I love sharing party ideas with you because we all are looking for great ideas when planning birthday parties for our little ones—whether grandchildren or children. My daughter-in-law, Katie, planned an art theme this year for Amelia’s birthday party. The invitations were adorable and set the tone for a creative afternoon. Her foods were very innovative, and I loved the presentation. I love the way she labeled each item with a creative name to echo the party theme.
The mantel in their home was decorated with simple balloons in an ombré design. I loved the paint can at the end that spilled out crepe paper in bright colors. One of the cutest ideas was the paintbrushes made from Rice Krispies. She took wooden sticks and put them in one side and then dipped the treats in colored chocolates. The paint balls (cake balls) had stems that were inexpensive paintbrushes. And a simple plastic artist palette held the toppings for the cupcake each person created. I am not sure how many decorations got to the top of the cupcake, but it was a delightful time for creative little hands.
Gigi (me) got to make party hats while the girls picked out their favorite flowers. My mom found these wonderful hats at a dollar store and bought a dozen. These were such fun. I found silk flowers and cut them apart, tied a bow with tulle and ribbons, and glued the flowers on with a glue gun.
Dottie Smith at Edgar’s Bakery made the most wonderful cake for Amelia. An artist palette topped the cake, and each layer had brushes, tubes of paint, and art motifs all made from fondant. Hiding under that was a delicious four-layer white cake.
Katie set up painting stations outside where each child could be creative and paint their own canvas. I miss seeing children create, and this was a wonderful idea that brought out the creativity of these kids. That is my mission as a grandmother: to encourage Hays and Amelia to think and create. These little ones at the party certainly enjoyed being creative and went home, covered in paint and icing, wearing party hats. This was a perfect day.
How do you inspire creativity in your children and grandchildren?
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