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{lemonade & sunshine party} party day

Monday, June 21



when i began dreaming up a combined birthday party for my two oldest daughters...
the biggest hurdle was trying to come up with a theme...
a theme that would be appropriate for both of their ages.

i knew I wanted something different...
something that would bridge the gap between "little girl" and "young woman".
it needed to be "fun" but it couldn't be too childish.
i needed to make sure it felt more "grown up" without it being TOO grown up.

with it being summer, i couldn't help but think of two things...
from there a color palette of pinks & yellows was born -
which led me to the creation of the invite...

(invite available here)

i wanted the party "pretty" and "soft" to honor the young women my daughter's are becoming...
but i knew there had to be a little "magic" thrown in there too to keep it young and fresh.

although i'm continuously inspired by my go-to sources for amazing ideas...amy atlas & martha...
my BIGGEST source of inspiration for this party came directly from this post from design*sponge...
remember the pancake breakfast i posted about awhile back?
well, as i continued to gather creative ideas i put them together in an inspiration board & kept referring to it throughout the party planning process.


i knew almost immediately...
this party HAD to be outside under some trees.
it needed to be rustic & charming...
pretty & organic.
i wanted to avoid having the party feel completely "put-to-gether".
i felt it should convey the feeling that we live in an old farmhouse...
that we decided to have an afternoon celebration with family & friends...
and that we quickly gathered up some things to take outside for decorating.

like tin cans & fresh cut flowers from the garden...

a well-worn tablecloth, dishes & crates...


& that we had neighbors and friends
meet us in the backyard...under the shade...

to enjoy some cold lemonade...

& a cupboard full of old fashioned desserts.

i LOVE how everything came together...

flowers hanging from the backs of old wrought iron chairs...



flowers hanging from fence posts...

empty bottles dangling from tree branches...

the use of wooden crates, galvanized buckets & old milk bottles...



the use of lemons randomly placed throughout the scene for added pops of yellow...

fabric pieces were wrapped around just about everything...

vintage glass jars & milk glass serving pieces

mason jars used for sipping on lemonade...

& mason jars used for displaying fresh cut flowers...

an old bird bath used to display frozen treats...
(lemon sugar cookie ice cream & strawberry/lemon swirled italian ice)

speaking of treats...
mini lemon cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting anyone?

they are as tasty as they are adorable...

how about a slice of pink lemonade cake?

i LOVE that it's actually "pink" inside when you cut it...
(and EVERYONE said it was the best cake they've EVER eaten...it was seriously that.good.)

and then there were lemonade sugar cookie sandwiches

along with homemade lemonade lollipops nestled in a vintage drawer.

the lollipops were later used to fill these favor buckets

the favor buckets contained yellow and pink gumballs...
a cute custom packet of lemonade...
a personalized monogramed glass drinking bottle with a white paper straw - (etched glass tutorial coming soon)
and these fabric covered repurposed jars filled with lemon drops...


the tin can banner i created using an old window was the perfect way to bring recognition to the birthday girls...without breaking the ambiance of the party...


the day couldn't have been more perfect...

i skipped the usual food labels for this party to avoid the "put-together" vibe...
by having each of my daughter's invite only ONE of their closest friends...
i was able to keep the cost of the party down & keep it "intimate" & "meaningful".
since the party was at 4 o'clock we were able to avoid a little bit of the heat & it was actually quite pleasant under the shade of the trees.
the girls spent their time on a make-shift water slide to keep cool until it was time for celebrating.
all-in-all, i was able to pull off hosting a party with a soft, charming feel...
a party fit for the ages of both of my daughter's...
a party theme that could be turned into a bridal shower, baby shower or other special event...
and one that offered a little magic to keep things fresh & young.

for those of you planning your own party using this color scheme...i hope you feel inspired!
and i hope you love the results as much i adore them!

a special thanks to:
Southern Lady Magazine - for the DELICIOUS pink lemonade cake recipe (instead of the buttercream frosting they recommended, i used the lemon cream cheese frosting from my baking addiction - one batch was enough to ice an entire 3 layer cake and almost all of the mini cupcakes). nice.
Michael's - for the adorable glass jars used for the frozen treats...

