This weekend our deck was full of people we love, gathered to celebrate this four year old bean of ours. It was pretty awesome to have so much connected outdoor space to party on (the sunroom-turned-veranda and our big deck that overlooks the grassy backyard felt less chopped up than having some people in the last house’s sunroom while others were on our two-tiered patio). And since our previous house is where we’ve hosted every other Clara-birthday since she was born (here’s the post about her first birthday, the one about her second one, and the one about her third) it felt both weird and wonderful to have our first big birthday gathering here. Most importantly, this girl had a blast.
We usually do a little party prep post before the big “after the event” rundown (like this one, this one, and this one) which is where we share details like her invitation, but this time we figured we’d toss everything into this full-monty post and call it good. This is the invitation that we sent out to friends and relatives after Clara decided she wanted her party to be “all full of pink and gold everything… with glitter.”
But the theme wasn’t “pink and gold with glitter” for long – it kept evolving. The description quickly morphed to include nearly everything in her world. Soon Clara was calling it a “pink and gold flamingo, fairy, princess, lego, glitter, flower, cupcake, pez, castle, polka dot, treasure, bubble, water party” – which we shortened to her “pink and gold everything party” since it included everything but the kitchen sink.
It was fun to embrace all the things she loves. We pulled out existing items that fit the theme (like old paper lanterns and floral tablecloths from parties past) as well as grabbing some fun new items that tied in (like a few dollar store flamingos, some gold tinsel to make a glittery table runner, and some polka dotted balloons from Target).
For added seating in our not-really-furnished-yet former sunroom, we brought out an old pedestal table and our wicker dining chairs (they’re actually outdoor chairs, so they worked really well) as well as breaking out some fun stuff for the kids like our water table (and the one we borrowed from Grammy and Tom-Tom) as well as a bunch of toys, bubbles, and even the sprinkler for down on the grass.
We’re so grateful for the weather. It was sunny and warm enough for the kids to play with water in the sun, but nice and cool in the shade (we didn’t even turn on the fans!).
We kept the food casual as usual, with some pink and gold favorites like watermelon, chicken nuggets, sliced peppers, caramel corn, chips & salsa, as well as a few pizzas since they’re always a crowd pleaser.
We even worked in some grocery store blooms and a few gold mason jars (from JoAnn) full of pink & gold twizzlers.
These little flamingo glasses were dollar store finds, and the chocolate coins and pink jelly beans were pretty much gone before the pizza was even touched.
We also grabbed five flamingo stick-balloons at the dollar store (who knew they were such a treasure trove of flamingo memorabilia?) that we stuck into the the potted ferns around the deck. Kids loved them so much they asked to take them home at the end of the party.
Easily the most exciting thing were the cupcakes, which were made by our sweet friend Justine. After we had Teddy she asked if she could bring us a meal and we kept saying “you’re too kind, but we’re all set – seriously our freezer is full” which somehow turned into her offering to make cupcakes for the party (she loves to bake, and her stuff is so delicious we couldn’t resist). She fully embraced the pink-and-gold-fairy-princess-lego-castle-glitter-etc theme and made adorable toppers for each cupcake, including a few “fairy Clara” toppers with her face on a glittery winged body along with everything from a lego head to a pink glittered castle. There was an audible “oooh!” when we brought them all out.
Here’s one of “Queen Clara” wearing a big dress (girl loves a big dress, especially of the pink and gold variety). Justine seriously went above and beyond.
Later when we asked Clara to name her five favorite parts of the party, the very first thing she said was “MY CUPCAKES!” (which oddly enough was followed by “when Sam hit me in the face with the beach ball”).
Everyone hung out on the deck and ate and played with the water tables for the first half of the party (there were around a dozen kids and twenty adults) and then some of the kids started funneling down to the grass to play with things like the sprinkler and the bubbles.
First we set up a little bubble blower…
… and then John broke out the giant bubble maker, which had everyone in awe of his skills. Until several kids made bigger bubbles than this on the first try.
