Then I read that she pulled the whole thing off for $150 and I almost died. How did she do it? I, of course, had to find out Jenifer’s secrets, and she so generously agreed to share them here. We won’t tell, Jenifer, we promise!

My daughter, Ellah, has a love for ballerinas and dancing. When I was shopping at the Round Top/Warrenton Antiques Show in Round Top, Texas, I found a stash of vintage little ballerina prints. I purchased them for her room, and when she saw them, the gasp she took helped me to decide the theme of her 3rd birthday – a vintage ballerina.

Vintage ballerina print in spray-painted frame

When planning my two children’s birthdays, under one month apart, I know we cannot break the bank two months in a row on birthday parties.  Although I’d really love to do it, I guess God really didn’t have birthday parties in mind when He planned our children.  I also work with plenty of moms through my store with similar circumstances or moms who just want to save money.  Perfectly understood.

1st Tip – K.I.S.S

My first money saving tip is always the theory KISS: Keep it Simple Sweetie.  I am with the idea ‘less is more.’  My daughter’s party was very, very simple.  I kept the party small which helped cut the cost.  We invited family plus a few of my daughter’s closest preschool friends, about 25 guests including the children. 

I served less expensive foods by having a simple brunch.  Breakfast foods can be inexpensive to make!  My husband and I cooked french toast, pigs-n-the-blanket, oven baked ham and swiss sliders (via Pinterest – so easy with very few inexpensive ingredients), chicken salad croissant sandwiches, homemade raspberry muffins and we had a simple green salad and fresh fruit in season. My mom brought the chicken salad, so my most expensive menu item was lovingly donated. 

Chicken salad croissant sandwiches

Pigs in the blanket

I kept the ballerinas’ activities so simple.  Since coloring is a 2-5 year old favorite, I printed off a ballerina coloring page free from the internet for the girls to color and decorate.  I also purchased foam princess crowns and foam stickers on clearance for $5.00 total. 

Crowns to decorate

The girls had a blast creating their own princess ballerina crowns to wear during the party.  The last activity was, simply, dancing.  All party guests either wore their own tutu or we let them wear a tutu from our play clothes.  The little ballerinas cut a rug with what you might call very modern, interpretive dance moves – so entertaining and it was free!

2nd Tip – Use & Reuse

This is a fun and important tip: Use and reuse what you have!  I love “shopping” the house (and my mother’s house) to find what will work with my party’s theme.  I think it’s perfectly acceptable to ask family and friends to borrow items that could work for your party.  Get creative with the stuff you already have.  The vintage ballerina prints that I purchased for my daughter’s bedroom were some of the main party decorations I planned to use, but they didn’t have frames.  Lo and behold, in my search, I found three identical, unused frames in my garage that happened to fit the pictures!  That was a score.  The frames were black, so I purchased spray paint to coordinate with the party color scheme and simply spray painted them and hung the art.  Easy and inexpensive. 

Absolutely everything that I used to serve the food and candy I either owned myself or I borrowed from my mom’s vintage dish collection. 

Borrowed vintage dishes

The pops of turquoise you see in the platter and round place mat I already had.  Another party item I reused was the large mirror seen in the outdoor table photos. The mirror was kept from our bathroom remodel and worked as a great ballet mirror.

Ballet mirror from bathroom remodel

3rd Tip – Use your connections

Here I saved most of my money on the most expensive parts of the party – the photography, the cake, the bunting, the invitations and party accessories – all because of people I know.  Do you have a friend or family member you know who takes better photos than you?  I do!  A good friend of mine is the photographer of Jennifer Schattle Photography.  Jennifer and I partner together on projects every year including my children’s birthday parties, so I am blessed to know and work with such a talented friend.  Of course, you don’t have to know a photographer.  Ask people you know who can help! 

I also know someone who bakes – conveniently, my husband.  He is not a professional, but he grew up baking with his grandmother and does a wonderful, tasty job.  We insist on baking our children’s cakes/cupcakes every birthday, so we save money in that department yearly. 

