A Fabulous & Fancy 5th Birthday Party {Candy Buffet, Lollies and Pennants, oh my!}
Happy 2011! It’s been a lovely break and it’s great to be back posting here again. 🙂 Today I’m sharing about my daughter’s “Fabulous & Fancy 5th Birthday Party” that we had a few months ago. It was a blast! We’ve had some fun birthday parties at our house (Super Hero Training Camp and a Pinkalicious Party to name some favorites) and while it’s a TON of work, seeing those happy smiles on my kids’ faces makes it worth it. (I seriously need to remind myself of this next time I’m in party-planning insanity!)
So this post isn’t really about step-by-step tutorials, but rather sharing some fun ideas. Don’t worry, I WILL link up any tutorials I used to create the decorations and other party elements. Here we go!
Here is a picture of the birthday girl herself. I swear I just gave birth to her minutes ago! Why do they have to grow so quickly?? I love that girl!
She decided that she wanted a “fancy” party so here is the invitation I whipped up:
{Created in Photoshop using Shabby Princess digital papers and LD Adornment font, printed as 4×6 photos at Costco.}
The girls came all fancied up and were so adorable. We made our own bracelets, played “Pretty Pretty Princess” which is a fun game to see who can get all of their color of jewelry first, had delicious cupcakes and singing and presents, and all sorts of fun. I even created a little “boutique” with dollar-store finds (headbands, nail polish, stickers, sparkly pink mini crowns, chapstick, rings, necklaces, glittery sunglasses!) and their own personalized shopping bags for them to fill with those fancy goodies! It was a hoot!
I love this shot of my 2 girls checking out the “boutique” before the guests arrived. 🙂
But one of my favorite parts of the party was the candy buffet.
{Inspired by the amazing Amy Atlas of course!}
Our candy buffet was created using glass apothecary jars, tall glass vases, and cake pedestals arranged on top of a long table with a pink and white striped tablecloth (aka bedspread!). I filled the jars with a variety of pink candies and treats such as:
- pink strawberry marshmallows
- pink and white cotton candy
- strawberry salt-water taffy
- bubble gum flavored rock candy
- delicious grapefruit sours
- white chocolate popcorn drizzled with pink candy melts—Here is a recipe for the popcorn:Â http://www.sweettreatsandgoodeats.com/2010/11/my-new-favorite-treat.html
- Annie’s birthday cupcakes–strawberry with pink frosting.
Talk about sugar coma! 🙂 Let me tell you, Annie has a sweet tooth so she was in heaven! It was dreamy!
YUMMM. I was lucky to already have access to all of the glass jars because my mom bought them all when my brother got married last summer and they had a candy buffet at their reception! 🙂 But you can find them at thrift stores, Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, etc.
Let’s take a closer look at some of our other candy buffet elements, shall we?
Fancy Pink Drinks
For the drinks, I gathered some glass bottles—I think they were Stewart’s orange cream soda that I dumped into different jars so I could use the bottles! They didn’t have a paper label so I just stuck them in the dishwasher to clean them up. Meanwhile I cut some white cardstock into strips that were big enough to cover the writing on the bottles. Then I used a scalloped edge paper punch to add a decorative touch to the paper. I attached the scalloped paper to the bottles using double-sided sticky tape. Tied with a simple pink ribbon and they were good to go! I poured some pink lemonade into the bottles right before I served them (using a funnel, trying to be really careful not to spill all over!). I thought they were a fun touch, served with a white bendy straw.
Annie Banner
I had fun creating the decorations–remember I have a small obsession with using old book pages. So naturally I used them for the party decor. 🙂 For the “annie” decor I made paper “lollies” out of old pages, then I topped them with pink glittery cardstock circles and the letters were cut using my Silhouette. Don’t know how to make paper lollies? Crafting Chick Kirsten posted instructions awhile back. Or for a great video tutorial on how to make them I’d recommend Rhonna Farrer’s video. Super easy and super cute. I used straight pins to attach them to the tablecloth.
Oh, I used the same method to make this huge stacked lollie using brown butcher paper, old book pages, pink cardstock and topped with a little flower made from cupcake liners, complimented with a pleated pink crepe paper streamer. Love it!
Happy Birthday Mini Pennant Banner–cupcake topper (wow, that’s a mouthful!)
I am loving the mini pennant craze that’s been all over blogland. I love mini things (remember my mini topiaries? Made from the same old book, ha ha!). So for the cake “topper” I decided to make my own mini pennant banner. I just folded the page to the size I wanted, and cut out the pennant-shaped triangles. The letters are just pink semi-transparent stickers. I folded the pennants onto some twine using hot glue and then tied them to some skewers and stuck them into some cupcakes.
Oooh, I love it! With a large cupcake on top just for Annie. 🙂 And I am digging the pink and white polka dot cupcake liners. They make me happy.
