Who smells smoke? Don’t panic, that’s just Clara’s dragon party, rollin’ into town (er, the internet?). Note: you can’t really smell this party through your computer, so if you smell smoke, please look into it. This year’s party was lower key than our last two (here’s her first birthday party, and her worm party from last year) and even though it was rainy and wet outside, eight kiddos and twelve adults jammed out inside. It was fun. And Clara made me cry. She’s just so big and sweet and hilarious and I’m the luckiest mom in the world.
Plus, dragons. I mean if that’s not a trump card for a party, I’m not sure what is. After she picked worms for her party last year I wasn’t sure it got more fun than that, but when she told us she wanted dragons this year, well, we laughed and jumped right in. She even told the doctor at her three year appointment that dragons were coming to her party and I’m pretty sure he was hedging for an invite after she name dropped winged-fire-breathing-creatures.
Look at this kid of mine, holding her cousin’s hand and dragging him into the sunroom for pizza. A second after I snapped this shot, she turned to Emanuel and said “be happy! there’s pizza!”
My favorite part of the whole day was this little painting of fire that I made on foam core and taped to the wall at kid-mouth-height. Everyone could be a dragon and we snapped lots of photos of all the kids having fun with it.
Burger even got in on the action…
Some adults posed for a few pretty hilarious photos too (turns out kid mouth height is adult bum height so you can guess where I’m going).
Here’s the sunroom all decked out. No balloons and streamers this year, just a few packs of paper lanterns from the dollar spot at Target (they sell them in sets of 2 & 3). The paper tablecloth is also from Target (it has some pretty dragon-ish consummate Vs) which is also where we grabbed the plates and napkins. Then we just ordered pizza, heated up some dragon-shaped chicken nuggets (aka: dragon nuggets), sliced up some vegetables, and tossed some chips and popcorn into a few bowls.
Oh and the table is the one from the deck. We just dragged it into the sunroom and wiped it down (dang rain!) and it was all good.
Who knew sliced peppers could look so fire-like, eh? John. John knew. Apparently guys + fire = besties. And of course we had the castles that Clara painted in the background with little rubber dragons on them (snagged at Michael’s in a few tubes of 8, so they also ended up in the kids’ favors). And those flame-like sunflowers were a few bucks at Kroger (that’s a local grocery store for the non-locals). How awesome are they?! They’re like fire on a stick.
We kept the food super simple. In fact, except for baking some cookies with the birthday girl herself, we didn’t cook a thing. We really just wanted this to be an easy and casual gathering, so we didn’t go crazy cooking or decorating. Plus it’s a fun challenge to look at “party food” like chips, jelly beans, and popcorn to see if we could somehow make it dragon-ish. Here’s what we came up with:
We also played up the hot/fire-breathing thing and had some Hot Tamales and FireBalls (clearly labeled so no kiddos accidentally ate them and blew smoke out of their ears). They were a big hit with the grown ups. Meanwhile the kids rocked out with the rock candy. I thought they were fire-ish so I grabbed them at the register at Michaels (hello impulse buy).
Gratuitous sunflower shot. I love them. I hope they last a good long time so I can soak them up through the move (I’m the girl who will hold this vase on her lap in the car on moving day so they make it to the new house).
Clara’s favorites were the lanterns. She thought they were balloons and even said “I’m sad they’re going to get small” and I said “Yay! They’re paper lanterns! We can use them for every birthday for ever and ever!” Cheered her right up.
On the other side of the sunroom we temporarily removed the bike art (it was John’s idea… I couldn’t believe it!) to make a little drink station out of the expedit bookcase with Clara’s monthly photos taped up on the wall between some fire-ish bursts of tissue paper.
That’s also where I stuck the favors, which are always my favorite thing to throw together. This year I found some red tins at the dollar store that I filled with tissue paper that I cut to look like fire.
They were each filled with a pair of dragon socks that I found at Target for 99 cents, a pack of crayons, a glowing bracelet, a dollar store pinwheel (they were 3/$1) and a few of the aforementioned plastic dragons from Michael’s that also graced Clara’s painted castles on the table.
