A Sweet Shoppe Party

When I wrote about Annie's party earlier this week, I wanted it to be all about Annie and her favorite people. Today, I wanted to share more details about the party - some great ideas that I found to make the party special!

 

 

The Invitation: I guess some people plan a party and then look for the invitation. I usually find a cute invitation and plan a party around it, just like this one from Krown Kreations on Etsy. The water bottle labels below coordinate with the invitation. Check out Krown Kreations HERE. They have the cutest party "stuff"! You can also follow them on Facebook!

 

The Welcome: Annie's guest entered through "Lollipop Lane" - paper plates, attached to a dowel rod and tied with tulle, lined the walkway. The Happy Birthday Banner over the door is a family tradition at our house. We got it at Pottery Barn many years ago.

 



 

The Cake: Up until 2 days before the party, I was planning to make the cake myself, but I just couldn't do it! It takes way too much time, only to be gobbled up in just a few minutes. That is exactly why I've never really been a cake decorator. This cute cake was made by the Publix bakery!! I just added the twisted lollipops that we found at Party City!

 

 

The Food: We do make cupcakes! Like I said, I planned the party around the invitation and I really wanted to use alot of aqua and blue. We are usually pink and green girls but I wanted to be different this time. Orange is not a very popular color around here (all in fun!) but I specifically looked for orange cupcakes and found a "keeper"! These would also be perfect for an Auburn, Tennessee or Florida tailgate party! HERE is the recipe!

 

 

Elle and I loved making the cupcakes, just like the girls on TLC's DC Cupcakes, which is where this yummy recipe came from! Find the recipe HERE

 

 

 

We also served white chocolate fudge, white chocolate covered peanuts,

gumballs, and all kinds of candy! Party City has the best selection of candy for a Sweet Shoppe party. We always shop there in Auburn. Wish we had a Party City in Tuscaloosa! My Mother's cheese straws and some "Annie's Bunnies" party mix were the non-sweet menu items.

 

 

I tried to make a topiary with the "dum dums" but it looked more like a blooming flower in a flower pot. The Styrofoam ball loaded with the suckers was really heavy and wouldn't stand up. I did not get a Styrofoam base like I should have and just couldn't make another trip to Hobby Lobby! Live and learn!

 

The Drinks: After all that sugar, we had 3 drink options. Coffee, of course! Bottled Water and Ms. Kathy's Beautiful Blue Punch!

 

These cute water bottle labels from Krown Kreations are so cute - simply printed on card stock, cut out and applied to bottles with mailing tape!

 

Ms. Kathy's punch is the best! Ms. Kathy was one of Annie's para educators who is now enjoying retirement. She always made this fabulous punch for Sprayberry events, including the dedication of the library in my Dad's name. It is delicious and the prettiest blue/green color, too! You can find Ms. Kathy's punch HERE

 

 

The Favors: Annie always give "Hugs and Kisses" to her guests! We wrapped toilet paper rolls, filled with Hershey's Hugs and Kisses, with wrapping paper and cellophane, tied with curling ribbon and added a label made with Print Artist!

 

 

Happy parties make happy birthday girls! Someone said, "Annie must really like sweets" - Actually, she doesn't - she just a really sweet girl and that deserves a "sweet" party!