The candy buffet was a big hit! Deliciously beautiful and fancy!
I should have taken a picture of the candy buffet when the girls were done with it. 🙂 They had FUN.
Oh, and in keeping with the pennant and lollies theme (LOL!) I decorated another wall with them for a fun, sort of whimsical feel.
Lollies and pennants made from old book pages. I glitterized (is that a word? I like it!) the pennants with pale pink glitter and used the scallop border punch on one edge. I hung them with twine and clothespins.
I also decorated the kitchen with a few tissue paper pom poms. . .
and some fun big flowers made from coffee filters, learned from Rhonna Farrer’s fab video tutorial again!
Here is one last shot of the candy buffet the next night at our family celebration (we had tons of candy leftover from the “friend” party, holy moly):
{Different pink drinks (don’t worry, I used clean glass bottles!), a pink birthday cake and I moved the “annie banner” to a new home!}
So there you have it! I think the party was a success! I know one brand new fabulous 5 year old would agree. 🙂
Edited to add: Here is a link to a pink popcorn recipe:Â http://www.sweettreatsandgoodeats.com/2010/11/my-new-favorite-treat.html
What little girl wouldn’t love that! Everything looks perfect and sweet!
Thank you so much! It was a fun party!
I love this, what a gorgeous party!! I have to say though….the girls in their bare feet at the candy station is just adorable!!
They grow so quick….I still can’t believe I have a 3yo and 15month old!
Craziness!!
TFS!
xx-Kristyn
Thank you Kristyn! I know, that picture melted my heart. They were so excited about it all. 🙂 It is so crazy how quickly they grow up. I’m trying to soak it all in and enjoy them at this age even though most times I feel like I’m in the looney bin! 🙂 I love them!
Adorable! Love all of the pink and the fun candy bar! I also love the color fo your walls in the candy bar pics….do you mind sharing the paint color with me?
Thank you Amber! We love the color of our walls too, but dang I don’t have the paint color because the walls were painted this color when we bought our house. Sorry about that, I’d definitely share it if I knew what it was!!
Thanks anyway. I wish our house was painted a nice color for us when we moved in 🙂 We painted the whole house almost 5 yrs ago when we moved in and now my taste has really changed and I am ready to tone it down a little and go more neutral….here we paint again!
Awww too cute! You did a great job! Love all the banners!
Thanks, I love me some banners, LOL! I think I have them for about every occasion, big or small!
What an adorable party! So light and airy…and all that candy…YUM!
I’m with you…they’re a lot of work, but completely, absolutely and totally worth it!
We’ve got two parties in our house this month…one soon-to-be six year old would love all the pink {not to mention the candy}. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers!
Theresa
Thank you Theresa! And good luck on both of your parties, whew! 🙂 I’m tired just thinking about it, ha!
Brooke–it couldn’t be more ADORABLE! Love it all–especially the smile on Annie’s cute little face!
Thank you sweet Katie! 🙂 Annie was a happy girl that day, for sure!
What a lucky little girl! The soft pink is beautiful. Where did you find the cake stand you can put ribbon the ribbon through? I’ve been looking…maybe not hard enough…and can’t find one. I love the idea of being able to change the ribbon out for different occasions.
Katie, thank you so much! I LOVE the cake pedestals with the ribbon. I found them at Home Goods/TJ Maxx here in Salt Lake City. I’m not sure if they are online or if you have one of those stores in your area, but that’s where I got it! I love changing out the ribbon.
Brooke!!!!! You. Are. Naughty. That is the cutest party I have ever seen. You are the master 🙂 This post will make so many people smile, I’m so glad you are my cousin. Now that I have Quincie, I can have parties like this too 🙂 Can’t wait!!!!
Aw, thanks! 🙂 Glad you are MY cousin. xoxo
Just beautiful! I heart~~!
Thank you Cheryl! 🙂
That party was ADORABLE! Just too cute. What a lucky little girl =)
Tanya, thank you! 🙂
What an amazing party! She’s such a lucky little girl to have such an amazing talented mom! Love, love, LOVE!!!
Natalie, you are too kind!! Thank you so much!!! 🙂
OH BROOKE! I so wish I had your talent! I might have to try to copy… my girls would be in heaven I think! I have February and March birthdays! Where do you find those cake stands?? LOVE IT! Thanks for sharing! :>
Brookie, Brookie! You little naughty. I might have to hire you to do my girls’ next parties! This is amazing!!!
I love your fancy party! What great ideas! I’m sure your daughter loved every minute! Thanks for sharing!
That is fabulous! I can’t wait for my little girl to have a big girl pink party! what fun!
Thanks Leanne! It is so much fun to plan girlie parties! 🙂
LOVELY! I love everything about it! And the little details that you carried throughout the house… gorgeous!
