On Saturday we threw Kaitlyn a second birthday party that turned out to be flat out incredible. From the weather, to the food, to the decor, to the wonderful friends that came to celebrate, it was honestly quite the perfect afternoon. I feel comfortable saying this because I can’t take the credit, as it was the generous help of friends that made it all come together.
My friend Kelly is a party planning extraordinaire. This is not an exaggeration, as she is also the one that pulled off the surprise baby shower for me. She shares her talent for beauty and eye for design at Magic Hat Events. Though you will see all the fun and beauty she brought to the party through the decor, decoration and games, what stands out the most to me about Kelly is her generous heart.
While talking to her one day about my lack of party planning skills, she asked if she could help.
And from there, she completely ran with it, leaving me in awe with all she came up with.
If you have a kid party of any kind coming up, buy this. It was the biggest hit!
It was truly a child’s wonderland and since we lucked out with the most gorgeous weather for being outside, it all went off without a hitch.
Well, maybe one hitch- my Budweiser bucket among all her beautiful flower creations.
Typical.
Once I knew the details were in Kelly’s hand I started to try and plan the menu. I have a confession. I love cooking, but not on a mass scale. I was trying to figure out what I’d make and how I’d do it. When my friends at Whole Foods Lake Norman offered to help celebrate Kaitlyn turning two by providing the food for the party, I was blown away and eagerly accepted with a big hug.
And I’m so glad I did. Just look at the deliciousness.
The craziest part, is despite my love for the store’s high quality selections, I had NO idea they even offered catering services, but they do. And it’s just as fresh and delicious as all the food in the store.
They took care of every detail, ensuring we had everything we need from serving tongs for collard green slaw to homemade hummus and ranch for the crudites to pickled onions and pickles for the pulled pork sandwiches.
It was a feast that everyone dug into and raved about.
This took so much pressure off of me and allowed me to just chill and enjoy. I will absolutely be using them again, as they can handle big or small groups.
But you know what really makes a party? The people. From my mom and dad coming early and hopping right in to help tie balloons and blow up beach balls to the most amazing friends that not only come to celebrate, but help corral the kids and lend their talents to managing pinata swinging and face painting.
Honestly, I’m still bubbling with gratitude and basking in the highlights of the afternoon with such wonderful people.
The warm weather with the constant breeze allowed us to do cake outside, which was a godsend with so many little ones running around.
Though we couldn’t get the candles lit, our almost-two year old didn’t seem to mind!
The chocolate (Kaitlyn’s favorite) cake was a hit, go figure.
It gave Kaitlyn just enough of a sugar buzz to make it past bedtime, but eventually the birthday girl hit her wall and told us ever so gently that she was ready for bed.
Sweet baby.
After a good night’s sleep, she was up and ready to open presents, which made it a pretty exciting morning.
And today, her real birthday when I finally have to admit she is two, we will continue the celebration by making her queen for the day, cooking her favorite foods and savoring the adorableness that is TWO.
Do you enjoy planning parties?
What has been the biggest hit at kids parties you’ve been to?
Hailey loves the pinata more than anything, but I really think the bubble station stole the show!
Karina M says
Just fabulous. Love Katelyn’s t-shirt. Very cute. The bubble maker looks like a great idea too.
John J. says
It was a wonderful time celebrating Kaitlyn’s number two. She is a precious child!And, Kelly’s style and energy were amazing! Such fun.
Cassie says
Looks awesome! I’ve already started thinking about my first’s 1 year which isn’t until september! Haha.
sherry says
It was a most magical day! Kelly is amazing at what she can do and make it look easy (which I know is not!). And the food from Whole Foods was beautifully arranged and delicious!! But what makes it so special are the wonderful friends you have! Happy “actual” birthday Miss Kaitlyn!!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
It looks like such a great party! Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!
Heather says
Happy Birthday to Kaitlyn! It looks like it was a wonderful party. π
Yes to bubbles! Always! Also… balls. It’s amazing how much time even 4 year olds will spend in a big ole ball pit. Our kiddos’ birthdays are both during the cooler months, so we generally have to have birthdays indoors, which makes it tricky at times. I’d love to have a party outside!
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
Happy birthday to sweet Kaitlyn!
Kathy says
Sounds like a super wonderful birthday party!! Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!!
Pamela says
Happy Birthday to Katilyn. My daughter is turning two this upcoming weekend. Any gift ideas for a 2 year old girl? I only experience with boys and would love to get her something other than her brother’s cars and trucks (though she loves those too).
Brittany Dixon says
Happy birthday to your sweet girl!! Kaitlyn’s favorites at the moment include baby dolls (how predictable, but bonus if you get a stroller to go with it!), a new water table (great for warmer weather – I just set mine up on the porch all season long), books where she can touch and feel things and purses/bags to put knick knacks in. Love this age when they are so easy to please!
Lauren @ Oh Hey! I Like That! says
Kaitlyn’s skirt is the cutest thing ever!!!!
heather @Fitncookies says
So so adorable! Happy birthday Kaitlyn!! Hope today is a fantastic day for her as well!
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says
Looks like an amazing afternoon for an adorable little girl – a baby no longer!
Kate says
Happy Birthday K! That really looks like an awesome party!
Julia @ Drops of Jules says
Everything about this looks absolutely wonderful! What a beautiful day to celebrate your darling girl! Canβt believe she is already two!!
Julie says
OMG that last pic of Kaitlyn “gently telling you she was ready for bed” made me LOL!
What a perfect day! So glad you all had such a great time. You looked amazing btw – love the dress & the hairstyle.
Jennifer says
happiest of birthdays to sweet kate kate! π (love that nickname by the way!)
Tricia says
We are having a 4 yo party this weekend and she is begging for a pinata. Do you have any tips? I am afraid to have one given all the America’s Funniest Videos that result from those things and small children. Did the kids manage to break them?
Elizabeth says
How awesome to have it catered by Whole Foods! Awesome. Looks like a great time!
Nikki says
My son turns 2 next month. What a fun party!
Christina says
Awe happy 2nd birthday!!! I catered my daughters 2nd birthday last month and it was THE BEST THING EVER! Seriously, I don’t know how people cook for big crowds WHILE they have kids home!
Brittany Dixon says
Happy birthday to your daughter!! And yes, it’s challenging enough to cook dinner with little ones, much less for a crowd!
Edye says
Looks like a wonderful time! Love Kaitlyn’s tutu π
Blessings,
Edye
Leah says
What a fun looking party! You have such a great house on the lake :). The food looked delicious and decorations beautiful. I bet the birthday girl had a blast!
Laura says
Love your dress! Where can I find it?
Brittany Dixon says
Sorry for the delay- I just saw this! I got it from Kohl’s! π