Keeping It Real
the cookies weren't all that spectacular - they looked much better than they tasted.
all of the food was brought out at the very last minute because of the heat.
hauling the furniture and props outside was a lot of work - BUT SO WORTH IT!
there was also a lemon cheesecake but i forgot to take pictures of that...*wink*
i kept having to rethink things because i started to get too matchy-match...
my youngest daughter was MUCH more appreciative of the theme than my oldest...
...my oldest scrapped the many ideas i had for different crafts/activities...reminding me she's getting older and that themed parties are NOT all that cool for her...*grumbling because i guess i don't want to accept that she's actually growing up*

and though they are both getting older...they still know how to have fun...*wink*

104 comments:

staci @ lizard n ladybug said...

jessica..it all looks so gorgeous! I'm sure the girls had a blast!

Chris @ Celebrations At Home said...

This is stunning! Looks like a magazine spread! Fantastic job!

coolkids said...

looks like an awesome party! I love your "keeping it real". Us moms defintely have to keep it real sometimes. :)

Heather-The Atlantic House said...

Jessica, Jessica, Jessica!! Oh my!! I LOVE what you did. Everything is absolutely perfect! This should soooo be a spread in Country Living magazine. Come to think of it, it could be the cover shot!! You can go places, girl! Just keep a spot for me reserved in about 20 years to plan Reagan's wedding. This is what I have envisioned for her wedding...a country, outdoor wedding reception.

HazelWea said...

Everything came out beautifully! Don't worry... As your oldest daughter gets older, she'll appreciate themed parties again.

Kara said...

wow great job!!!! This came out beautifully!!!!! Loved every detail!!!!

Lindsay said...

This turned out gorgeous! You did a great job :) Thanks for sharing!

Rachel said...

I have been following this party planning and love the final product! I really acknowledge your eco-efforts as well. Recycling tin cans and glass bottles in such a creative way is inspiring.
I am keen to know how old your girls are?

Roberta said...

Beautiful job! Don't worry about your daughter not appreciating all your work right now...later on she will remember all the details and the work that you put into her party. This was a themed party but very do-able with things that we all have on hand or can find with minimal expense. NOW I want the recipe for the pink-lemonaide cake PLEASE :}

Angela said...

So much lovliness Jess!! I was so excited to peek at your blog this morning to see the 'finished product'. The decor looks like something right out of a magazine. Love love all the deets and that cake does look to die for!!!

Angela said...

And yes, please share your the recipe for that cake.

Save Me A Seat said...

Unreal! It is just as beautiful as I knew it would be. I love everything about it and that cake is to die for! Great job Jess!

Tracy said...

Love. love. love.
Seriously, I'm drooling over all the details (and the goodies)! Wonderful work! I am definitely inspired and plan on having a similar theme for my daughter's second birthday!

Lindsey {Bella Grace Party Designs} said...

Wow! I kept thinking you were giving all your gorgeous ideas away with your previous posts but WOW!!!! This was gorgegous!!! So original and just plan perfect down to the last detail! One of my most favorite party posts to date!

Unknown said...

thanks SO much everyone for all of the sweet comments...you've no idea how much i appreciate them! now...i totally forgot to site sources so i've edited the post to include links to the recipes and supply sources...let me know if you need anything else...
hugs to you all...and thanks again!

Aaron [air] said...

JESS! You did a GREAT job on this. I mean its INCREDIBLE!!!
What I appreciated most is the keeping it real! Thank goodness someone still finds it necessary to do that instead of acting like party planner extrodinaire & giving people false hope! So thanks for that!

great job!

postcards and pretties said...

holy cow...that looks amazing!!!

star said...

This is one of my top 5 fave parties ever! I love the yellow and the pink combo! Can you please tell us where you bought all the pink & yellow candy? Where did you get the ice cream? Please give us the recipe for the lemonade sugar cookies? Stunning party!

Unknown said...

Star...here's the link to my blog post discussing the candy: http://penandpaperflowers.blogspot.com/2010/06/lemonade-sunshine-party-preparations.html

The ice cream is a Publix brand I just got lucky and found by accident and the lemonade cookies were from Southern Lady Magazine...I'll have to post the recipe when I have a minute - I couldn't find it online.