I absolutely LOVE what you did for your daughter’s party!!!! You are so creative and the party looked just dreamy! Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration and “eye candy”!!!! 🙂
THat is the cutest party ever!!! Birthday girl included!!
What a lucky little girl….the party looked awesome and so pretty too!
Daisy~
What a beautiful party!!!!
Just beautiful! My little girl’s birthday was yesterday and although we made it special with treats and traditions, after looking at all you did I am ashamed of what I didn’t/couldn’t. You are a wonder woman with a lucky little girl. Best wishes to your 5 year old little princess. She is adorable!
Johanna, thank you so much! Please don’t feel ashamed! I only do a “big” party every couple of years, definitely not every birthday! And if you saw my house on regular days you’d know I’m not a wonder woman! 🙂 Treats and traditions make birthdays SO special, it doesn’t have to be a big huge “to do” every time. I didn’t want to make anyone feel bad!
WHere did you get the popcorn? And the white straws? I love this! SO CUTEZ
Brooke, I LOVE the decorations for your daughter’s party. My daughter “almost” wished she had adopted girls instead of boys, although she is very creative too. Thanks for such great ideas!
ARE YOU SERIOUS BROOKE! OH MY HECK! First, your little girl is the spitting image of you. SHE IS DARLING! Second, you amaze me. Guess I need to get going planning my 3 year old’s birthday party. Althought, I can’t help being jealous of your pink party. SOMEDAY …. sigh! I am so impressed! DARLING post and a ton of work. GREAT job!
The sweetest birthday ever!!!!!!!! I want that for my next party and I am in my 30’s!!! GREAT JOB!!
I LOVE this! My daughter’s turning 4 in a few months and she would LOVE this…all the pink, she’d be in heaven! thanks for sharing.
I LOVE THIS! I wish this was MY birthday party…maybe I can convince my husband to throw A Fancy & Fabulous 30th Birthday Party for me next month! haha.
Brooke! Where did you get the glass jars with lids?? I’ve been searching tj and ross…but nothing with lids. :> Thanks! (the un-creative like us, can only hope to copy :>)
My mom collected them from lots of stores over a period of about 6 months for my brother’s wedding reception, so I’m not 100% sure where she got them all. I know she got some at TJ Maxx Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, Tai Pan, etc. Some have lids and some don’t. Hobby Lobby has some with lids for sure. Hope that helps! 🙂
So, so precious!
Hi,
I am duplicating your Fancy & Fabulous party idea for my mother’s Sweet Sixty party. I have made a lot of your decorations and was wondering how you attached them to your cabinets, tablecloths, ceiling etc. I was planning on using 3m adhesive hooks, but after seeing the price I’d love any other suggestions. Thanks again for the great ideas.
– Joanie in Cincinnati
Hi Joanie! I’m glad you were able to use some of my ideas for your party! I just used tape to attach the decorations to the cabinets, straight pins to attach to the tablecloths, and I used clear push pins and clear fishing line (or clear jewelry making twine) to hang the pom poms. Hope that helps!! And good luck with your party!
What a perfect party! your attention to detail is just lovely – glad your daughter had such a fabulous day, Jo x
Thank you for inspiring my 5 year old’s birthday party!! She wanted a Fancy party full of fun pink decor. I did a search online and came across your AWESOME party!! It’s so fabulous! You are so creative. I implemented a lot of your ideas for my little girl’s party. It was a hit!! I wish I had awesome pics of it. Our camera is kinda lame, I took some but they didn’t turn out that great. What kind of camera do you use? Thanks again for all the great ideas!! You’re awesome!! 🙂
Jeni, I’m so glad to be of help! Thank you for your sweet words! I’m glad it was a big hit with your daughter. As for my camera, I use a Canon Rebel XTi and my favorite lens is my 50 mm 1.8. Thanks again for your kind comment!
I knew you would say Canon! LOL! I’ve been looking into getting a nicer camera and have heard great things about the camera you have 🙂 But then if I get the camera I’ll have to get the lessons on how to use it! LOL! Thanks again for inspiring my daughter’s b’day party! You have some fantastic ideas! 🙂
what a beautiful party. i’m lovin’ the popcorn…was it purchased or did u make it?
I just wanted to say, Holy beautiful Fancy Party!! I LOVE LOVE IT! I am in the planning stages for my daughter’s fifth birthday and we’re having a small Fancy Nancy slumber party. I had so many of these idea’s that I wanted to do.. but I was lost for how to set up the table, idea’s for cakes or cupcakes, etc. I am beyond THANKFUL.. I am delighted that I found your blog and this specific post! .. Ohh.. and the book pages for lollies- We love books over at Rattles and Redheads.. (http://rattlesandredheads.blogspot.com). I will be sure to post pictures of my party and link it back to your blog. Thank you!
