(Plus 4 Tips For Simplifying A Party)
Abby is TWO!
However, let's back up. Steve (my husband) and I pulled together a girly little pink ice cream party with five hours of prep time - the absolute quickest party I've ever thrown!
Back Story
This was definitely done on purpose because we needed to be able to turn around four days later and head out of town for a long weekend (all three of us are in a wedding!!). So today I’m happy to give all of you a peak into a few quick details (as voted over in Instagram) and share four quick tips we did to simplify, and then simplify some more, without sacrificing the beauty of her pink ice cream theme party.
4 Key Things To Create A Simple Birthday Party
// 1 // Guest List:
Last year we invited our friends, neighbors, and family. But this year, we decide to cut down the guest list and just invite family. We LOVE our friends! But we needed to make this year’s theme and size a bit more manageable before jetting out of town.
// 2 // Self-Serve:
Having a party where your guests can pile up on the good stuff for themselves is not only fun, it’s preferred: it allows us more time to visit and actually enjoy the party. Last year we BBQ’d, in an attempt to make it easy on ourselves. But we found that taking orders, cooking, and serving everyone ate up 1/3 of our party time.
// 3 // Decorations:
As much as I love Pinterest, I love the savvy KISS method: Keep It Simple, Sally. Too many Pinterest details can quickly make your weeks leading up to an event all about crafting. So, I’ve become a major fan of balloons! Just ask Steve and he’ll tell you almost every occasion in our family involves him going to pick up balloons. They really add a bit of magic to the room. Plus, I just loved how our balloons from our party really filled up the space with beautiful colors.
// 4 // Details:
I picked three DIY projects and ended up doing four because of course, I would. 1) Welcome sign 2) ice cream garland 3) photo wall back drop and 4) ice cream balloon which I’ll share all about these very soon!
// 5 // Teamwork (BONUS!):
I’m very lucky to be a part of a great team (that thing we call marriage). Steve and I work hard to make sure we can get as much done the day before an event as possible. Truth bomb: you, he and I know I’m the main organizer and planner for all our parties, but we really work together to make sure things are getting checked off the list! Whoever your “team” is, treat them well. Give them compliments and remind them they are awesome! A little positivity can go a long way.
Ok, now as promised, a photo dump.
// The After Party //
By giving you a peak into Abby's 2nd Simple Birthday Party that you feel like you can still make a birthday party fun, beautiful and yet also time management friendly.