The sprinkler was especially funny to watch since it was a bunch of kids standing around filling various cups and containers with water.
The water tables were also pretty constantly in use, so it was nice to have a few “stations” for kid activities while the adults chatted nearby without anyone being out of eyeshot.
Teddy didn’t get in on the water table, bubble, or sprinkler action, but he did woo his fair share of party-goers. Here’s John’s mom in her flamingo headband. Gotta love a lady who commits to a party wholeheartedly.
We kept the favors pretty simple too. Since one of the things in Clara’s longest-party-name-ever was “Pez” I found some dispensers at the dollar store for these pink & gold containers (30 cents each from Target) and tossed in a few other treats.
We also bought this pinata from Target but almost forgot to break it out. Some folks had already left when we ran in and got it, but the lingering crew had a ton of fun with it. Check out Louie with his gold chain and sunglasses on the right. Dude had moves.
It took about 100 swings, but it finally exploded and the kids scrambled to grab as much as they could.
As is the tradition, we also took a family photo, which is a pretty rare event for us (one of us is always holding the camera). In this case it ended up being even more momentous than usual since it’s the first photo of all four of us. Only took us a month…
Can we just pause for a second to soak up little Teddy. He’s so sweet I could eat him. But I won’t. And don’t even get me started on that little lady in John’s arms. When did she get so big? I tell her she’s not allowed to grow anymore but she just doesn’t listen.
Did you guys have any gatherings this weekend? Have you ever thrown a bunch of parties at one house over the years and then moved and marveled/feared making a new place work? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a house never feels homier than it does when it’s full of the people you love. In some ways even though we’ve almost lived here a year (how did that happen?!) this house didn’t fully feel “broken in” until Saturday. Just looking around seeing everyone out on the deck and our kids running around in the grass… well, it was pretty great. Even if there were giant piles of laundry lurking inside.
AmyEmBee says
So adorable! We were hosting our own party this weekend… A “Power Ranger Training Camp” fete for our five year old. Everything was blue and power rangers inside, and my super-good-sport of a husband dressed as a sensei and led the recruits through field day activities outside. When the kids made it through, they were awarded “swords” (pool noodles cut in half and decorated with washi tape!). This kid party stuff is way too much fun! :)
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
So adorable. Happy birthday Clara!
You guys have so much room for a fun party on your deck now.
Mani says
Clara has absolutely perfect teeth :)
Momcat says
What a gorgeous day for a party, and what a lovely girl who is so quickly growing up!! Clara looks so different in her invitation, just radiant! I miss the days of “little” birthday parties… sigh. This weekend was our son’s final high school dance, his Senior Prom! Hard to believe he started out as small as your Teddy. Enjoy every moment with your little ones, pretty soon you will be snapping high school pictures! :)
Also, can I hire your friend to make graduation cupcakes? Seriously. Please email me if she’s interested!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet! I’ll pass the info on so she can reach out if she has time (she’s a busy lady) :)
xo
s
NancyY says
Wow! Parenting gold star for you each!
I was wondering if you have any sort of gift policy for the party? We’ve heard about a “please no gifts” request on the invite (with exceptions for grandparents) but have yet to see this on any invites received. With a 5 & 3 yr old we’re starting to worry about the volume of STUFF that comes in at parties, and are now buying a number of small gifts for kid parties that add up. Just wondering what other parents do.
By the way, I know you are a practiced hair trimmer, but just a tip – start with the ears when the kid is most patient since this the most harrowing part. The blog acupofjo contains a great post about cutting kid hair.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Nancy! As for us, we usually just try to direct anyone who asks by saying “she’d love dollhouse furniture” or “books are a favorite for her” (since dollhouse stuff is small and she loves it, and Clara reads a ton in the car). Some folks don’t ask though and we do tend to get a good amount of stuff, so sometimes we tuck some away for later and rotate it into play so everything isn’t out all at once.
xo
s
Crystal says
I’ve also saved some presents that I thought we didn’t need and added them to gift collections for kids at Christmas time. Is that terrible?…I hope not. :)
LauraM says
Where did you find Clara’s swimsuit? I like the ones that cover the shoulders and that is really cute!
