A few weeks ago, we were at dinner as a family talking about Rita's upcoming birthday. We were trying to decide a theme and Nate suggested Alice in Wonderland. Rita loved it and we ran with it! We sent out Mad Hatter "unbirthday" invites to 5 children (5 + 4 of my own = 9! AH!) They all RSVPed yes to the Queen of Hearts and so the day came! Nate and I literally began to decorate for the party the night before since I had been gone for the two weekends prior. But, it ended up being perfect - simple and fun. We had one surprise that I will post soon ... I will give you a preview below.
Nate created a "rabbit hole." We didn't want to go too crazy with the theme since most of the Alice books are above a 6 year old's thinking (not to mention she seems like she is on drugs) so we kept it simple. We just replaced a toliet, kept the box, and BRAVO! A rabbit hole. This provided more entertainment the morning of the party than any balloon, cake, or clown could ever provide! And that is the $15 yard sale horse that has also given us more fun than any toy we have EVER OWNED.
Cake... Yes that is Belle on the cake but again, a 6 year old doesn't know the difference between Belle or Alice or a gourmet cake or a box mix.
This is my dad, he stopped by briefly to say Happy Birthday and to help hold a basket with something that had a watch on it... hint hint. The kids had no idea... can you see something?
My mom and Ellen decorated the cake - pretty much the only "job" that Ellen could do the whole morning.
You can see "pin the bow" on Rita in the background. We used a family canvas print for that. The tea party table is set for lunch.
Rita's chair is also set at the head of the table... we are ready for our guests to arrive!
Favors are all in place... nothing like a used book on Amazon for a party favor. That is another crazy story. I ordered all of these book used on Amazon a few weeks in advance. They were all listed as in Excellent condition. Many of them came and had writing inside them that read things like, "Happy Easter Emily, Love, Grandma 2009". I always contacted the company if that was the case and they refunded me each time! Amazing!
Playing cards (i.e. Queen of Hearts) hanging from the door frame. The kids didn't even notice these so I would skip this next time. We also chalked the front sidewalk "Follow the White Rabbit"... that wasn't noticed either. So many details for parties are honestly for the parents than the kids.
Nate created a "rabbit hole." We didn't want to go too crazy with the theme since most of the Alice books are above a 6 year old's thinking (not to mention she seems like she is on drugs) so we kept it simple. We just replaced a toliet, kept the box, and BRAVO! A rabbit hole. This provided more entertainment the morning of the party than any balloon, cake, or clown could ever provide! And that is the $15 yard sale horse that has also given us more fun than any toy we have EVER OWNED.
Cake... Yes that is Belle on the cake but again, a 6 year old doesn't know the difference between Belle or Alice or a gourmet cake or a box mix.
This is my dad, he stopped by briefly to say Happy Birthday and to help hold a basket with something that had a watch on it... hint hint. The kids had no idea... can you see something?
My mom and Ellen decorated the cake - pretty much the only "job" that Ellen could do the whole morning.
You can see "pin the bow" on Rita in the background. We used a family canvas print for that. The tea party table is set for lunch.
Rita's chair is also set at the head of the table... we are ready for our guests to arrive!
Favors are all in place... nothing like a used book on Amazon for a party favor. That is another crazy story. I ordered all of these book used on Amazon a few weeks in advance. They were all listed as in Excellent condition. Many of them came and had writing inside them that read things like, "Happy Easter Emily, Love, Grandma 2009". I always contacted the company if that was the case and they refunded me each time! Amazing!
Playing cards (i.e. Queen of Hearts) hanging from the door frame. The kids didn't even notice these so I would skip this next time. We also chalked the front sidewalk "Follow the White Rabbit"... that wasn't noticed either. So many details for parties are honestly for the parents than the kids.
AAAAHHHHH I love that you got that picture printed on a canvas! I'm so flattered! And what a brilliant idea to use it for "Pin the Tail on Rita"! I love it!
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