It all started with the cake.
I asked my daughter what she would like to do for her third birthday and she said she wanted “a belle cake” and so I set out to take that idea… and expand upon it!
As we are now fast approaching her fourth birthday, I thought it was high time that I shared her party with everyone else! And as we are all confined to our homes, here is a little bright spot, with a few ideas that you can do at home with just your family.
Thank you to Nashville Baby Guide who featured Ellery’s party and reminded me that this is yet another year of uncertainty. Last year we had a 3-month-old and were navigating how to survive as a family of 4, when we lost my husband’s grandmother. This year we are avoiding most of our family or unable to see them because of our home confinement as the world fights against COVID-19. I’m tired of talking about, we’re all tired of hearing about it… but one day we will look back and say “oh yeah, we survived that.” So for just a moment, let’s talk about Beauty and the Beast!
The Decor:
Like most kids, Ellery enjoys anything printed with the characters she loves and since she had a handful of friends attending, the disposables from Party City were necessary!
I wanted to create an enchanted rose and was happy to procure a cloche from Feather+Oak for the occasion. I used fishing line and tape to hang a silk rose from the inside center. She also had a beautiful brass candle stick holder that well represented Lumière. I purchased a Mrs. Potts and Chip mug, and reused a pink and gold tassel banner that I owned (a similar one can be found here). Books were stacked to lean toward Belle’s love for reading. For the cake I purchased a royal clip Belle doll and it was set atop a beautiful light pink cake plate from Feather+Oak. Another friend brought pink balloons from Publix, because every party needs balloons!
To Eat:
We love to host kids parties during the day on the weekend. Midday is easier for kids and it doesn’t interrupt date night or family time too much. Naps can (sometimes) be pushed, while most have strict bedtimes! With all of that in mind, we settled on lunch.
I hit up Costco for their delicious Cape Cod chicken salad, pimento cheese, and cracker cut cheese slices. At Kroger, I picked up fruit, crackers, private selection salami and pepperoni, veggies, Hawaiian rolls, and the makings of PB&J. It was enough to please everyone from picky toddlers to those with food allergies.
My best-friend, Lemons & Basil, made her famous chocolate fudgy cake with chocolate ganache and buttercream between each layer. And Disney has a recipe for the grey stuff - it really was delicious! Each cup was topped with a strawberry pocky stick to add some pink.
To Drink:
I inherited a punch bowl from my grandmother that was used at her wedding in the 1950s, then at many family gatherings over the years. I hope to continue that tradition so I made a pink punch (that turned out a little more orange), but it was perfect for kids.
1 48 oz. can DOLE Pineapple Juice
1 cup Pink Lemonade Mix
1 2-liter Sprite
Add a silly straw for extra fun!
(For the adults we added a little coconut rum!)
The Outfit:
I wanted a Belle dress that would be easy to play in and luckily spotted this Presley Couture dress on Jane.com. It is very comfortable and easy to wash! She was gifted the accessories and her jelly shoes are from Walmart (her glass slippers that she wears with all princess dresses!).
The Activities:
We love getting temporary tattoos from Love & Lion!
My brother-in-law had previously bought us a Blast Zone bounce house (Ellery’s Christmas present), so her party was the perfect opportunity to use it. We also had a swing, dress up items, and some indoor toys - just enough to keep the little ones occupied but not overwhelmed.
The Guest List:
We invited our family and closest friends to celebrate with us using the classic Beauty and Beast invite from the Punchbowl Disney Collection.
It now requires a membership (past the 7-day free trial), but they are the only online invitations with Disney copyright usage.
Event Planner: Locklane Weddings & Events
Photographer & Cake: Lemons & Basil
Prop Rentals: Feather & Oak
Venue: Our Home!
Invitations: Punchbowl
Temporary Tattoos: Love & Lion
