Summer Girl Party on the Porch: Big Budget Not Required
I owed her one. We were so busy during her birthday in February that we never had an official, Big 10, double digits, birthday bash. And Lily hasn’t let me forget about it. So, we decided it was time for a summer sleepover, complete with a fun-filled, full of color, whimsical garden tea party– Lily style.
Lily is a girl after my own heart with her love for creativity and her attention to detail, so half the fun for us was putting the whole thing together!
Lily made the napkin rings herself by coloring some letter stickers and sticking them on a strip of card stock.
The napkins were a clearance bin find, and one of the few things we actually had to buy.
The labels for the straws were also Lily’s contribution.
And a few finds from Target’s Dollar Spot made some great favors.
And who says that tea pots are only for tea? Lemonade tastes even better when poured from a pretty pot.
And, of course, we had to have some new chalkboard art just for the occasion.
On the buffet, we served up some favorites like mini hotdogs (hot dogs cut in half and served in a split dinner roll), chicken salad sandwiches, pretzels, fruit, and assorted cookies.
As for the table decorations, I put a couple of birds in a bright lantern…
And added a few pinwheels I had used in this vignette.
A package of 3 honeycomb poms is less than $4 at Target. We hung them from branches and stuck them in a bucket for a large centerpiece. And the bunting was the one I made for Abby’s 13th birthday party.
Lily and I had a great time putting it all together.
And these smiles were just the icing on the cake.
This is just another reminder that a pretty party doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny! Use what you have and enjoy the company.
I’ll be sharing this with a few of these friends.
Amy {Cupcakes+Couture}
July 30, 2013 @ 2:02 pm
i love the chalkboard and the cute straws she made! such a fun party!
Julie
July 30, 2013 @ 4:35 pm
Thanks! We loved it!
Anna @ A Good Home
July 30, 2013 @ 2:38 pm
What a super fun party! I especially love that lantern with the birds in it! Oh my goodness, I'm totally doing that.
My Lily is about to turn 6 and her party requests are homemade popsicles and balloons 🙂
Julie
July 30, 2013 @ 4:36 pm
Sweet! Have fun with the party! I love how kids are usually thrilled with whatever effort we make!
John Webb
July 30, 2013 @ 9:12 pm
Julie – you inspire me! LOVE LOVE LOVE how you really do use your porch!!!! Adorable!
Julie
July 31, 2013 @ 1:41 am
Thanks, Kelly!!
Christine Vandormolen
July 31, 2013 @ 1:30 am
wow…..amazing! Love it!
Julie
July 31, 2013 @ 1:41 am
Thanks. So glad you like it!
Christina
August 1, 2013 @ 1:50 pm
This is just darling! Love how she added a personal touch by creating the napkin rings- and all the cute touches- the chalkboard and pinwheels- too cute- Might be hard to top next year! 🙂
Julie
August 2, 2013 @ 12:01 am
Thank you! I know! My 6 year old is ready to plan her party now 🙂
Deborah@Green Willow Pond
August 2, 2013 @ 3:40 am
What adorable party decorations! I'll bet the girls felt really special and had a great time. Thanks for sharing this at What We Accomplished Wednesdays! Have a super week!
Hugs,
Deborah
Julie
August 2, 2013 @ 2:05 pm
Thanks, Deborah! and thanks for hosting your party 🙂
Diana - FreeStyleMama
August 3, 2013 @ 1:52 am
So pretty!
amy
August 3, 2013 @ 3:56 am
So cute and adorable! I love a good party and the decor is my favorite part. Thanks for sharing!
http://delineateyourdwelling.blogspot.com
Amy
My name is Rita
August 4, 2013 @ 1:03 am
So cute and fun! Love the little touches of decor here and there. If you get a chance, please link up to the Suburbsmamam Sunday Linky Party going on now: http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/08/sunday-linky-19.html