8.25.2011

Embracing our "Inner Hippies" -- A Peek at The Planning

Some evidence of the obsession -- my Pinterest inspiration board for Audrey's party...


image from Australian Harpers Bazzar/jmireps via Table Tonic

In between our trip to Marfa, my work trip to Chicago and the start of the new school year, Audrey and I have busily planning for her 8th (!) birthday party next weekend…

My “obsession” with planning the girlie’s birthday parties, tends to elicit a little, well... joshing from my buddies. I get it; the whole deal can seem a little nutty for what is essentially a couple of hours of sugar-fueled kiddos raging against the machine. But I love a good birthday party, I love all the planning and dreaming up the fun details… It’s my thing, and I think it might be Audrey’s thing too, as the two of us can happily wile away the better part of an afternoon dreaming up ( in grand detail) future parties we want to throw.

But beyond the pure creative aspect, I love how the process of creating a special “event” for the girls honors their birthday in a memorable way. Birthdays are important -- I think they deserve a little pomp and circumstance and effort. For me, it’s never about material extravagance or being excessive, rather it’s about lavishing creativity and time and effort on my girlies to mark the day they entered our lives…


Audrey's invites in progress...


dreamcatcher via Creature Comforts...


the "stretch goal" cupcakes via Lori Hernadez

To that end (after much joint brainstorming), we collectively decided to celebrate her special day this year with a sweet, mellow hippie/boho themed shindig. It’ll be a “girls only” affair at a little art studio where the guests will make dream catchers and beaded necklaces while listening to Joni Mitchell… kidding about the Joni Mitchell part, sort of ;-)

We’re also planning to use our teepee and IKEA sheepskins and (stretch goal #1) some homemade streamers modeled after Casey’s to create a little photo backdrop/hang-out space for the girlies. And, since it’s an afternoon party, we’re just serving lemonade and cupcakes, so I want the cupcakes to feel especially festive, thus stretch goal #2: attempting to somewhat replicate goodies that look like the ones above…I’ll let you know how that goes. ;-)

12 comments:

Nomadic D. said...

Those invitations are amazing! And the paper feather garland is stunning. Sounds like it's going to be a magical party. You are a pretty awesome mom.

http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/

casey said...

awesome! i'm sure it will be great! love your inspiration. ;)

torrie said...

I know I've shared, but I'm the exact same way. I love to plan, work around a theme, incorporate items that we already have in with other new items... or homemade items. And stretch goals always keep me on my toes :).

Do you have any pictures on your blog with your IKEA sheepskins? I'd love to see how you've incorporated them into your home!

leah said...

so lovely. half the fun is in the planning and dreaming...
audrey will have beautiful memories rom her childhood...
xxx leah
{sangthebird.com.au}

JWK said...

i want to come!!!

Jo Harper said...

I think it's great that you make your girls' birthdays such nice events. My mom always did and it still means the world to me.

http://thephilosopherscupcake.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

this looks heavenly, joslyn! those feather invites are killing me.

xo

Tia Zoldan said...

Enjoy it while it lasts...throwing parties for my girls was my favorite part, the decorating, planning, details...etc. i was always teased because i would go a little overboard. now my girls are over me planning it all :( now they just want sleepovers with the door closed!

EmPaige said...

I've totally stolen this idea. Sorry to be such a copy cat. Eva's party is next weekend as well...crazy. We're going with an "Indian Summer" theme. It's co-ed so a bit Navajo for the boys, hippy chic for the girls. Tie dye, headdresses, beads etc.

love "sharing" inspiration with you.

xo
Emily

Jen C said...

This post made me wildly happy. Sigh, people give me a good ribbing about my kids' parties.

But like you, for me it's not about being excessive, it's the creativity and really celebrating the day.

We had just started dreaming of my soon to be 9 year old's party (can't believe she'll be nine) and she is entertaining the idea of a "rock star" party—making teeshirts, friendship bracelets, letting them style their hair in large and unusual ways. I think I may have to borrow the cupcake idea. Love them!

la la Lovely said...

this is going to be the best party ever.. like can I come? I'm totally feeling the hippy vibe too (in fact did a min post today). You are such a great mom. Your girls will never forget these amazing parties and special days! xo

Barbie // Fringe and Feathers said...

I can't agree more! Love the theme. Looks like it will be a magical party.