Brittany said...

I am SO IN LOVE with everything about this party!! I love it. I'm featuring it on my blog sometime soon. little-inspirations.blogspot.com. :) Thanks so much for sharing.

Sharnel said...

I love this party, it's just perfect (in a not so perfect way ;P)
x

SAMBELLINA said...

Jen - this party is so beautiful - I'm speechless !! (I esp love your "Keeping It Real" section ...and PS. Can I ask you where you bought your bookcase ? It (along with everything else is gorgeous !!)

Inkspot Workshop said...

Stunning! Each and every detail, I especially ♥ the unconventional banner you made using old window shudders and tin cans, charming! Your gorgeous daughters are lucky to have a fun {and creative} mom like you:)

Unknown said...

love it! i love this theme... you did a great job!

Unknown said...

I am in love with this Party! So many pretty details to look at! I am going to put this party on my blog if you don't mind. Now I am off to check out the rest of your blog!
Daisy~

Unknown said...

A lot of creative thought and detail went into this sweet, shabby chic party. The pictures are stunning and the ideas so amazing. Loved everything you did.

Crystal Keefer Designs said...

WOW this is AMAZING!! I love every single detail and the vintage look of it all. You did a MARVELOUS job! This Truly belongs in a magazine!

testing 1 said...

I so heart your party! And I'm glad your daughter accepted it, I'm dreading the day when I can no longer do themem parties! I can't wait to share with my readers!

Jacqueline Weppner said...

what wonderful inspiration and cohesive ideas! Thanks so much for sharing everything! You have me craving a summery lemonade!

Glory said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous!! I love everything about it!! And I really love your little "keeping it real" bit. It'a always nice to acknowledge that sometimes things aren't quite as perfect as they can appear in photos. And your photos surely make it look like it's right out of a dream!!

Jamie said...

OH MY GOODNESS! This is seriously just stunning! Thanks so much for featuring my cupcake recipe...they look amazing!

Kendra@My Insanity said...

Really gorgeous! And refreshing to see something that looks so cohesive with out being overly "matchy matchy." It feels so relaxed and fun. I also appreciate the "keeping it real" section. I guess no party is every totally perfect--even if they look that way on a blog, like yours!

Renee said...

Wow, this is beautiful, gorgeous and every adjective I can think of to describe such a wonderful celebration. 'So proud of you and your family, Jess!

Rashmi said...

okay.. i am kind of sad and kind of mad but mostly just thrilled because you took the exact birthday party (1/2 birthday) in my head for my little girl and now i feel like i would have copied you!!
i swear.. i was telling my friend.. i wanted pink and yellow, tins with flowers, even izze drinks...a not themey and put together but more of a thrown together. and i even told her i wanted it under trees.
it is like you are my twin somewhere.
well done twin!

Kim @ The Celebration Shoppe said...

I'm in awe at what a beautiful setting you created for your girls. Simply beautiful and so well styled!

Brancoprata said...

I would love a birthday party like this one!! A-MA-ZING!!!!

The "J" Crew said...

love your creativity! It's beautiful! Where did you get the cans? In need of some...you've inspired me!!! Thanks!

organicmommy said...

Absolutely amazing. I love it. It really got me thinking of what to do for my soon to be 6 year old for her birthday and while it won't be sunshine and lemonade, it will be all about ice cream so we will be having lots of fun!

Moore Minutes said...

Wow!!! I am stunned. This is gorgeous. It is completely "my style" and I'm in heaven just looking at it all. This is possibly the best party I've ever seen. You are extremely talented. Beautiful.

Just found your blog and I'm a happy new follower! <3

blueskiesandgreenlights said...

What a great party!!! You are so creative!!! I am so inspired!!! I stumbled across your blog, and I couldn't stop reading.

--Tabitha
www.bsandgl.blogspot.com

A To Zebra Celebrations said...

Gorgeous, Unique, Classy, Pretty, and ALL!!! I love it!!! GREAT JOB!

Katrina said...

Oh my!! Your party preparations certainly paid off...everything is gorgeous!! Every detail is to perfection....thanks so much for sharing!!

Unknown said...

Thank you ALL for your wonderfully sweet thoughts and comments. I really appreciate pouring over each one.