Caked baked by Jenifer's husband -- incredible!

In addition, I have an aunt who owns a custom sewing business, Kustom Kids of Kingwood.  When I had decided on the ballerina theme, I knew I wanted a bunting.  I shopped around and found that they were a little pricey for me.  I contacted my aunt and she quickly put together my requests (and my favorite piece of the party) for a fraction of what I would have paid anywhere else. 

Bunting sewn by Jenifer's aunt

Finally, I own my Etsy store Hello Love Designs where I sell printable party invitations and party accessories.  I also work with one of the top US press printing companies allowing me to have my invitations professionally printed for cost.  I printed out the cupcake toppers, tent labels, and favor tags on my own home printer, cut, and we were ready to party!  I have the Little Vintage Ballerina birthday invitation and full printable party collection for sale in the store.

Custom invitation designed by Jenifer

Cupcake toppers and tent labels designed by Jenifer

4th Tip – Use printables

I LOVE printables!!  Printable party accessories add such detail to a party and save money at the same time.  You can purchase anything from full party packages to just the pieces you need for a low cost.  Then all you have to do is print, cut them out, and you’re ready to add beautiful detail to your party.  If you’re really on a tight budget, there are many blogs, designers, and sites who offer free party printables.  You will spend a little time assembling, but the money you save is so worth it!

5th Tip – Use Etsy

For me, Etsy is an indispensable source.  Great deals are to be found everywhere!  Etsy offers such a variety of products, styles, and prices that everyone is happy.  I found (another favorite piece) a vintage floral sheet that I used as the table cloth outside at a great Etsy store called Eager Hands.  It was so reasonably priced, and the seller was kind enough to throw in sweet little “extras.”  In fact, the eyelet trim I used to trim the party hats came as an “extra” from her shop. 

Eyelet trim on party hats

I also purchased the cupcake liners from The Cupcake Social used to serve candy, Ellah’s tutu from Cheeky Chic Baby, and Ellah’s headband from Prim Couture Shop – all on Etsy.  Note:  Ellah’s birthday outfit was not a part of our party budget.

Ellah's birthday outfit

My one “splurge” item was the floral arrangement and, truthfully, it wasn’t all that expensive.  I took the florist my pitcher, an inspiration photo, and a budget and they worked up something gorgeous that I could afford.  I always plan and shop ahead comparing prices.  I try to avoid last minute purchasing which can end up costing me more money.

Thank you, Jenifer, for sharing all your tips and your beautiful party with us. You did an incredible job!

To see more of Jenifer’s designs, check out her other pretty parties on our site and her Etsy shop, Hello Love Designs .

Lynlee is one of the best fondant cupcake topper designers there is and you can see why by looking at the intricate luggage toppers she made for the party.

If you haven’t seen the rest of the photos from this amazing party, please do.  You will be blown away!

Also, to learn more about Lynlee and her fondant topper business, and to check out her other gorgeous parties on our site, please take a look at her Lynlee’s Petit Cakes vendor page.

Lynlee, this could be my favorite party you’ve done so far!!

In fact, Amy, the founder of Paperlicious, has had first-hand experience planning raucous parties and shining shindigs for serious rockstars, so designing cool paper goods was a natural fit.

Paperlicious is giving a $50 gift certificate to one of our lucky readers that can be used for invitations to your upcoming summer party, birthday party, shower, or even wedding. They also sell adult and kids’ stationary, holiday cards, gift tags… you name it.

Want to see some of their rockin’ designs?!

Cool, huh?

To enter, just “like” Paperlicious on Facebook, then come back here and leave a comment saying you did it. Simple!

We’ll pick the winner at random on Thursday, August 4th at 10:00PM (PST).  Any entries after that won’t be considered, sorry.  We will use random.org to generate our winner and will notify you by email.

Mikie M created this amazing Star Wars Party for her son’s 6th birthday. She made a ton of the decorations herself.

