A Relaxing Spa Birthday Party

Cue the Enya, it’s time to relax.

This year, because we did the whole “let’s have a baby” gig in early May, I decided to save my sanity and combine the girls’ birthday parties. Smartest move ever. Back in November (yes, really), I conspired with the girls, helped them choose a theme and took advantage of the TomKat Studio’s Cyber Monday sale and bought the party printables. Ever since, I’ve been collecting things here and there for the party. In the weeks preceding Gianna’s birth, my nesting kicked into high gear and I was able to accomplish about 75% of the party planning.

Here’s how we enjoyed a spa party for 13 sweet, sweet little girls. Bubble bath on, y’all.

Did someone say mani/pedi? When planning this spa-themed party for the girls, I spent some serious time on Pinterest looking for activities suitable and fun for both 7- and 9-year-old girls. After consulting with the girls, I think we found some winners. When the guests arrived, they enjoyed one of four stations, then we ate, sang happy birthday and sent the girls home – pampered, sugared up and loved!

Chocolate Facials
This proved to be the messiest (and tastiest) station. The 9-year-old’s were much cleaner! I used a chocolate facial recipe (below) and put a spoonful in the bowls for the girls to apply. A friend of mine is a Mary Kay consultant and was kind enough to lend me some of her mirrors. I put down a plastic tablecloth (muy importante) and then used scrapbook paper as the “placemats.” After the girls’ applied the masks, we washed hands and faces which turned into quite the job. It took three adults for that task! But, the girls had a blast and all the clothes were washable.

Chocolate Facial Recipe
1/2 c. cocoa powder
1/2 c. honey
3 tsp. brown sugar
Beat in a batter bowl until the consistency resembles cookie dough. Let rest at least five minutes. {I made this a few hours before the party, covered with a lid and let sit at room temperature and it was just fine.}

In all the hub-ub, I completely forgot to offer the girls the fruit-infused water. But, the adults partook of that goodness and man, I’ll be making some more of that. Fan-tastic.

Manicures
I asked a few family friends to assist in the painting. And, I am so glad I did. Anna, Emily and Annie Rose, y’all were great! The girls happily waited their turn. The hardest part was choosing the “perfect” color. Oh, don’t I know that.

Photo Booth
I am a sucker for photo booths. When I found this printable set on Etsy, I knew it would be a hit. And a hit it was, especially with the littlest spa patron. You may recognize that photo booth setup from our epic Harry Potter party. I sewed some new side panels and the husband cut out a new header and spray painted it pink. This mom is still holding out hope that one of the other kids will beg for an HP party. If not, I may just throw myself one.

 Source

Bows for Toes
Summer screams flip flops and these were an absolute blast. My girls helped me pick out and cut all that ribbon. We had two themes: floral and patriotic. I bought an assortment of sizes of flip flops from Old Navy and then the party girls got to choosing and decorating their flip flops. Each shoe took about 12-15 ribbons, with each ribbon tied in a double knot. Super easy, super cute. The best party is the shoes were on sale! Note to future self. Have the girls try on the shoes before “assigning” them. Anna-Laura sat that activity out so one of her friends could decorate shoes. I exchanged that too small pair after the party.

We all know I find the love in the details. Here’s a peek at all the fun.

Dessert Table
The treat table was filled with sugar. Lots and lots of sugar. We had IBC cherry sodas, sugar scrub marshmallows, heavenly cookies and cute dishes of fruit. We also served a light dinner of sandwiches, vegetables (cucumbers, carrots and celery), fruit (strawberries and blueberries) and blue corn tortilla chips. I’m not kidding when I tell you that nothing was left. Those girls can eat. The guests enjoyed marshmallow pops and cookies while the birthday girls had cupcakes. I’ve also found that it’s easier to ditch the chairs and have the girls enjoy the food, while standing at the table.

Party Favors
You will laugh and then shake your head at my crazy when you find out when I bought the first party favor. November 29 for a June party. That’s nuts, I know. But, hey, it was on sale! The baskets were filled with shower gel, bath salt, nail polish and an embroidered towel. I have a great friend here in Austin who has her own embroidery business and she is fabulous. When I picked up the towels from her, I may have squealed they turned out so cute! Can I be nine again? Please?

More than painted toes, cute shoes or a smashing dessert table, I hope that both my girls felt loved at their party. In the midst of having a newborn, I didn’t want them to feel like their birthdays were forgotten. Even though I wasn’t able to host two different birthday parties for them this year, it was such a blast to celebrate them together. Our house was filled with lots (and lots) of giggles, “oh this is soooo cute’s”, a little chocolate on the walls and plenty of smiles.

Happy birthday to my sweet girls!

Vendor Credits
Printables: The TomKat Studio
Cookies/Cupcakes: Polkadots
Party Favors: Basket/Bath Salts (Target Dollar Spot), Towels/Nail Polish (Dollar General), Bath Gel (Pier 1 Imports)
Towel Embroidery: Lisa Robinson
Flowers: HEB (arranged by me)
Photo Booth Props: Etsy via Clever Marten
Flip Flops: Old Navy