In the drink tin we had red and yellow Izze bottles for the grown ups (along with bottled water, juice boxes, and a few other beverage choices in a cooler nearby).
As for how I made the tissue paper poofs on the wall, I just smooshed them up and used one staple to hold them together in the back. One loop of painter’s tape held each of them in place between the Clara pics on the wall.
I also used a sharpie to draw a bunch of dragons on card stock and set them out on the coffee table in the sunroom with a bowl full of crayons.
Oh and we dragged out Clara’s train board, which ended up being a fun little kid zone while the parents chatted each other up.
We had planned on an outdoor “dragon egg hunt” (with a bunch of on-clearance plastic eggs that we got at Target after Easter with a few jelly beans in each one) but since it was too wet outside we hid them all over the dining room and the office. It was pretty cute watching the kids run around and grab as many as they could – especially when they were in such strange spots like under the chair cushions, behind the curtains, and even on our favorite concrete pet’s head…
As for desserts, we ordered 10 dragon cookies from Snickety Snacks (they’re like works of art – and they taste amazing!) along with making some homemade white chocolate chip cookies with Clara (we stamped them with “dinosaur footprints” right after they came out of the oven).
The cupcakes are local favorites from the grocery store (Ukrops) and I made those spikes in about ten minutes by cutting up airheads (yes, those crazy candies that look like long flat tongues). I just used a knife to cut them down the center to make two skinny strips and then cut little triangles from each row and shoved four of them into each cupcake in a spiny little line.
This picture is a small miracle. How I got the cookie in focus and caught her looking up at me, I’ll never know. Oh beansie, this makes me want to cry. How’d you get so big?!
As is the tradition, we did our best to grab a family photo. This was the best we could do, but I’ll take it.
When three of us were walking around wearing similar striped shirts, we had to snap a shot of that too. We’re practically triplets.
So Clara’s three and her dragon party was a fire-breathing good time. I can’t wait to see what she picks next year. Chickens? Ninjas? A Burger theme? Time will tell…
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Aww Happy Happy Birthday Clara. What a beautiful party. The videos are such a great idea and wonderful memory for Clara. Love the dancing!
Renee' says
What a cute and creative dragon themed birthday party! I love how it had fun and simple elements, and the Airheads on the cupcakes? Talk about bringing me back – it has to be 10 years since I had one. :) Very bright and cheery love it!
Aspen says
Ok. That video made me do the ugly cry. And now I’m squeezing the crud out of my 13 month old, begging her to not turn 3 yet. :) thank you so much for sharing that with us!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! They really do grow up so fast!
xo
s
holly says
so creative!! loved everything!
Ilse den Besten says
Gosh, that video almost teared me up and I’m not even her parent! Can’t imagine how you guys must feel with your sweet girl getting so big! ;)
Eliza says
LOVE the simplicity of this party and how personalized and sweet it looked! Sometimes I think less is more, and in this case it definitely seemed to work! And those cookies looked amazing :-) Happy Birthday, Clara!
Suzanne says
Great job ringing in 3!
Clara’s comment of “be happy, there’s pizza” is what makes every tantrum worth it!! So cute!
Joseph says
*in hair-metal-like scream* TROGDOR!
Oh man, if only there had been one big beefy arm on the wall next to the foam core fire painting.
Brooke says
Wow – I want to throw myself a Dragon party now! Great fun ideas — what an awesome Mom and Dad!!
Allison says
Your Homestar reference made my day! I LOVE how Clara’s party turned out, makes me want a kid! So cute :)
Laura Zarrin says
I just had to tell you that my 11yo son things that your daughter is the coolest kid ever! First a worm party and now dragons?! He’s very impressed.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Laura! I’ll tell her.
xo
s
Susan Hines says
AMAZING!!!!!
Sarah says
Trogdor! Oh my, strongbad email was such a formative point to my first year of college. I’m pretty sure my friends and I would draw (not very good) trogdors on each other’s white boards. Love the party, as always!
Heather says
Aw, happy birthday, Clara!! Looks like it was a super fun party!
Thanks for sharing that book – Dragons Love Tacos!! OMG!!! SO funny! We loved it!
