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.
Meghan Rudd says
Congrats on Clara’s 4th Birthday. I have a daugher who turned 4 last month and I also tell her that I want her to stop growing. She finds it hilarious when I say this,but its so turn how do they grow so fast. We also have a son who is 8 months….goes even faster the second time.
Anne says
I just want to say that your family is beautiful and I hope you guys are enjoying whatever bit of extra time you have since cutting back on the blog. In my opinion, you’re still posting plenty and still have my support 100%.
Also, your house was my easy favorite at Homearama, not just because it was yours, but because it was honestly the best. Practical, yet stylish. Loved it. You can design and decorate my house any day.
Take care!
Sarah S. says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG6EIV4kjrU
your parties will never be the same!
YoungHouseLove says
So smart!
xo
s
Kristen @ LoveK Blog says
Looks like a great party! It’s so fun that so many people gather to celebrate with Clara! Special memories for a special gal!
kg says
Cute! All that glitters as they say. Those cupcakes were amazing!
What happened to Burger’s Gate?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s just secured in the open position (we added a small hook to hold it open)
xo
s
Amanda says
Great party you put together as always – laid back but sweet. Perfect.
Lauren says
Such a sweet party! I actually threw my daughters 4th and sons 1st birthday on Saturday as well! We did a cowgirl/cowboy party. I can’t believe my baby will be one Thursday. I think the second one goes by even faster!
Vanessa says
Happy birthday Clara! I’ve loved watching this little lady grow up. Looks like she had a great time. Teddy is cute enough to eat! Glad the party was a success. Full of family, friends and joy! !
Val says
O.M.G. Justine: sooooo much awesome in those cupcakes and their toppers!
Holly Minutaglio says
How fun! My son turned two on Saturday and we did a Bubbles and Balloons theme. Inside we had 6 dozen helium balloons and about a dozen of those punchy balloons, and outside we had three bubble machines going (seriously, whoever invented those things is a genius!), bubble guns, giant bubble wands, etc. We had all round foods – think Babybel cheese, melon balls, and powdered donuts. It was toddler heaven, basically. :) I’m kicking myself for not getting a family photo! Our poor dude crashed out before we could even sing happy birthday. Apparently it was too much fun! Happy bday to sweet Clara!
Josh R says
OMG! I can’t believe how big Clara is!! Kids grow too darn fast!! Looks like a great party! Congrats on 2 beautiful healthy children! ;-)
Paula M. says
Wow! Those cupcakes are totally Amazing!! What fun, with all the colors and sparkles and the figurines on top! No wonder people “ooh’ed” when they were brought out.
And I love seeing what party decor ideas Sherry comes up with each year, all within a theme and on budget while still being colorful and fun fun fun! :)
Great job, all !
And Happy Birthday to Clara :)
Kaylie says
I love the white curved bowls that you have the popcorn and chips in! Where did you get them!?
YoungHouseLove says
Those were from HomeGoods.
xo
s
chitra says
Great family picture but its incomplete without Burger!
YoungHouseLove says
I know! He’s too skittish during parties, but he sure likes cleaning up the crumbs afterward. His middle name should be Roomba!
xo
s
Johanna says
Holy moly, when did Clara grow up?? I love that she is just beaming in all of her birthday party pictures! Thanks for sharing with us :) I do have a suggestion for a post…. Curious to see what your “go-to” or “must have” baby items are this time around? :) I’m due with baby number 2 in just 5 weeks, and I have already read several t of those lists on other blogs, and they seem to change when it’s not your first baby anymore. Anyways, just thought it’d be fun to read your take on it :)
YoungHouseLove says
That would be fun!
xo
s
Penny Smith says
What is this I am reading? (Just catching up from time away from the blog…) You didn’t have newborn family pics?? This surprises me!!!
I hope you did a newborn session at least!!
May I refer Blue Lily!! They travel around the world doing workshops and sessions, with their homeschool kiddos in tow! They are uber inspirational, and reasonable I think too! We loved our pics taken on the lake in the Chicago area!
YoungHouseLove says
We took a bunch of Teddy with one of us for the announcement but didn’t have a formal photoshoot or anything. Our brother in law has offered, we just have to figure out a time!
xo
s
Jen says
Those tablecloths are gorgeous! Please, please, please tell me where you got them!?
YoungHouseLove says
They were from HomeGoods a few years back.
xo
s
Rosie S says
SO sweet….what a wonderful day!
ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com says
clara looks so big in her invitation photo!!! i can’t believe it! looks like she had an amazing birthday party and i’m always excited to see how you guys put her favorite things into action for her big day – i mean worms one year, flamingos the next? awesomesauce!! thanks for sharing!
Stacy M says
No gatherings for us last weekend, but that’ll change for this weekend. Sunday we get married AGAIN!!!! (my dad got very sick so we had a mini wedding in his hospital room on my birthday a couple of months ago. He passed away the very next day.) Can’t wait to see the WI family. I’m so excited & nervous. We did a lot of wedding DIY. I hope everyone has a blast.
YoungHouseLove says
I’m so sorry for your loss Stacy.
xo
s
Elizabeth says
Clara looks so old in her invitation picture! Such a pretty girl and I love that she has so many interests – very well-rounded :)
Sarah says
The party looked so fun! And I love the new family photo update on the website from the party.
Rena says
adorable party!! do you know where those amazing cupcake liners are from??
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry, I don’t. Maybe JoAnn?
xo
s
Anne says
I have a feeling the cupcake wrappers were either homemade by the baker (the colors were so perfectly coordinated for Clara) or picked up from an Etsy shop or somewhere similar. Wilton’s (cake decorating supplies) a brand sold at Michael’s and JoAnne’s has some plain ones that are no where near as snazzy. The only scalloped ones I’ve seen are pleated tissue. Again not as pretty.
The wrappers are fairly easy to make from a template if you are crafty (I’m not). I asked my artsy friend, she found the cupcake wrapper template she uses with her preschool kids on the web.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, just talked to Justine and she made them herself! She’s amazing!
xo
s
Megan says
Should I be embarrassed that “all full of pink and gold everything… with glitter” is basically how I describe my wedding plans? Apparently I have the taste of a 4-year old. That said, y’all did a great job! So cute! I’m impressed that you’re hosting parties with a newborn at all. Congrats to you all and happy birthday to Clara!
Theresa says
Happy birthday Clara!! She always seems older to me since she talks like a 6year old. :)
Sherry you look crazy good by the way!!!
Kaitlyn says
LOVE these flamingo glasses! Which dollar store brand are they from? Dollar Tree? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, Dollar Tree!
xo
s
Evelina says
Clara’s party looks like it was a blast! I love seeing how much fun the kiddos had. I’m especially a big fan of Clara’s bud Louie with his ballin’ gold chain and… backwards crocks? Love it!
Quick question: do you guys mail out hard copy invitations or do e-vites? The invitation is amazing. She looks so grown up!
Also, love the updated sidebar photo!!!
YoungHouseLove says
We mail them out. We’re old school I guess. Haha!
xo
s
Evelina says
Snail mail rocks! Hurray for old school!
Jana says
Happy Birthday Clara! And Teddy is SO adorable! Still so tiny and squishy! Clara’s party looked so fun and yea for great weather! Those cupcakes are out of control!! We too partied hard this weekend. My 7 year old son had an archery themed party with PVC-pipe bows and arrows made out of dowels! Thank you Pinterest! Everyone had a blast! And the next day we morphed our backyard into a “cute as a button” themed first birthday party for our daughter! We are exhausted and glad that our middle son ‘s party isn’t until June! I agree that backyard parties are the best. I am sure we will love looking back at the pictures of not just of kids and friends but also the yard! We have a small house but come spring our beautiful space outside makes us for it!
Gabi M. says
Wow, Sherry! You look incredible for just having a baby. Bravo! I love the family pick and the one of John’s mom with Teddy and the flamingo headband. You guys are so great. By the way, I have really been enjoying the new number of posts per week. They aren’t piling up in the my inbox since I don’t always have time to read and I’m super excited when a new one shows up. You guys are doing awesome in my opinion! Keep up the good work :).
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
What a magical party! I love Clara’s theme choice. Why not make it about everything you love?! Looks like all the kids had a ball.
The family photo is just beautiful and Sherry… seriously did you have a baby a month ago and are you looking after a newborn? You look fantastic. What a gorgeous family!
My son doesn’t turn one until January. Is it crazy that I’m already brainstorming themes?
Cynthia R says
Did you paint the bird bath yellow for the party? I need to refinish an old one and you gave me an idea :)
YoungHouseLove says
That was a book project from a while back :)
xo
s
Trish says
Beautiful little girl and such a sweet baby! love the party, hope you took lots of pictures! It looks like so much fun!
1st time commenting but your comment about when did Clara get so big drew me in,lol. Wait till she starts high school! My oldest is almost 15 and going into 10th grade next fall and all I can think of is.. where the heck did my baby go?!
