I Scream For Ice Cream
Posted by Stephanie | Filed under EducATE
Gone are the days of the Backyardigan-themed, Chuck E Cheese and Pump It Up parties in my household. We’ve “been there, done that” and I’ve found the more intimate the party, the more memorable. My daughter’s 6th birthday is around the corner and she’s been throwing around party ideas that involve overpriced rentals, Cinderella tablecloths & your typical goodie bag full of crappy 2 cent toys … uggh! It’s kind of unfair to be dreading it … my son got all those good parties like that, but I’m just ready for one of those cute, color-coordinated events with the gingham patterns that you see on the cover of the Pottery Barn Kids catalog. Can you picture it?
However, my time is limited and, apparently, I’m also lacking the event- planning gene so what do you do when you are looking for something a little less, lets say, “Disney”?
Well, speaking of princesses, I would like to introduce you to someone who just so happens to be better than a party princess … she is the party QUEEN… literally. She is party-planner Tayloire Queen, a mom-prenuer of 2 young boys and the owner of A Queen Affair, LLC. based out of Cary, NC. She is here to share some tips to those of you in need of a unique event.
Get crackin: First of all, pick a theme and stick to it. Put on your thinking caps here ladies — ideas can come from everyday things you like or that inspire you. Think: funny book, favorite food, treat/dessert, color, flower or or a funky tablecloth. There are infinite possibilities! My simple theme set the stage for a picture-perfect birthday in July that was inspired by my son’s love of ice cream.
Get cool: To keep my guests cool and entertained on a hot summer day, the kids started out taking turns gliding down the inflatable water slide — while the adults were serenaded by the giggles and splashes as they sipped iced cold lime green margaritas.
Get creative: To add a surprise element to the party, I made arrangements with a local ice cream truck to make a stop and treat all the kids to their favorite flavor. As a mom, it was priceless to witness the enormous smiles of kids and parents as their ears perked up to the sweet sound of the ice cream truck as it pulled up to the curb.
Get colorful: I chose bright turquoise and lime green — a color scheme that would really pop! The matching cake and pinata were custom ordered several weeks prior to tie the color scheme and ice cream theme together. I kept accent pieces pretty simple by using hand cut hydrangeas and limes for great centerpieces. Ceramic ice cream cones with personalized cookies on a stick made for simple, yet quirky and cute goodies. Fancied up mason jars added extra lighting during a fireworks show. As you can see, sometimes it’s the little inspirations and small details that add the sparkle!
Now … Get Clickin’: Don’t procrastinate — pick a date! You no longer have an excuse with e-mail, Evite, Facebook or Twitter to keep everyone well-informed to save the date. Here is an invitation tip: It is customary and courteous here in the South to send out invitations 3 weeks in advance with an RSVP set for 5 days prior to the event.
The moms at SoMo would like to thank Tayloire at A Queen Affair for providing these great summer party tips. To get some great party ideas or to book your upcoming birthday or cookout go to www.aqueenaffair.com. Whether it is an intimate gathering of 10 or an elaborate group of 60, Tayloire will create an affair to remember for you and your loved ones!
12 Responses to “I Scream For Ice Cream”
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August 16th, 2010 at 6:31 am
My daughter just had her 7th birthday and has been the toughest party I have planned since she was a baby! It was fun, she had a luau summer party and we had a blast. Luckily I started planning 2 months in advance! However we both had a lot of fun ideas and loved the planning stages.
These are some great tips.
August 17th, 2010 at 4:11 am
I’m your newest follower!
August 17th, 2010 at 5:32 am
Planning birthday parties for 5 kids is a job within itself. lol
Im your newest follower.
http://rwriterjourney.blogspot.com/
August 17th, 2010 at 5:35 am
I am a new follower. I found you at To The Top Tuesday. I would love for you to follow me too.
http://traci66.blogspot.com/2010/08/to-top-tuesday-blog-hop.html
August 17th, 2010 at 6:23 am
You have been tagged.
http://traci66.blogspot.com/2010/08/ive-been-taggedtag-game.html
August 17th, 2010 at 6:50 am
Thank you for following me & I am now following you!!
August 17th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Thanks so much for stopping by… wow! What a gorgeous party! My two girls are still pretty young, so unfortunately I think I have quite a few more years of cartoon-theme, Chuck E Cheese and Pump It Up parties in my future. I look forward to something gorgeous like this one day though!
August 17th, 2010 at 9:50 am
The ice cream truck is a very nice touch…I have a party coming up in a couple weeks, I think I’ll be “borrowing” that idea from you!
Great post. Which I was more creative, but alas, I am destined to continue “borrowing’ ideas from mothers such as yourself for the next few years (my youngest is turning 7).
August 17th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Creative party ideas!
August 17th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
I’m already following your neat blog. I’m posting inspiring messages three times weekly on my new Facebook fan page…join us!
Ron
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inspire/338562522284?ref=ts
August 17th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Following back from MomsReview4You blog hop. Thanks!
Feel free to come back tonight 12pm Eastern since the new Wednesday blog hop with be up!
http://momsreview4you.blogspot.com/p/blog-hop.html
August 17th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
These are some really helpful hints! I have been planning my kiddos 2nd birthday for about 6 months. Not really planning but throwing out ideas. After throwing out all the typical Dr. Seuss and YoGabba Gabba themes, I think we finally landed on something completely unique. I personally loathe the gift bags with all the 2 cent stuff. I love to do gift bags with one really good thing. Last year we did t-shirts for all the kids. Like a concert tee!
Can’t wait to see how it all falls together.