday in September. So how do you make those Martha Stewart flower doo-dads?? I need you to come to my house!!!!! (And PS. thanks for your comment love yesterday. Much needed, much appreciated xxxxx)
Mama of 2 boys says
Wunderbar! I can’t say much more. What a beautiful read, thank you for sharing all the pretty pink detail. I love it! You’re a top Mumma Maxabella :o)
P.S. Gorgeous photos!
m.e (Cathie) says
oohh my goodness!! I have died and gone to pink heaven.
what a fabulous, fabulous pink party you created.
of course you want to remember it.
well done Ms Maxabella, you definitely need a drink or 2 of something pink..(and alcoholic)
♥
jody says
so so sweet! you did an amazing job, everything looked fabulous! Glad you all had a great day. xx
Beth Ann says
What a wonderful and fun looking party. I’m so jealous of your beautiful and creative ideas and decorations for that too cute party.
Jodie Ansted says
PERFECT!
Just absolutely gorgeous, hon. You are such a clever, clever chooky.
Pretty in pink… Happy Birthday to your gorgeous gal.
xxx
Life In A Pink Fibro says
Love it. You’re nuts, but I love you for it. And I want you to throw my next birthday party. Happy Birthday Badoo! I’m calling tomorrow to extend the birthday fun. x
Denwise aka Denyse Whelan says
Perfect
Pink
Party
Planned
Pleased
People
Particularly
One 3 year old & her happy & clever Mama!
You are the PARTY princess!! Xx
Betsy says
I’m so impressed. So many lovely details. Perfect!
Miss Mandy says
that is gorgeous, and I can only imagine how impressed your daughter was. What great memories she’ll have.
Amie says
oh how lovely. love how you managed to decorate without blowing the budget.
Please Do Not Feed The Animals. says
So inspiring! What a wonderful party to have memories of (and beautiful photographs)! Just gorgeous.
Jane says
What a perfectly pink party! I’m so impressed with the attention to details – all the decorations and even the day bed pillows?! That’s dedication!
Great photos, which I’m the Badoo will look back on with very fond memories when she’s older xxx
Michelle says
Beautiful, and she looks so happy. Would you Like to come and style the high tar we are having for the big girl in two weeks. Have the menu planned, but no stunnng decorations.
Jodi @ The Scribble Den says
Wow! What a gorgeous party. You have missed your calling – party planner extraordinaire!
E. says
That is awesome.
Donna says
Speechless! If you are not, or have no entertained the thought of being a party planner THEN DO IT NOW! Fab, fab, fab post and happy birthday to the Badoo!
vanessawith3 says
My girls are 10 and 12 and already I miss the pink, fairy parties. Yours looked fabulous! I had a chuckle at your bossiness – I am totally the same! My family are well trained to do as I say! They know the end result is always fabulous.
Paula says
What a darling little girl, and what a beautiful party!
Kamika says
Ahhhhhhhdorable!!!!!!! I cant wait until my baby Claire is old enough for me to throw her pink fairy parties too! You did a GREAT job, what a creative momma you are!
Georgie says
Goodness gracious me, I’ve never seen so much pink in my life and I live with three little girls! A success I would say! gxo
Miss Pink says
I love it!
And you’d be a killer for a party planning business. Want to come plan mine in October? Please?
Lene says
Amazing! Just amazing! I wish you were my Mum!
Lauren says
wowzers…that definitely is a pink party! the cake is fantastic…actually it’s all wonderful!
Glen Staples says
I want fairies at my next birthday
Alison @ MelbourneMumma says
I see I’m quite late to add a comment but nonetheless…what an effort! Beautiful, effective decorations, and your little girl is adorable. Well done!
Rebekah says
Wow!!
I oohed and ahhed all the way through the pictures haha!
I have boys so the idea of a pink party is just so pretty and sweet for me. And you certainly pulled it off my love.
Everything looked amazing and your little girl is just the sweetest. I bet she loved her party.
Cathy says
wow, what a super duper pink party! just gorgeous – love how you coordinated everything!
1000 Homes of Happiness says
Holy moly! Look at all that pink! My little ladies would be in heaven. Clever Mumma, that party will be longed remembered by the look of your pictures.
Lovely xx
babygalah says
LOVE this post ! What a beautiful party !
How can you say that you are not creative ??? I love every single detail.
Hope you loved it as much as your little girl x
Sannah says
Picture perfect – I am so impressed and in awe!!
Megan.K. says
This is just fantastic – what an explosion of pink!! Good thinking re: bringing in the fairies for entertainment.
Happy birthday to your gorgeous girl.
Looks like she had a great time, hope you did too!
xo
Heather says
Stop it….that is unbelievable!! I am in love with that fabulously pink fairy princess party. What an amazing and clever mumma you are! xxx
greta @ topography says
Wow, such gorgeousness, I love all of it, especially the big flowers, the pink milk and the cake. Just lovely 🙂
michelle says
so pink, so sweet, love it all. happy birthday miss pink
Kylie says
OMG, I love it! I’m on pink overload but I think it’s just fabulous 🙂 Glad the day went well and happy birthday to your little one 🙂 K
sassandspice says
Perfect party! You went through so much effort – Well done! I love the pink flowers…I might attempt them myself!
The Beetle Shack says
and the mum of the year award goes to… YOU!! how beautiful.
xo em
Seaweed and Raine says
Pretty and pink. You put a lot of effort into it and the results were amazing! 🙂
Well done!!!
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