To answer the questions from "the J Crew" on where I got the cans...they were all recycled. *wink*

Let me know if there's any other questions I can help answer...hugs to each of you for taking the time to leave comments! They seriously are like little gifts I love opening!

Anneliese said...

Beautiful party! Thanks for including links to the recipes. I love the idea of the lemonade cake.

Anonymous said...

Can you share the recipes for the icecreams and cookies please. Beautiful party!

Unknown said...

Recipes for the pink lemonade cake & cream cheese frosting as well as the iced cookies will be availabe in .pdf format tomorrow...watch for them!

The Ice Cream was store-bought from Publix - their brand called Lemon Sugar Cookie. The Italian Ice was also store bought - I believe the brand is Luigi's and it came in a 6 pk with 3 Lemon & 3 Strawberry. I let them thaw and then I layered both the lemon & strawberry in each jar. (freezing after each layer..& it doesn't take long for the layers to harden up enough for layering/stacking). The flavors are delicious together!

Hope that helps...

jackie fo said...

this is truly amazing! i have seen it all over the blogosphere and the recognition is well deserved. SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Unknown said...

I love that you "keep it real" at the bottom of your fabulous party post. that is fun to read!!

outrageously adorable party! LOVE IT!

colleen
www.figandruby.blogspot.com

J+S said...

You are my new fave! I found you through Celebrations at Home and can't wait to catch up on all of the goings-on. I am posting about this party on my blog tomorrow, and linking back to you. If that is a problem, please let me know and I'll remove it.

Great job!

~Jenifer

Teresa Marie said...

Oh my gosh! You have an awesome blog, and you are awesome! What an amazing, fantastic, gorgeous, beautifully themed party. I don't have enough adjectives to describe how much I enjoyed looking at your pics. I found your blog from your comment on The Farm Chicks facebook page, which I'm a fan of, and had to come check you out. I'm so glad I did!

Jeanne Oliver said...

So beautiful and right up my alley! What little girl or woman wouldn't love that party!!!

Unknown said...

Hi, I found you through the Farm Chicks. I love this party theme! In Aug. I'm doing my daughters 2nd birthday w/ a pink & yellow farm theme and you have inspired me to add a few of the things you used. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

SoSoBella said...

ok. shut the door. i am out of my mind with how much i adore this party. i can't stand it! it is so stink'n cute. the colors, the flowers, the tin can window-
can't.
take.
it.
anymore.
honestly the cutest thing EVER!!!!
must go back and look again.
:O)

lynnette said...

How sweet! I love it...might just have try that pink lemonade cake one year...my granddaughter loves pink lemonade...and we drank it at her momma's outdoor wedding under our old oak tree. adorable!

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! This looks sooo neat!
You are inspiring! I also found your blog from The Farm Chicks and I am so impressed!

Anonymous said...

Lovely. You should share this with Mary Janes Farm magazine. Its just what they showcase..country simplicity.

Anonymous said...

Oh my good-ness! You have no idea how perfect this post is for me! I am in the mist of preparing my daughters 6th birthday party (in August). I knew I wanted it to be vintage-y with milk glass, vintage tablecloths and even izzy pops! I have a different color theme all together but your post gives me so much direction and a clearer vision of what I want to create! I just adore everything! Id love to share with you once its over so you can see how you have inspired me! Thanks again!~ Melinda (Memoriesoflove.typepad.com)

Kari said...

Wow!! I saw your blog on Farm Chicks. So adorable and FUN! I love the flowers in the cans placed everywhere and the lemons. Way to go!!!

Katja said...

i love the whole "setting", what a wonderful party. Would you like to give us the recipe for the pink lemonade and the cake. the bottles are really great and the baskets with the presentsare really adorable!!! Great ideas!

Jen Bowles said...

So beautiful and inspiring! So many fun ideas and your photos are wonderful! I love the look of all of the furniture outside. Thanks for sharing so many details. I'm getting ready for my daughter's 13th birthday party next month. The only 'theme' I've been allowed is lime green & aqua--such is the life of a mom party planner ;-)

The Mint Chocolate Chip Inn said...

Everything turned out truly and simply gorgeous! Thanks for the eye-candy. ♥

Michelle

Naomi said...

