Nothing screams "Summer's here!" quite like a ripe, juicy bite of watermelon. Take advantage of the summertime favorite's short shelf life by serving it up in an extra-special way. Whether you're carving a whole melon or turning it into a frozen treat, these nine fun ideas are sure to delight your little ones. Eat up!
"Usually it takes me a good four months to plan a party from scratch (mostly because I'm a control freak who loves to DIY), but for this fairy-tale birthday party, I wanted to incorporate simple decor ideas and create a magical ambiance that anyone can pull together quickly and without much fuss," says Bird, a mom of two, a graphic designer, and the founder of party site Bird's Party. Using her Pink Fairy party printables — full of summery pinks, greens, and butterflies — a cool crafts table, and an amazing toadstool birthday cake, Bird created a whimsical party with decor that feels like an indoor garden. And, true to her mission, it's supereasy to re-create! Keep clicking for all the details.
With two cold-weather babies, I've always envied moms who could plan an outdoor birthday party and take advantage of their backyard or local park. Nature makes the great outdoors ideal for garden parties, water games, messy projects, and sporting events — and best of all, they can be done at a fraction of the price of indoor ones without rental fees. Check out 44 fun parties you can throw right in the yard, without ever worrying about how you'll fit all those kids in your home!
We're all about seeking out new trends when it comes to hosting a stylish baby shower, and over the past few years, cake pops and cupcakes have ruled the scene. But sometimes a party calls for a good old-fashioned cake — the kind that needs to be cut with a knife. If the mom-to-be who you're honoring is more of a traditionalist than a trend follower, then serve her up a sweet slice of one of these 15 beautiful baby cakes!
It's tempting to stock up on popsicles and ice cream when you start to feel the heat. But as moms share here, there are healthier (and even tastier) Summer snacks you can easily make at home. From cantaloupe sherbert to a fruity cashew parfait, all of these family favorites are simple, delicious, and healthily homemade.
Pastry chef Melody Brandon of Sweet & Saucy Shop has been the sugar-loving mind behind of some of our favorite parties ever (like this under-the-sea birthday party and this vintage-inspired colorful baby shower). She was also the guest of honor at this swoon-worthy pink ruffle baby shower, but Melody's bump has now grown into little lady Blake, who recently celebrated her first birthday in sweet and saucy style!
"I have always loved putting bows and headbands on Blake since the day she was born, so I thought the 'Bows for Blake' theme would be fitting and lots of fun," Melody says. Melody went big with the bow theme, enlisting her sister to help create an incredible bow backdrop, dressing up almost all of the amazing dessert selections with bows, and, of course, putting a bow on Blake! Add in the pink-and-gold color scheme, a gorgeous photo display of Blake's first year, and one happy birthday girl (we would be too if we had a playroom that looked like hers!), and you have one sweet party. Keep clicking to check out all the details.
Every little kid thinks that his dad has special powers — Crazy strength! Under-the-bed monster removal! — so why not treat him like the superdad he is with a luncheon inspired by old-school superheroes? Your party is just a few printables away! Dawn of Not Just a Mommy created an inspirational luncheon full of supersnacks and cool decor that all the dads and kids in your life will love. Keep clicking for all the details!
Nothing screams Summer like ice cream, but you don't have to run to your favorite ice cream shop every time you have a craving. Ice cream makers can be found pretty inexpensively (Cuisinart makes a great one for under $100). After you're up and churning, we've found 11 homemade ice cream treats that will appeal to kids of all ages — and their parents. From gelato-topped cupcakes and ice-cream-stuffed waffle sandwiches to unique recipes that will make your ice cream taste like strawberry Pop-Tarts, oatmeal cookies, or bananas and peanut butter, these treats are sure to add some cool, tasty fun to your Summer! Keep clicking to find your favorite sweet treat.
If your kitchen is overflowing with a bounty of berries courtesy of your local farmers market — or a particularly lush produce department — then we've got 12 great ideas for you. Summer calls for meals that are light, bright, and refreshing, and strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are just the thing to highlight. We've rounded up 12 of our favorite Summer berry recipes that the whole family is sure to love — morning, noon, and night!
"The pink circus came to town for my daughter Marguerite's second birthday!" says Anne Ligeard Murat of New York-based children's party, paper, and gift site Clafoutis. "My daughter is very mischievous. She is full of energy and always trying bold acrobatics at the playground. In French we use the expression 'Marguerite fait le cirque,' meaning she is creating her own circus. She also loves pink, so voilà — we had our theme!"
While undoubtedly a kiddie affair, Anne put her stylish, sophisticated spin on the party, incorporating designer fabrics, a custom artwork, a beautiful cake topper, and vintage-y tutus, which she sells in her shop. There's much to love at this soiree (photographed by Violaine Rogasik), but young Marguerite definitely had a favorite element. "Her cake!" Anne says. "She loves chocolate, so we had a chocolate ganache with drizzling chocolate on top. Of course, she also loved the attention when everybody wished her happy birthday!" Keep clicking to see all the chic circus details.