YoungHouseLove says
That was from target a little while back. Hope they still have it!
xo
s
shar y says
Yall are beautiful! Every last one of you! Looks like a fun party and good times. Your deck is the most perfect spot for entertaining!!
Sabrina says
Sherry you look FANTASTIC! Love the pink and gold. So does my daughter when I showed her. So jealous of backyard parties. Both of our kids are winter babies. My little guy wants a piñata so bad but I don’t know how I feel about kids with a baseball bat in my living room!
C says
Super cute party! Do you have to use special bubble solution for the giant bubbles? I remember having one of those big wands as a kid myself and it was usually a giant fail…. I’d like to try again with my kiddos! :)
YoungHouseLove says
I think we just used the regular stuff in there (it might have come with its own bubble formula, my brain was scrambled so I don’t remember). Anyone have more info for C?
xo
s
susan says
a great bubble recipe for durable bubbles usually has some glycerin or corn syrup in it… check out this link or google for more:
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/a/super-soap-bubble-solution
Leah says
When I was a kid, my dad made homemade bubble solution for us. We had gallons of the stuff and did bubbles all the time. I don’t remember much, but there was dawn dish soap and glycerin in the mix. We had big wands and all sorts of craziness. We made shapes out of wire coat hangers, etc, and would often stand up inside our bubbles.
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
I mean, glitter makes everything better, so Clara knows whassup. Her smile is amazing!
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
Um, and Sherry looks ridic. Did you just have a baby really?!
Angel says
I love when the kids smash together themes! That’s how we ended up with Lego Seahawks this year. :) I’m also digging the all-in-one post. I think it’s nice to have it all in one spot. Please pass along to grandma that party people who dress in theme are my favorite guests!
As for us, I went to the Seattle Mom Prom this weekend – it’s a seriously rad ladies-only fundraiser where you get to party like its 1999. And 1989. And 2009. And heck, even 1959.
Jolene says
You guys always throw the BEST Clara parties! Even 1 month post-baby! It is gorgeous, fun, and creative and it looks like there was something to entertain everyone. The cupcakes are Fabulous and I love how she integrated EVERYTHING!! Your family picture is just so perfect and sweet! It really brought warm fuzzy feelings to my heart!
Emily says
Such a sweet party! I love it! And that family photo of you guys is just beautiful. It’s crazy how much happens in one year!
Colleen says
Sherry! You look fabulous!
Love your hospitality (no one cares about the laundry). Thanks for this wonderful post.
Liz says
So fun! We celebrated my little one’s first birthday on Friday. Excuse me while I sob a little over that… We also went with a pink & gold theme, minus the flamingos. Although those are super cute! I seriously LOVE planning & decorating parties…but I seriously don’t enjoy the making of the guest list, if you know what I mean?!?!
Also..that family picture of you guys! Melts my heart!
Happy Birthday Clara!
Crystal says
Love the party!! I can’t wait to plan another one and similar to you, will be having a birthday party at the end of August for our 3 year old boy just 4-ish weeks after my c-section with #3. Hope I can do it!
And I’m dying for flamingos. I had to pick up this cute navy dress at Target with tiny pink flamingos all over it for our 4.5 year old. She goes “Why do you like flamingos so much Mom?” lol
Stardancer says
So cute! And when did Clara grow such long legs? This short person finds herself jealous :)
YoungHouseLove says
I know! The girl’s all legs. She gets that from John’s side for sure.
xo
s
Meggan says
LOVE the family photo. We have 3 boys, 10, 7 and 4. Since the 4 year old is the baby, I always tell him to stop growing. He laughs and says “My tummy can’t hear you!” It happens so fast, just wait until she hits 5, a momentous whole hand! Adorable party ;)
Cassie says
you guys have the best parties. i love not spending a lot of money but still making it awesome.
clara is just a few months younger than my daughter and it is crazy how fast they are growing – but so fun!
i have a son as well, and yes, once he was born it just seemed like my daughter grew up! ahhhh – slow down babies!