Simply gorgeous...ideal for a wedding shower theme, too!

5th Belle Avenue said...

This is INCREDIBLE!! I am SO amazed at your creative capabilities and the unique-ness to everything! I hope I can re-create a party like this some day. Thank you so much for sharing!! You are inspiring!

Yarah Designs said...

Such a beautiful party. I did a post on my blog. Every detail is gorgeous

Amanda said...

This is perfection! And very "do-able" I think...lends itself to lots of parties too! So glad I found your blog!

Jacqueline Long said...

I just put this link onto my FB page - what a perfect party. Everything you did is authentic and simply perfect. Thank you for detailing the party to help inspire all of us.
Jackie
web.me.com/jacquelinelong

To The Moon and Back said...

Absolutely beautiful! Looks like something from a magazine, I think it should be in one:)

Gypsy Heart said...

This is a party that dreams are made of! Everything and every detail is amazing to me ~ you are very creative and talented. Thanks so much for sharing and providing the + and the - features. :-)

Your daughters are extremely fortunate. They will likely have many more such gorgeous events in their lives yet to come ~

Oh...one thing...what type of drink mix is used in the recipe for the Lemonade Cake? I could not determine that in going over the recipe.

Thanks again for sharing!

Pat

Elyse said...

just popped over from torie jayne's blog. this post is like a favorite magazine. in fact, i'm off to look at it all over again!

xo
elyse

Rebecca said...

AMMMMAZING party! LOVE it! :)

Kinser Event Company said...

Oh my goodness this is one of the cutest parties to hit the blogosphere in a very long time! I reposted on my blog http://www.kinsereventcompany.blogspot.com
GREAT JOB!

Beth said...

I stumbled over here some how and am so glad I did! This is hands down A-mazing! I love everything you did. At some point I see myself borrowing the tin can/lid banner idea. Brilliant!

Bird said...

WOW!! I have just found your party and blog today and have spent a good while feasting my eyes!! :)

This is possibly the most stunning garden party I've ever come across!

I live in France and am planning my children's party soon, so I'll try to get inspiration from you (not sure if I'll pull off such delicate, stunning details like you have)! :)

Have shared this on facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bird-Crafts/372125083828

Thank you for all the inspiration!!
I reeeeally love all the vintage and re-purposed tins and jars!!

Love,
Bird

Xica Maria said...

Hello!! <3
Just found your blog and I am in love ;)
I am now following you and if you don't mind I'll post some photos on my blog - home faires! =)
It's very inspiring!!

Shelley said...

Gasp! This is picture perfect! Loving every. last. detail. -Shelley@HowDoesShe

Peach Blossom said...

This party is so special and lovely! I have posted about it on my blog www.peachblossomparties.blogspot.com

amy & lisa said...

This is one of the pretties parties I have ever seen!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!

Anonymous said...

Hi-ok this party hurts my heart it is so lovely! I am doing a baby shower in August and you have so inspired me. I see where you ordered the lemon drops but can you please tell me where you got the jars you put them in? these would make perfect favors? thank you again-this party is amazing!

Anonymous said...

sorry-also meant to ask for a ball park figure of how many lemon drops were in each jar? (trying to figure out how many i will need total!) thank you again!

Unknown said...

Anonymous -
Thanks for your super sweet comment - I'm thrilled to be part of the inspiration behind your upcoming baby shower.

The lemon drops can be found at Michael's, $1 store and sometimes in "convenient stores" for pretty cheap.
I'd say I used approximately 16 pieces.

The favor jars were actually recycled "stone ground mustard" jars i found on clearance. see this post: http://penandpaperflowers.blogspot.com/2010/05/lemonade-sunshine-party-preparations.html

i've seen some cute jars in JoAnn's in the wedding favor section too.

Hope that helps!!

Pam Burrus said...

Oh I just LOVED this party!! I did a "pink lemonade" party for my daughter and googled and googled and never could find "examples" - This was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Makes me want to re-do mine ;)

Dawn said...

Just beautiful!! I'm dying to try the cake but the recipe calls for pink lemonade drink mix. Is this the frozen or the powder mix? Can you tell us what brand you used?

Unknown said...

