Valentine Birthday Party

For my birthday this year, I decided to go with the Valentines Day theme.  My actual birthday is the day before Valentines, so I'm used to having lots of red & pink around.  When I was a kid I used to have a heart shaped cake every year.  As I got older, I grew tired of the pretty pink theme. It's been a good 15-20 years since I've had a heart birthday. I thought it was time for a throw back little girl valentine birthday party.  I think that means I'm feeling old and nostalgic...

The Decorations:

I love balloons. I don't know what it is about a balloon, but they make me really happy. Anything that comes in a bouquet makes you fell special.

I added a few Valentine decorations throughout the kitchen. The plates, heart bowls, mushroom s&p shakers and glass decor were all previously given to me as gifts. Spoiled!

I put my cricket paper cutter to good use again for this party.

I got this idea from a local scrapbook store.

I used the same double heart idea to hang staggering hearts above the treat table. I added a few glass & pearl beads to the string.

I found these cute X"O"'s at a craft store. I traced them onto scrapbook paper and then cut them out. Using Modge Podge I glued the paper to the wood shapes. Once they dried I added glitter glue around the edges. Once that dried I added flowers and leaves to the heart shaped "O"s. (Okay, my mom added the flowers and leaves)

The Activity:

If you've followed my blog for very long, you know that I am a big believer in having an activity at a birthday party. It gives your guests something to do and encourages them to mingle and have conversations. Especially if you have guests that don't know each other very well, or at all. It helps everyone feel involved and included in the party. It also gives them something to take home, a sort of gift from the host.

This string art idea came from this blog.  She did hers on a giant scale. We did these on much smaller blocks.  I bought wooden boards at the craft store that were 6x36 inches and then my husband cut them into nice 6x6 blocks.

I used modge podge to glue the scrapbook paper to the boards. Once they were dry, Sydney and I hammered very small nails in a heart shaped pattern.  When the guests arrived to the party, they picked out a board and a floss color. 

We all sat around the table and strung these cute hearts. Click here to see a tutorial.

The Treat Table:

Some treats I made, some treats were brought by my guests. Thanks Syd, Rachel & Laura!

Chocolate Dipped Heart Marshmallows: I bought a bag of heart marshmallows, melted some pink candy melts, dipped the tops, sprinkled with sprinkles, let dry on parchment paper, then added a sucker stick and small ribbon.  Easy Peasy.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Heart Cookies: Make your favorite peanut butter cookie dough (I used one of those pre-mix packages from the grocery store...shhhh), once they have baked and cooled a little bit, place a dove chocolate heart in the center.  Don't put the chocolate in when they are still hot, the chocolate will melt. Don't wait too long or they won't stay. My child could eat all of these in one sitting.

Heart Sugar Cookie Sandwiches: Make your favorite sugar cookie dough (or use the pre-made dough), roll out the dough, cut into circles and bake.  Once they come out of the oven, use a small heart shape cookie cutter and cut the center out of half the circles. Spread your favorite frosting on the whole circles, top with the heart cut center, add sprinkles.

Shirley's Heart Sugar Cookies: Purchase these at your local bakery.  If you are lucky enough to live close to a Shirley's...buy them there, and get some raspberry sweet rolls while you are there, you won't regret!

Cupcake Chic Cupcakes: I really wish I could tell you I made these cupcakes. They were adorable and delicious.

Valentine Chex Mix: Melt 5 oz of white candy melts, pour over 3 cups chex mix. Gently stir until coated. Sprinkle with powdered sugar until coated.  Melt 5 oz pink or red candy melts, pour over 3 cups chex mix. Gently stir until coated. Sprinkle with strawberry cake mix until coated.  Spread mini pretzels on a parchment paper. Drizzle melted candy melts over the top of them. Add sprinkles before they dry. Put everything in a bowl with valentine m&ms. Delicious.

You might notice I used the same red & white polk-a-dot scalloped table runner I made for my party last year. (I also used it at the Mario Party for my son)  If I had realized how much I would be able to use the runner, I might not have complained so much as I tried to press out all those scalloped edges.  This year I just laid down some pretty lace with it, amazing how much a little lace can change the look of the table.

Thanks again to all my party guests. I love that we all get together, ladies from all parts of my life, to talk, laugh, eat and enjoy  each other’s company. I love you all! 

To those few friends from years past that were not able to make it this year. (Some had the nerve to move away!) We missed you!

Comments

[Laura folkman]

You create the best everything!!!!!!!!!!! Including parties! So cute

[Brittany]

Adorable. Looks like everything turned out well! xo

[Nita Digirolamo]

A throwback-themed birthday party? What a great idea! Having this kind of party feels like you're a little kid again. I can see that you really made an effort on the decorations and food preparation. I love all the hearts all around your house – it feels really like Valentines Day. I'd like to have a party like this. :)