Kristen says
What a beautiful party! What kind of plants to you have in the pots? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
They’re ferns from Home Depot.
xo
s
Andrea Goodman says
We had our daughters’ joint birthday party on Saturday ages 4,6 rainbow themed Swingset party to celebrate their present, a Rainbow brand swingset :) one of my favorite things were my rainbow sorted tortilla chips- thanks Trader Joes, I was jumping up and down in the aisle when I realized that flaxseed chips, blue corn, and yellow corn chips would make a whole rainbow :)
Kelly says
What a lovely party! Happy Birthday, Clara! You guys look great in the new family photo. Much love! :-)
Carrie K says
So nice to see your updated family photo top-right on the site! Can’t believe you pulled off a party one month post-partum. Kudos!
Jen @ Cuddles and Chaos says
You guys. This is seriously the cutest party ever. LOVE!
Jenny says
Gotta Admit, I look forward to the Clara birthday parties posts every year. You always impress me with your creativity. Still not over the worms theme!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
I had a pink and gold birthday party this year too. Clara has great taste, or do I have the taste of a 4 yr. old? Haha!
YoungHouseLove says
So funny!
xo
s
Kim Zale says
Its awesome to see that even a 4 year old has 2 outfit changes at her own party. Shes a true diva. LOL Shes getting so big, and again Happy 4th Birthday, Clara. You’re growing into a beautiful young lady.
Tiffini S. says
Gorgeous party! We had a multi themed party last weekend as well. I graduated from college on Saturday, had Mother’s Day Sunday, and turned 42 on Monday. Quite a weekend for me.
But, aside from a few graduation decorations, our family tends to throw the same party over and over. It has to involve my Dad’s mashed potatoes, a bonfire built by my brother, my two sisters who make the best fruit and veggie trays, and my sweet tea. And S’mores, of course. If we have those things, we have a party!
Carrie Lorenzo says
So cute!! My sons first birthday is coming up. I really wanted to have his party at home, but finally decided our house is just too small. We have already booked a park pavilion. This makes me wish even more that we were doing it at home. Such great memories. Enjoy every minute!
Heather @ What Does She Do All Day? says
I love birthday parties! It looks like you guys had a great time! We celebrated my daughter’s 4th birthday on Saturday as well with a super hero party! http://whatdoesshedoallday.com/super-corinnes-birthday-party/
We also have to get a family photo at birthday parties because it’s usually the only time I can find someone else to push the button!!
Amanda K. says
This is so great! I love a fun backyard party — happy birthday to Clara!
When you guys have events like this with guests and their kids, do you ask first before posting pictures of them/their kids? Is anyone every wary of being on the blog?
My blog is small but I still wonder about posting photos. (Maybe because of my media background and needing waivers at private events?)
YoungHouseLove says
Most of our friends and family have been on the blog a bunch of times at this point since this is Clara’s fourth party, but if anyone asks us not to share a photo of them or their kids we’re all to happy to oblige. The funny thing is that usually the opposite happens – people send us their photos and say “I snapped these too in case you want to use them!”
xo
s
deborah says
my little girl turns four end of june and i love reading about what clara is interested in because it is always so similar to my ella. in fact, i can’t let her see the computer if i am reading your blog b/c she is so interested in all the girly stuff. her party ideas have evolved from princess (she just reached that stage) to wanting to involve tea parties, legos and super heroes. when she pretends she is a princess she always says “to the rescue!” a color themed party may make more sense for her as well. and yes, i agree, clara does look very grown up in her invite picture. wow!