Amanda says
Awesome video guys! How do your organize all of the photos you take? I have a new baby and want to keep them organized, and need tips on how to do that. I figured you must have a good system since you take so many pics.
YoungHouseLove says
We use iPhoto with different folders (it keeps them chronological automatically) and then back them up on an external hard drive.
xo,
s
Danielle says
Clara is so stinkin’ cute! I absolutely love everything you did with the party, especially the Izze drinks and those cupcakes!!
Danielle at Framed Frosting
Marilyn says
I think Burger thinks you guys are nuts! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Annika says
Hihi, this reminds me of the birthday party I just threw for myself, just adding a zero to Clara’s age! I think Clara made a very wise choice of theme.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love that!
xo
s
Jenni says
So cute! Quick (and stupid) question- how did you hang the paper lanterns? I’m looking to do the same thing for my daughter’s 1st birthday party next month but don’t want something from the ceiling that will look horrible or be permanent!
YoungHouseLove says
I used whit string from my sewing box and taped them to the inside of the windows above the table :)
xo
s
Michelle says
The fire-breathing photo booth is hilarious. Happy birthday Clara!
M says
Do you mind sharing what products you are using or continuing on Clara. I’m looking for a bath soap for my son. Also what gifts did Clara receive and what are your favorite gift ideas for other little ones.
YoungHouseLove says
Hopefully these posts help: https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/09/save-it-the-baby-edition/ https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/07/keeping-it-real-the-baby-gear-factor/ https://www.younghouselove.com/2012/05/the-simple-life-2/
xo
s
Emily H says
buahahahaha. I thought you guys were pretty awesome before, but when you dropped that “consummate v” diddy, I think your cool factor imploded into infinity and beyond. Just about died!!! Amazingly cute party as always! :)
Stephy says
You would LOVE animoto.com for photo videos like Clara’s bday. They will sink & time your uploaded photos with special effects & you can add TEXT! Try their free trial!
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds fun!
xo
s
Amy says
Sherry,
I love this! You have a real knack for finding the perfect detail pieces to pull celebrations together in the perfect not-so-over-the-top way. You somehow made worms and dragons slightly fem and super cute! This inspires me to start planning my boy’s 4th bday party, even though it’s not until October :). So much fun! Thanks for sharing!
Adriane says
Loved the party!! It’s so much nicer to see handmade parties, with original elements, like the painted fire… super creative!!
xo
Adriane
Rachel says
I love how simple and fun Clara’s bday party was! My favorite was the flame photo opt and your comment of the amusement on the parents part made me laugh out loud. Thanks for all the awesome ideas!
Caanan says
Consummate V’s! You just made my day.
MIRANDA WILLIAMS says
I love the video! You guys always do such a good job! I strive to be as creative as you two :) Do you know what kind of lens you used to film some of the video (like clara & burger on the window ledge)?.
YoungHouseLove says
We used our Nikon D3200’s stock lens for that video :)
xo
s
Megan Henry says
I’m not sure if I missed it or not but what gift did you guys create for Clara’s birthday. I love how you guys make all her gifts it shows that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a toy for your kids to enjoy.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s on the agenda for tomorrow. It’s just a little something I sewed – but she’s getting lots of use from them already :)
xo
s
Yvonne says
What a awesome birthday party.
I enjoy really much your videos about the first and second year.
But I can`t see the video from the third year here in Germany :(
Is it possible to see it anywhere else?
Cheers
Yvonne =)
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry Yvonne! We’ve been meaning to do another version with different music so you guys can see it internationally! Hope we get a moment to get that together for you soon!
xo
s
Amy @ a new old house says
LOVE the video- amazing how much she’s grown!
Great party decorations & ideas! We did a Knight themed birthday party last October, and am kicking myself that I didn’t think of some of these! :)
http://parties2plan.blogspot.com/2012/11/knight-party-games-activities.html
YoungHouseLove says
So cute!
xo
s
Cas says
A Homestar Runner reference? *swoon*
Trude says
Everything turned out so cute!! Really love how you worked the theme without it feeling over the top. :) Happy birthday again, Bean!