Last week I posted the tutorial she put together for her cute R2D2 cups. This week I’m posting the tutorial she made on how to create these cool lightsaber napkin wraps (including the file for the lightsaber handles).  Thank you, Mikie!

Moms of Star Wars fans, Mickie has totally hooked you up!

Supplies:

• Napkins – red, blue, lime green or purple (use all one color or a variety)
• Cardstock – either a medium gray tone or white
• Paper cutter or scissors
• Tape – regular or double sided
• Silverware – this is optional but does make it easier to keep the napkins in the shape of a lightsaber

Step 1
Print lightsaber handle image on cardstock and cut out with a paper cutter or scissors.  You can download the lightsaber file here. There are 6 handle wraps per page.

Step 2
Place silverware in a stack about an inch from the edge of the napkin.  Silverware should hang down past the bottom of the napkin.
Fold the napkin over the silverware and continue flipping the silverware until it is completely rolled up.
Without silverware simply roll the napkin up.

Step 3
With the napkin edge facing up, place the printed lightsaber handle half way over the napkin and wrap it around the bottom of the napkin.  The bottom of the handle should cover the bottom of the silverware.

Step 4
Use tape to secure the handle around the napkin.  You can either use double stick tape or regular tape to secure the handle edge to the other side.  Make sure the top and bottom of the handle line up.

Step 5
Your lightsaber napkin is now ready!  Be sure that the seam is placed face down on a table or towards the back if in a basket or other container.
If you want to make a double lightsaber you can unfold the napkin once and place the handle wrap in the middle.

Thank you, Mikie for this fabulous tutorial.

If you haven’t already checked out Mikie’s Star Wars party, please take a look. It’s really inspiring.

Also, stay tuned for Mikie’s upcoming giveaway where you could win a set of these amazing handmade Star Wars invitations designed by Mikie herself.

I love posting photos of the gorgeous cakes we get on our site. I’m continually blown away by the talent. Take a look and tell me which one is your favorite. I can’t decide.

Brittany S’s Casino 40th Birthday

Charynn O’s Madelyn’s 4th Birthday Party

Nicole W’s A Magical Cornish Fairy Affair

Katie P’s Lucas Turns 1 (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) Birthday

Rose A’s A Rainbow Party (Romeo’s 1st Birthday)

Nala C’s Polka Dots and Triceratops – 3rd Birthday Party

Candace M’s Janelle’s Pixie Hollow Birthday

Laura B’s Ladies & Gentleman: An Evening Affair Birthday

Brittany S’s Super Mario Party

Frog Prince Paperie’s Modern Dinosaur Birthday Adventure

Veronica B’s Alice’s Garden Party

Corrie S’s Sophie’s Everything Purple Baby Shower

Tonya S’s Bears and Bees Birthday Party

Rebecca G’s What are Little Boys Made Of?

I’m loving Ticings, which are edible icing appliqués that can you can use on cupcakes, cakes, cookies, brownies, you name it. You just peel them off like little stickers and press them onto your dessert.

Aside from how easy they are to use, take a look at how cool they look!

You can even use them on cakes.

And if you don’t like any of their styles, you can create your own and they’ll print it for you.

So for those of us who are not expert bakers (and I’m first on that list!) this is a simple, and not very expensive (a sheet of 24 costs around $16) way to add style to your desserts.

According to their website, they’re adding new sizes, new styles, and new prices, so we should check back often.  And I will!

My daughter’s 4th birthday is in March, and I’m planning to use Ticings to decorate her cupcakes.  And of course I’ll be blogging all about it.

If anyone has used them, please send in some photos and please let us know if you have any tips.

