Riley's 3rd birthday!

Riley's third birthday was back in April... and I realized I should probably post some pictures before it is time for Scarlett's birthday :)

We celebrated Riley turning three on her actual birthday, and her big present was a new bike with training wheels, and with a seat for her baby :) (which she said Scarlett could ride in- ha!) One of her favorite presents was a dress like Alice's in Alice in Wonderland for her birthday party.



Riley wanted "hearts" as a theme, but I convinced her that Alice in Wonderland tea party would be more fun, and we could still have hearts on the cupcakes like she wanted. I guess that was a little mean, but I thought it would be more fun to plan. She was thrilled with the party, so I don't feel bad.

I made invites to hand out to all of her friends:

For decorations, I just made a bunch of colorful tissue flowers to hang around the deck, and had about 10 blooming flower pots, with a range of colors and types, spread around the different tables. We had colored doilies and a tea party patterned table runner, tea trays, various miniature tea set pieces around the different tables. There was a 2D wooden teapot painted with an R on it for Riley to keep after the party, and hanging small tea pots, tea cups, etc. hanging among paper lanterns. Riley LOVES balloons, so we had to have plenty of colored flower balloons around, too. 

For food, we kept it relatively simple with assorted tea sandwiches cut into shapes: hearts, tea cups, tea pots. We also grilled some meat to have on croissants for a hot option, and then had deviled eggs and the usual menu for all bbqs we do: a fiesta pasta salad, guacamole, and a huge fruit salad. Drinks were simple: milk, water, assorted tea options, beer and wine. I didn't go all out with cake decorations this year, and felt a little bad... I just didn't have time! So we had homemade cake and cupcakes simply decorated with hearts, and they were SO GOOD it made up for the lack of creative decor! 

For the kids, there was a "paint the roses red" activity and kids' croquet, both of which were a hit. There was also a cheshire cat art activity that I prepared but forgot to set up... oops!  I also forgot to take pictures before people came, and during the party too... luckily a friend grabbed my camera and got some pictures for me! 

It was a casual, low key get together and I think everyone had a really nice time, especially Riley, so I think Riley's third birthday was perfect!