Claire @ A Little CLAIREification says
I am a little in awe of how many comments were left! Popping over from the Nester’s “Weekend Links” round up. What an adorable, fun party idea!! I love it!
Would love for you to link this – or any other great projects etc – over at my “Best Of The Weekend” party going on now.
I love featuring new guests. :)
Have a great weekend!
Claire
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Claire!
xo,
s
Cas says
I think I squealed out loud at the tablecloth with consummate V’s remark. You guys are the best!
Christina says
That video is sooooooo cute. It’s so wonderful that you guys have been able to capture so many wonderful Clara moments. I need to make a point to get a decent video-recording device before I have children!
Penny Smith says
Oh good GRAVY, have another one already before she gets in kindergarten and you rethink starting over with diapers! LOL!
They really do learn SO much from each other! :)
But then you know-you have siblings. :)
I can not BELIEVE she is 3!! Crazy!
Happy BIrthday (belated) Clara!
Marissa says
I love posts about your sweet Clara :). She’s the most adorable 3-year old of all time!
Just saw some very cute and free dragon coloring pages (and a dragon mask!) on Mr. Printables… passing it on in case Clara has some dragon-coloring enthusiasm left:
http://www.mrprintables.com/dragon-coloring-pages.html
YoungHouseLove says
Those are awesome!!
xo
s
Claudi says
many many thanks for the alternative video for the german fans of you. just watched it in office. actually I am not allowed to watch videos while working. hm…who cares? :-) I like to be with you guys virtually.
Lots of love from Germany and al lot of power for your move at the weekend.
Claudi
YoungHouseLove says
So glad!!
xo
s
Kathy says
What a fabulous party. I love how there is so much smiling happy love in the video. We need more of this in the world.
magpie says
This party is beyond adorable. Where to look–the fire favor pails, the rock candy, the dragon-print cookies!? (That last is so awesome it deserves an interrobang.)
Anyway, I’m much too old for it, but allow me to thank you for bringing Dragons Love Tacos into my life. After you mentioned it in a previous Clara dragon party-planning post, I did a little research and talked about it nonstop until it materialized as part of the festivities for my 25th–to acclaim from all. So thank you, Petersiks, for sharing the occasional awesome silliness–and Clara, you have most excellent taste. (May your tacos be always be plentiful and non-spicy.)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha! So glad.
xo
s
Heather says
You guys throw the cutest parties! Thanks for always sharing all of your great ideas. :)
Liz says
Thank you, thank you! I discovered your post when I Googled “dragon birthday party” because MY Clara, just requested a “dragon costume party” complete with fire coming out of her mouth, for her 4th birthday. Thanks to you I might just be able to pull it off.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh that’s so sweet!
xo,
s
Cara says
Hi! I know this is old now, but we are in birthday planning mode here and I was curious about the food you serve. Did you have only 3 pizzas and the nuggets or did you have other food not pictured and for how many people? I feel like we always need so much food. This year I’m prego with #2 and I want to simplify with ordering pizza, but I’m pretty sure I would need like 10 pizzas and we don’t even invite that many people! How do you do it!?
YoungHouseLove says
We had four pizzas I think (put three out at a time and replaced one when it was all eaten with the fourth) and the nuggets and other snacky things (chips and salsa, candy, cupcakes, veggies and dip, etc). I think there were 18 people or so. Hope it helps!
xo
s
Sonia Leen says
Wow what great & creative original ideas. I love them. Did you make the dragon cookies yourself? They are awesome.
YoungHouseLove says
We got those from an awesome baker! The link to her website is in this post for ya!
xo
s
Jules says
Dear Sherry: Very cool party idea and execution of it! We have a year of the dragon baby and are trying to plan a birthday party for him. And the dragon theme is perfect. My mom found you site when searching for ideas for how to make the fete dragon-esque. Did you have specific dragon-themed activities or other activities you did during the party other than the drawing station, train, and egg hunt? Those are all great, but I am not sure if that would be enough (how long did each station grab their attention for)? Thanks! The kids in attendance will be about 6 months to 3 years…
YoungHouseLove says
We did that along with photos with the fire (of each kid breathing it) and we had a meal and cupcakes and sang so it seemed to fill up the whole event!
xo
s