My daughter (as I mentioned before here) just turned four. Everyone tells you how fast the time goes when your children are small and it's true. She's my first, my girl, my little love. My son is two, and of course he also has his own special little corner in my heart. My daughter is not a pretty-pink-princess gal, but she's also not a total sporty tomboy (sorry if you hate that word) either. Rather than dolls, she loves her stuffed animals, "pretend kitties" as she calls them. She loves them so much that she's started to toss cat food into the shopping cart when I'm not looking. She also loves horses (not that she's ever ridden one), so much so that she wants everything in her life to somehow involve horses--so of course her birthday party was a cowgirl "theme." We had the party at Bear Mountain State Park, a very special place about an hour North of NYC. We visit the park all of the time in all seasons--swimming in summer, visiting the outdoor zoo in fall, sledding in the wintertime, and of course, the real reason for our frequent visits--the indoor carousel. My kids ride that carousel about a dozen times whenever we visit. I guess you could say we're regulars.
I tried to keep it simple (as would any sane mother of a 2 and 4 year old whose birthdays are two weeks apart). As I mentioned last week, we've all been sick--a lot. Which means not much time for the pre-planning.
First, I sent this invitation (via Pingg.)
Then (the day before the party) I went to Michael's (with both of my kids) and came up with the decor and party favors...We gave all of the kids little canvas bags each with a fabric pen (non-toxic) and a handkerchief (they picked which color they wanted). I also got some wooden popsicle sticks, cut[out horses and stuck them in the bags--I figured the kids could have fun painting those too and they would serve as decor at the party.
I made a banner with extra handkerchiefs, and a Happy Birthday garland with twine.
We made cupcakes (frosted them on-site--which makes transporting them so much easier)
And that was about it. Planning a four year daughter's birthday party doesn't need to be complicated to be cute and fun. My philosophy about simple entertaining ideas is that it doesn't need to look like it was easy to be easy. I work with the props I already have, which tend to be colors that I can work with in many different ways. When choosing the right location for your event you might try to find a place that has some design elements you already like, that way you don't need to go overboard with decor. This is just one example of how I try to think "holistically" about where I make my consumer decisions. I don't try to be too extreme about making eco-friendly choices but I do try to always be a conscious consumer. This is why I don't really think of myself as a typical eco-friendly advocate because quite often the style choices I make aren't what most people would consider to be super-green. For me it's most important to be mindful first, and then do what works in the context of my life. We all need to make our own decisions and own it--and not let anyone make you feel like you're doing something wrong because there is no right and wrong. Just remember that.
Here's a rundown of my party-planning approach:
1. We held the birthday party at a State Park, so our money went to support a place that provides recreation and fun for anyone and everyone.
2. I requested that no napkins, paper plates, utensils etc be provided by the venue...we served pizza and juice (we did have juice boxes and our own eco-friendly napkins). So the juice boxes aren't so green--but the alternative would have been Soda...
3. I tried to create a favor that would be used by the kids rather than thrown away. I find my children love little bags--for carrying toy cars, mini-horses etc. I made an effort to pick non-toxic paint pens.
4. We made the cupcakes at home...from a box...because I'd already made a birthday cake earlier in the week. I was wiped out. So, not such a green decision, but then again no plates or plastic utensils needed...plus they were delicious.
5. We sent birthday party e-vites, so no paper wasted there.
6. We chose a place that had a couple of different things to do--the carousel, an ice rink, lots of places to walk around and explore. Our state parks are precious--so we need to use them, enjoy them, and support them.
I think that's about all, but if I think of anything else I'll add it. Do you have any cute and simple kids party ideas you'd like to share with me here on Good with Style? If so, I'd love to hear about them.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
XO
Emily