So here are some great edible favors on our site for inspiration…

Nicole W’s Strawberry Picnic 1st Birthday

Homemade strawberry jam

Nancy P’s Zebra Boy Baby Shower

M&Ms and chocolate covered raisins

Kim Erin J’s About to Hatch Baby Shower

Bird and birdhouse cookies

Nancy P’s Tiffany Blue Bridal Shower

Macarons in personalized boxes

Claudia S’s Tickled Blue BaByQ Shower

Homemade lemonade mix

Kristeen L’s Shabby Chic Baby Shower

Cake pops

Ebony S’s “Oh Boy” Gumball Baby Shower

Gumball machines

Daphne J’s Frogs, Snails, and Puppy Dog Tails Baby Shower

Homemade cookie mix

Michelle B’s Brian’s 40th Birthday

Homemade BBQ sauce

Kelly S’s David’s 1st Birthday

Lollipop favors

What got me interested in Sharon is how one-of-a-kind her parties are.  In fact, I’ve never seen anything like it.

For her Musical Princess Tea Party, Sharon comes dressed in a big pink ball gown and tiara.  She brings a rack of princess gowns, shoes, tiaras, and magic wands for her guests.  She provides royal table settings, satin chair covers, room and table decor, plus she can even take care of catering (including gorgeous princess cupcakes) if you like.

The princess table.

The rack of gowns, with shoes, tiaras, and magic wands.

Since Sharon is a trained vocalist and educator, her parties aren’t just about the makeup and glamour (although that’s definitely part of it).  They involve musical stories and games, ribbon dancing, professional face painting, princess crafts, and beautiful hand-made princess favors.  Sharon’s parties are so complete, she also provides custom invitations and thank you notes for her hosts.

Princess Sharon leading her guests in ribbon dancing.

Princess Sharon face painting.

Her handmade favors.

Her custom cupcakes.

Her one-of-a-kind spa parties.

One of her happy princess fairies.

Even though Sharon throws these extravagant parties, what she prides herself on is creating warm, enriching, inclusive environments, so that all her guests feel like happy princesses when they leave.

If you live in the Boston area, and you want to give your daughter the party of a lifetime, hire Princess Sharon.

And for those of you who don’t live nearby, but want to partake in all-things “princess,” visit Princess Sharon’s online gift and favor shop where she sells many of her custom items.

I just talked to Abigail, a graphic designer and mother, whom with her partner, Kira, also an artist and mother, started Paper & Cake from their kitchens.  Kira’s the illustrator with the eye for color, and Abigail is the typographer and layout expert.  And together they have come up with some beautiful party theme designs.

They’ve got themes for kids’ birthdays, grown up parties, holidays, and baby showers.   The most expensive design is $10.

So the question is what to do you get for $10.  Well, for their most popular Pirate Kid party package (which is only $8, by the way), you get:  an invitation, a front door sign, a pennant banner, cupcake picks, “ship” cake decorations, favor bag tags, cone party hats, jar labels, party food labels, a treasure map craft activity, a birthday boy pirate crown, cupcake wrappers, a photo frame, a gift log, and skull and ship artwork saved as .png files for you to apply to extra printables as needed.

Here are some pictures to see what I’m talking about.

From their Underwater Themed Baby Shower Collection

An assortment of their cupcake wrappers -- I think these are absolutely beautiful!

From their Pool Party Collection

From the Bon Appetit Collection

From their most popular Pirate Birthday Collection

From their Fairy Wonderland Party Collection

Abigail promises me that you don’t need to be computer savvy or good at crafts to pull this off.  You just need a printer, a pair of sissors, and some good ol’ Scotch tape.  To see some inspirations, check out their Paper&Cake blog.

Well, I found this cool site called the Sweet Lollipop Shop that makes custom lollipops for all occasions and I thought what a great, inexpensive party favor idea.  They’ve got birthday and holiday pops, wedding and shower pops, and lots of pops for kids, of course.  Here are a few of my favorites…

A birthday lolly

Some baby shower lollies

Some musical note lollies

I also love the flavor selections.

Orange – orange
Strawberry – pink
Lemon – yellow
Lime – green
Cherry – red
Raspberry – blue/teal
Cheesecake – yellow
Bubblegum – pink
Apple – green or red
Maple – brown
Blueberry – blue
Watermelon – pink/red
Root Beer – brown

Plus white, milk and dark chocolate.

Yum.