HENRY TURNS 3

Ahhh, where does the time go? Henry’s 3rd birthday has come and gone, all the party planning and setting up is over and we still have tables set on our porch. In time they will come down, but for now,I keep them up because 1. I’m too tired to move them and 2. No matter what time of day it is the temp always feels like 100 degree and 3.  Having some party decorations still up makes me feel that his birthday didn’t come and go too quickly and that we are still celebrating my new three year old. 

This year we went with a pirate theme which I think is totally appropriate for my wild dude. There is definitely no shortage of pirate themed goodies out there. My suggestion for efficient party planning is to plan ahead! Pick a theme and buy ahead. Look out for deals, use coupons, research on line and make any crafts ahead of time. You have no idea how much things can creep up on you. It’s a good idea to set aside some cash too for the day of to pay any vendors (photographer, caterer, etc). 

Since Henry’s party was in the evening on a Saturday, we decided to have JR’s BBQ cater for everyone since there were so many people. The food was so good and we had a lot left over. If you are in the Atlanta area, you must visit their restaurant or have them cater your event. I still remember getting breakfast there on weekend mornings in high school with my girlfriends. One of the managers is a good friend of ours and was recently telling us about Utility Bidder. This website is a great resource for businesses who are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills as it allows you to compare a number of different suppliers in order to get the best price. Take a look and see how much you can save!

The weather was pretty crappy on the day of the party and we went back and forth about setting up outside but it was too unpredictable. Luckily the rain held out for a while so the kids could play in the back yard on the playground and get some energy out. We hired a cute face painter who came dressed as a pirate and she turned the kids faces into the cutest characters. Oh and she also made balloon animals. Double win! 

I highly recommend having a friend or professional take pictures at the party so you can enjoy your child’s day and hang out with your guests. For Henry’s first two birthdays, I had my sweet friend Shayda photograph the details and party. However this year she and her husband became parents and I wanted them to be able to enjoy the party without worrying about anything else. Thank God for our wonderful photographer, Whitney, this year. She was able to capture so many great pictures that we will cherish for a long time! 

It really takes a village to throw a birthday party, especially when you have little ones running around.  I would not have been able to do prep or set up without my husband, family and friends who all spent their time helping set up and prep. Definitely enlist people in your life that offer and are willing to help. It will save your sanity! 

(high school ladies! friends for almost 20 years <3)

In the kids snack packs I included pirates booty, an applesauce pouch and and honest juice box. There was also water for them on the table because if you know toddlers, their attention span is about 4 seconds long and they never stop to eat. 

Vendor/Supply List:

Pirate Yard Sign: Party Pail

Pirate Pails (I used these for the “goody” bags): Party Pail

Pirate Flags & Fish Net: Oriental Trading

Red letters: cardboard letters from Joann’s, painted. 

Burlap: from any fabric store

Black and White table runner: etsy vendor

Bandanas/Eye Patches/Swords: Target

Table Cloths/Napkins/Plates: Target

Misc: Party City, Target, Etsy, Michaels … pirate stuff is everywhere. 

Local: 

Pirate Cake – local Atlanta baker Cake Envy

Photographer – Whitney Huynh from Tulle & Grace

Face Painter - Once Upon a Fiesta 

kids tables & chairs: The Rental Place

Outfit: 

#3 Shirt - Sugarboo & Co

black & white harem pants: etsy vendor 

shoes: converse