Candice
I absolutely love it!! Thank you for all the ideas! Going back to your conversation with Amber, the color on your wall looks like Cup of Cocoa by Behr.
I am so excited to run across these ideas!! My granddaughter will be 1 in February and I’m just beginning to plan her big day! Her whole nursery theme has been Cupcakes so to spin off that we’re having a “One Sweet Treat” party to include a personalized “Candy Buffet”. As most of the children attending are ages 4 and up we are thrilled to have found your page! THanks for sharing so much!! The pink popcorn is what caught our attention on Pintrest!!
Can you share the recipe for the popcorn?
It’s my friend’s recipe, let me track it down and I’ll get back to you! 🙂
Hey Brooke!
I love the idea of the pink popcorn…could you send me the recipe as well??
Thanks!
Also loving the pink popcorn. Can I please also get the recipe?? Thanks!
It looks like the Pink Popcorn Recipe is in demand!!! Which is fantastic! Any chance you were able to find your friend’s recipe to share? We’re trying to plan the class Valentine’s Day party and thought this would be a great way to use some Boy Scout popcorn and make some big smiles!!!
Thank you in advance! Looking forward to your response!
Okay ladies, sorry about the long wait!! This is pretty much the recipe my friend uses to make her white chocolate popcorn–the only extra thing is she melted some pink candy melts and drizzled it over the white chocolate popcorn.
http://www.sweettreatsandgoodeats.com/2010/11/my-new-favorite-treat.html
Thank you for getting back to us Brooke!!!
Gorgeous! I love this! You are so talented.
I love all of your pink ideas. I want to make the pink popcorn – do you have a recipe? Or did you just drizzle the pink melts over regular popcorn? I’m doing this for a baby shower. Thanks! 🙂
Thank you, Cheryl! I put a link to a recipe just a few comments above yours, hope that helps! 🙂
How cute!! Thanks for sharing! Trackback: http://blog.joyhey.com/2012/02/05/inspiration-pink-celebration/
I absolutely ADORE your ideas! My daughter will be turning 7 next month and I’d love to use some of these ideas at her party! For the boutique, did you have the little girls just pick and choose what they wanted? Thanks so much for posting this! 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you. My daughter is turning 5, and what a perfect idea. I have 1 month, wish me luck!!
Very cute ideas! Way to make the rest of us Moms look like total slackers.
Hello Brooke,
Here a message from Holland! I hope you will understand my english 😉 )
I love this!! (actually i really like everythink about your (and the other chicks) site, real fun! )
My daugther 1e birthday is coming up over 2 weeks and this pink thema is perfect for her birthday!!
Thanks for the inspiration!
I don’t know how it works but if you like, i will send you pictures when the party is over?
It’s goinig to be a big party 😉
Regards, Karen
I LOVE these decorations !! They are so Girly and so Pretty <3 Where did you Get the Pink Candy popsicles ? The ones on the corner? And what kind of drinks did you use ? They're Adorable !!!! How many people did you invite ? Thanks !!
Thanks! I used pink lemonade for the drinks. I can’t remember where I got the pink rock candy but I think it was just a party store? I think we invited about 10 girls to the party. Thanks for your sweet comment!
What did you use to create your pink flower poms?
I just used pink tissue paper from the party store. Hope that helps! 🙂
how do you make the pink popcorn? this party looked fantastic !!
Did you make the popcorn, if so I would love to know how? i would love to do this at my daughter’s first bday bash! thanks so much!!!
Here’s a pink popcorn recipe if you’re still searching..enjoy
http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/2012/04/flavor-stories-.html
how did you do the precious “picture frame”??? is that crumpled tissue paper??? I have a baby shower I am hosting and love your idea–can you send me a pic and how you did it?
Well, that is about the cutest thing I have ever seen! Lucky little girl!
Absolutely brilliant!! I wonder if you could share how you made the popcorn…Kudos to you for the beautiful result!
Look above on post #76 and you’ll find the link for the recipe!
My 8 year old daughter had a birthday party with green hues last year and we used your drink bottle idea. I used a green paisley print scrapbook paper, tied with a green ribbon, and green and white striped straws. The girls all loved them! Thank you for sharing.
Gorgeous party! I love the popcorn idea, can’t wait to try it for my daughters first birthday. Thanks for sharing your ideas 🙂
BEAUTIFUL …LOVE IT ALL!
Love the ‘Party’ and would like to try the Pink Popcorn but the links are not working at this time. Perhaps another link or the recipe could be put up?
Thanks,
Cassandra
What did you use to make the bracelets?
OMG!!!!….I so love this….my princess birthday is coming up and you just gave me some great ideas…your lil princess is so lucky….great job mom….=)