Alya's Birthday Party

My daughter Alya turned 3 almost two month ago! Happy Birthday! I wanted to throw a little birthday party at home. She always asks to have her friends over and I thought that a glorified play date is the way to go.  You probably know that at this age, blowing the candle and the cake is very very important to 3 years old toddlers.

Alya Enjoying her Birthday Cupcake

I have been mentally planning for this party for 2 months! Knowing me, you probably guessed that I wanted to do as much as possible by myself at home. What can I say, I just can't resist a homemade food or a handmade decoration! The inspiration behind the party theme was party paper plates and napkins that I bought almost a year ago on the the clearance rack at Target. (I love a good deal!) The colorful dinner and dessert plates with matching napkins are certainly a good match for a toddler's birthday.

The Colorful Party plates and Napkins that inspired me!

Having found the inspiration, I decided to make the invitation cards, party decorations (the pom pom that you see in the background)  and favor bags that match the plates.  I will show you how I made those in future posts.

The Birthday Invitation that I made

The Favor Bags that I Made

Needless to say, party food was on my mind. It has to be something that is easy to make, delicious and kids and adult friendly. As for the birthday cake, well, there is a story behind it and it will probably become a saga since my daughter and husband are born on the same date. Yes, giving birth to Alya was my gift to my husband that keeps on giving. Nothing will ever be more precious. I took advantage of our yearly 4th of july week beach house get together with the in laws and I made him a wonderful cake to celebrate his birthday with the family. More about that in future post. Since I made him a chocolate cake, I decided to make vanilla cupcake for Alya's birthday...as a matter of fact, she asked for it.

Birthday Cake for My Husband: The Devine Chocolate Cake with Fluffy Ganache Frosting 

I served my delicious Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad, beef hot dog rolls with spicy mustard on the side, Mac n Cheese, Vanilla cupcake with Swiss Meringue buttercream frosting and sprinkles, and sugar cookies with juice and water.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad, Mac and Cheese and Mini Beef Hot Dog Rolls

Vanilla Cupcake with Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting with Sprinkles

Decorated Sugar Cookies

The Party Plates and Napkins and Drinks

I set up the backyard in a way to create a seating area for the parents and play area for the kids. As for the activities, I had a coloring and craft station, a sand box, chalk and balloons. Kids dont need much to have fun. Watching them play and eat and get along together was very precious!

The Party Set up

Art Station 

Alya playing in the Sand Box

Alya had a wonderful time! I want to remember every detail of those fun times...she is growing up and with a blink of an eye she will be an independent young lady. My baby turned 3! Happy Birthday Alya! I will share with you the recipes and the craft in future posts. Enjoy!

Nadine