Pam...the lemonade mix I used for the recipe was Country Time's Pink Lemonade powdered mix.

CAMILLE STYLES said...

This is SO pretty...My favorite element is the birdbath used to hold the ice cream. So much more lovely & fitting for this party than a big ice bucket!

Christina said...

I am obviously not the only one who is so impressed with your lemonade party. Loved the fresh colors and every detail was perfect. Your lemonade party was the inspiration behind this bridal shower table and goodies.

http://inspirationforcelebration.blogspot.com/2010/07/bridal-shower.html

Thanks for the incredible ideas! I will be coming here frequently!

Christina said...

Jess, I would be honored if you wanted to share my "bridal shower" pictures. I love your blog (especially the "keeping it real" sections)!

Tash said...

Just gorgeous!! Can I get your Pink lemonade recipe from you please??

Unknown said...

Tash...

If you are looking for the pink lemonade cake or cookies recipes, here's the link: http://penandpaperflowers.blogspot.com/2010/06/recipes-lemonade-cake-cookies-icing.html

Otherwise, the pink lemonade I used for this party was merely pink Country Time...I knew my girls wouldn't mind...or even notice for that matter! *wink*

Paiges of Style said...

Incredible! The details are just beautiful!!!

Cheryl @ Vintage Serenity said...

I loved this party idea!! Thanks for posting and sharing!! I blogged today about it and linked to your photos! Hugs and Blessings! ~Cheryl

mindy said...

This is the most amazing party ever! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Monica Bremer said...

My daughter would love this theme! We're looking or some really pretty and soft ideas for her birthday. We're inviting all her classmates and friends from her exclusive Christian school, so just a few guys and our family from Denver would be there. We're done looking at some ballrooms last month, so food and beverages is next on our list. Do you think we can change the pink color into purple or lavender (her favorite color)?

Unknown said...

Monica...I'd love to work with you on changing up the invitation color to coordinate with your party. Email me at pnpflowers@live.com.

I look forward to hearing from you!!

Unknown said...

I love the little suckers from the candy? How did you make these?

Unknown said...

Hi Alison...here's the ink to the tutorial on my blog for making the lollipops...
http://penandpaperflowers.blogspot.com/2010/06/lets-make-some-of-these-together.html

I'd love to hear back from you if you end up trying these!!! Thanks for the inquiry!!

Rebecca @This Nest is Best said...

I am loving this whole party! I have a very personal love for lemon things and this one was done so well! I especially adore the ice cream mason jars and had to include them in my round up today :)

http://thisnestisbest.com/2011/07/13/for-the-love-of-mason-jars/

Darlene S. said...

So beyond beautiful! I love the pretty colors and light and romantic feel! :))

Unknown said...

Thank you Darlene...I'm so thrilled you loved the colors and feel. It's been one of my favorite parties!!

Erin Spain said...

Love everything about this party! I featured your ice cream in a jar idea on my blog today (with link to your site), in an article about the many uses for mason jars!

-Erin
diyonthecheap.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Thanks Erin!!! I'll be checking out the feature and giving you a shout-out on FB!!

Unknown said...

Absolutely stunning idea!! i simply loved it and also hoping that i'll do it for my daughters B'day next year! i simply loved your creativity!! using all inexpensive and household products you did an excellent job! the venue was also a great hit...hat of to you Jessica!!

Sarah said...

Jess ~ I was hoping to find a link to the recipes for those lovely little jars of ice cream, but couldn't seem to find them. Can you please help me?

Pen + Paper Flowers said...

Sarah...I posted about the ice cream in a previous comment in this thread but I'm happy to repost so you don't have to read through every comment. Ha!!

I took the easy way out on the ice cream...
it was store-bought from Publix - their brand called Lemon Sugar Cookie. The Italian Ice was also store bought - I believe the brand is Luigi's and it came in a 6 pk with 3 Lemon & 3 Strawberry. I let them thaw and then I layered both the lemon & strawberry in each jar. (freezing after each layer..& it doesn't take long for the layers to harden up enough for layering/stacking). The flavors are delicious together!

I hope that's helpful!!

Lindsay said...

What a perfect setting for a girl's springtime party. I absolutely love the the ice cream served in the mason jars.

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