Joan says
Great Party! I love reusing items from years’ past. We spent the weekend at Homearama and I just wanted to say your house was our hands down favorite!!! Loved it. You did an awesome job. We are not nearly as handy as you and have hired a builder for a home addition. But he just got a bunch of change orders after we visited the show! Hope you had a great time designing it cuz we had a fab time walking through!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Joan!
xo
s
Katie @ Little House of Four says
Looks like a fun party! I love the pink and gold theme and those cupcakes look amazing!
Linda says
Having followed your blog and family for the last several years, I have to say Clara gets prettier every year. She has such a sweet smile and looks happy. I am a grandmother of 3 little girls and 1 boy. Girls can be so much fun. Mine are really into princesses and tend to live in their princess dresses when they are not at daycare or school. I wish you and your family the very best.
susan says
Love the ‘about’ photo update; I’ve been watching for it!
The photo of Clara on her invitation is fabulous! She really has lost that toddler look; what a big girl she is now. And in the family photo she has legs like her beloved flamingos!
Great party ideas, thanks for sharing.
(Your profile picture that shows with your comment replies still is of just the 3 of you.)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Susan! Will have to update that pic too!
xo
s
liz says
Ok, I tried to scan the comments, in case this was already asked… but what brand of bubble machine do you have? I’d like to have one for my son’s upcoming 2nd birthday… and I am just curious if the cheapo version at Walmart is going to “work”?
Darling party, by the way!
YoungHouseLove says
We just grabbed it at Target (it’s blue, but I forget the brand). Worked really well!
xo
s
Marilu Luna says
Sherry & John, thanks for sharing. I just love your family and all the sweet things you do. Such attention to details. I also want to personally thank you for helping to inspire my kitchen renovation of cabinets. I followed your directions to the letter and my cabinets look absolutely wonderful. I only wish I knew how to send pics. You guys were with me every step of the way!
YoungHouseLove says
You’re so sweet! We’d love to see photos (you can share them on our Facebook page or email us with the contact button on the bottom of the site).
xo
s
Jean says
Awww, lovely photos and Clara looks just like Sherry now.
You reminded me of the expression “when your children are babies they’re so cute you could eat them, and when they’re teenagers you’ll wish you had.”
Don’t worry, I didn’t eat mine and they’re both teenagers now, and they’re still lovely (mst of the time).
YoungHouseLove says
Ha!
xo
s
Briel K. says
Those cupcakes look awesome! I hope they tasted just as good as they looked. :) Well done Justine!
YoungHouseLove says
They were delicious!
xo
s
Nicola Han says
Adore everything. Beautiful moments captured precious times had and many more to follow x
Joanna @ TheNestbook says
Love that pic of Clara on the invite… It’s about as sweet and girly as can be! So cute!
Sharon says
Looks like lots of fun! We’ve had two small parties at our house for our daughters. Family only. In two weeks, we’ll be having a HUGE party at our Church. I am totally freaked about getting everything pulled together for it. But, there was no way we could host so many people in our home, or even have parking for them. So, Church will definitely be a better location. Though, it means I can only do so much ahead of time. I am doing lots ahead of time, but can’t do any decorating until the day of.
mary says
I can’t believe she is four!!!!! And so cute!! and grown!!! Happy Birthday sweet girl!
Kaye Whorley says
Clara is such a precious little girl! I feel like I know all of you and am thrilled to see everyone in a picture together. The party looked like so much fun for everyone, glad we had great weather here in Richmond so you could enjoy yourselves. You look fabulous by the way!
Dell says
What a darling family! It is a delight to look online and see such joy & love. Very timely in this world. Thank you for sharing your life with so many. God bless.
Sally G says
It’s always fun to see how people celebrate birthdays. Thanks for sharing.
PixieRonn says
Love this party theme, the cupcakes look delicious! My son’s birthday is January which makes it a lot harder for party idea since it’s always freezing! x
http://pixieronn.blogspot.co.uk/
Julianne says
Pretty great party & nice looking crew! I love the thought that you’ve put into the details and Clara seems to have had a wonderful time. Nice work :O)