Congrats on little Teddy and YAY for the birthday girl!
Christine says
Love reading all your posts and watching your family grow up!
I would sure like to get my hands on some of those pink/gold bags you used for favors – is that a regular item at Target or have you had them for ahwile? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
They were clearanced to 30 cents so I think they were getting rid of them. Sorry!
xo
s
Sonya says
We hosted my oldest son’s Graduation Party cookout for family and friends this weekend! Cherish every moment. It seems like just yesterday that he was Clara’s age.
Monnaie says
such a beautiful interior designing and decoration! Love it!
Kim Sall says
What a wonderful post. Clara’s energy and happy spirit in every picture makes me smile! I love the pink and gold theme.. You nailed it with the flamingos.. hehe! Probably my favorite part.
http://www.screwdriversandmimosas.com
Vel says
Belated happy birthday to sweet Clara! What a fun party and I can’t believe you pulled it off with new baby Teddy in tow! Great job you guys!
Emily @ Life on Food says
What a fun time. I love your little family photo at the end. Looks like perfect contentment to me.
Heather says
It’s funny how a house doesn’t feel like a home until you fill it with people you love.
Lily says
What a great party! you two are killing it, with this PLUS a newborn!
x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/
Margaret says
4?! What. When. How. Simply impossible! Happy Belated Birthday, Clara! :)
Cori says
LOVE the pink and gold birthday! We did the same theme for my daughter’s first birthday in October (her “golden” birthday since she turned one on October 1st). She even wore the same pink Old Navy dress as Clara! Great minds think alike ;)
http://thehouseofhiggins.blogspot.com/2013/10/embrys-golden-birthday-party.html
YoungHouseLove says
So funny!
xo
s
Seaweed & Raine says
Happy Birthday Miss Clara! :)
Love the pink and gold theme. You are never too old for pink and gold. I LOOOOVVVVEEE flamingos. I had a pink and gold theme for the 36th last year (Shhh. Don’t tell. I’m still deluded enough to think I’m in my 20’s).
Oh Teddy. You make my heart beat skippedy skip. Your Mummy is so right. You are yummy, and then some. Nope, I’m not clucky. But you’d come close to making me think about it… :D
Hope you have a bliss filled week guys!
Sheree
Ali says
Awww, Happy Birthday, Clara! I see lots of familiar faces in those pics! So fun. :)
Megan says
Love love love the family photo. And the party looked fabulous as well. :)
Colleen says
Very basic question for you: What is your favorite method for hanging the paper balloons you use a lot at parties? I want to use some too without junking up my ceiling.
YoungHouseLove says
We like masking tape because it doesn’t peel paint like clear tape can and it tends to blend in with white trim.
xo
s
Marlayna says
Hi! So cute! Looks like you had gorgeous weather and tons of fun! Will there be another video to commemorate another great year? Always love those!! You guys have the cutest ideas and such fun music :)
YoungHouseLove says
Soon I hope! Still working on some finishing touches :)
xo
s
Kristen says
Super cute party! Just a question because I will be in a similar situation in a couple months – having a new baby beginning of August with a little boy turning four later in the month….We will be having a birthday party for him when baby is about two weeks old. Our guest list will be smaller than yours and I’m on the fence about what to tell people(it’s all family) about getting a tdap vaccine before seeing/holding baby per the new cdc recs for adults to get vaccinated again, since baby won’t have hers yet. I don’t want to be super paranoid and offensive but I also want to keep her safe. Did y’all require family/extended family, friends to get the shot before the party, or you two hold Teddy for the most part or just not worry about it? I’m just not sure how to approach it! Thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
We didn’t ask anyone to get any shots before the party, but I can see how it’s scary (pertussis is nothing to mess around with). We held Teddy a lot and also had close family members (my mom, John’s mom, John’s dad, etc) hold him, all of whom had held him before, and a pediatric nurse friend of mine had some great bonding time with him (she must be up to date on tdap due to her career). Hope it helps!
xo
s
Vanessa says
Glad you had so much fun! What kind of bubbles are the big giant ones? There was also another picture of Clara making big giant bubbles on your deck (searched but couldn’t find it) and was wondering if they were the same ones…I have a three year old who can’t get enough bubbles and we’ve been through a number of “solutions” but some of them aren’t cutting it.
Thanks!
Vanessa
YoungHouseLove says
I think they’re called Bubble Blitz (that’s the bubble formula, it comes in a big container on amazon.com).
xo
s