The actual day of the party was far more stressful than I
had anticipated even with me getting all my prep done days before hand. Of course, most of my stress was self-induced
because I was determined to ask my guest for minimal help. I honestly wanted to
invoke the element of surprise, so I thought it would be best for them to show
up as guest and see the space once it was fully transformed into a Winter
ONEderland Affair. I was so serious
about this that days before my first guest was scheduled to be at the house my
car were loaded with all the party supplies (doing this also helped ensure I
didn’t forget anything). With the exception of welcomed help from Tabby and my
cousin Meka (the two people that had all the details on how I wanted everything
to go) everyone else was excused from set up duties.
It was the perfect plan and the weekend was going flawlessly
until...
We got to the venue and they wouldn’t let us begin set
up. Remember they had a ton of rules?
Well the amount of time allocated for set up was one of them and they were very
strict about it. Like we all should up ready to go at the time I tripled
checked the venue would be available and it was a no go for getting in. Are you
serious? Three cars filled to the max. Tabby’s car had the kids' chairs, crafts
she made, and all the baked goods. Meka’s truck was filled with balloons. And
my car had EVERYTHING else. Yet we
couldn’t get in and for a planner like me this made my nerves bad because I had
timed everything perfectly. Turns out all the people I had spoken to had it
wrong and we only had an hour to set up (grinds teeth and rolls eyes). An hour
was just not going to be enough time to get everything in the venue and set up
before guest would arrive. If ever I
wanted guest to show up late to something this was one of those times lol. Once
they allowed us in we put on my track shoes and immediately begin the race to
turn their Preschool pod into Winter ONEderlanad. I went from bringing items
through the doors, to moving tables for the proper layout, to my top
priority...those darn classroom boards. Until I noticed the first guest not
only arrived but was looking for me. Oh no I had to leave and trust the
execution of my vision to Meka and Tabby (they were nervous as hell but I knew
they had it).
Before
After
Other Wall Decor
Tables
I was just thankful that the plan was for guest to start the
party in the soft playroomJ
and diverted the guest attention away from the unfinished reception area by
taking them down there. As guest arrived to the playroom I greeted them at the
door, and each little guest received a sparkle mini top hat. Thus beginning the
fun, from what I could tell every child (and parent) had a BLAST! With a few of
my friends having kids that were older then the venues age restriction I had to
ensure there was something for the big kids to do.
While the little ones tumbled in the soft playroom, the big kids swam in the rec center Olympic sized pool...
The Entry
After a ton of fun in the soft playroom, guests headed upstairs in the Winter ONEderland Affair where they were greeted by...delicious food, beautiful decor, and music. As guest turned the corner to enter the reception space they were greeted with one of the décor highlights...Tabby’s paper snowflakes. With the entry wall covered in them, and the beautiful wire trees (purchased on sale at home Goods) anchors, it was the perfect guest photo op.
 |
The Kiddie Corner
With the Year of 1st Boards as the center of this
table balloon filled back drop this table set up was executed just as I
expected. The snowflake and snowman centerpieces lined the center of the table,
while each child place was set with a white appetizer plate and their named
sippy cup. It was adorable.
|
The Food
OMG!!! Can you say delicious? With such a hectic weekend I knew
I wouldn’t have time to entertain guest, cook, set up the venue etc..., so I had
most of food for the party catered (with
the exception of my friend Tonya’s banging tomato soup, my mother in laws
awesome meatballs (to die for), and a few other items). When contacting the
catering company I described my event and let them know that I was looking for
bite sized kid friendly portions. Together we developed the perfect age
appropriate menu which they DELIVERED in every sense of the word. I wanted to
the food presentation to look a certain way so I pulled out my white platters
and to add a little something, something to the table. Most items we served in individualized
portions...Tomato soup shots with cheesy bread, parfait sized pasta salad, mac
and cheese balls, etc. Needless to say the
food a huge hit amongst the tiny tots, big kids, and adults.
The Cake & Deserts
Where in the world do I begin with this table? Tabby created
a fabulous impromptu banner and back drop for the table. However, one the table
the cake from my favorite local baker Misty
stole the show. It was beyond FABULOUS.
I sent her a sample photo of the look I wanted but she truly out did herself
and made this one her own. With such a beautiful cake on display I was actually
surprised that the tiny tots even noticed the other treats on display (Peppermint
chocolate covered pretzels, banana snowmen, and mini and full sized cupcakes,
and bite sized snowflake cookies), but they did and were delighted to indulge
in them .
The Hot Chocolate Bar
I’m sorry but there just had to be something for the parents
and since this was a family friendly venue no alcohol was allowed lol. No
worries for this momma...I’d make sure my adult guest got to enjoy somethingJ. Trust me I did by
adding an adult flare to a childhood treat.
To warm guest up and embrace the brisk air I decided to have a hot
chocolate bar was in order. But, any old hot chocolate bar wasn’t going to cut
it. I wanted one parents would enjoy too
so, I ordered gourmet marshmallows with Flavors like peach bourbon, s'mores,
cookies 'n' cream, and ice cubes (peppermint) for guest to add in their hot
cocoa. In addition to the gourmet marshmallows, I also had mini marshmallows. Handmade
cozies (by my awesome friend Chelsi) for guest to protect their hands. And the
cutest wooden snowflake spoons for stirring.
The Favors
The favor table was filled with goodies for the little guest
and adults. Parents got to take home one of my hometown favorites Synfully Sweet candy
apples. While the each kid received goodie bag filled with a winter coloring
book, snowflake-shaped crayons, and a number one chocolate lollipop (in either
pink or purple). Not to mention each
child was able to take their snowman sippy cup home as well.
The Parents
As exhausted as we were Dom and I still showed up looking
fly in our custom t-shirts designed by me of course.
That's all folks...
