The Ultimate Birthday Celebration!

It could be simply celebrating summer that makes the Fourth of July one of my favorite holidays. But I think I love it because it’s a celebration of so many things– the birth of a nation, freedom, patriotism, battles won and lost, American life, good times, and food!

This year, I’ve been especially reminded of the importance of patriotism – thanks to my 7 year old son. Earlier this month when he insisted we visit the original Star Spangled Banner in Washington, D.C., I knew we would need to celebrate the Fourth in a big way. That need sent me straight to the web for ideas. So here are a few to spark your imagination. Happy Birthday America!

The light and airy feeling of this invitation by lukecommasara at esty is fun and casual... just like the holiday!

This patriotic cake by Pink Cake Box is dynomite!

If you can't see the real thing (or even if you can), your children will love setting off their own (safe) fireworks! Check out this fun idea from Martha Stewart. Instructions included.

FamilyFun.com has scores of ideas for festive food and beverages this kids will enjoy. This patriotic punch is super easy to make. Recipe include.

The Cat in the Hat Birthday Celebration!

Oak Mountain State Park was crawling with cats in hats last Sunday afternoon. Crazy cats of all sizes turned out to celebrate Janey’s 6th birthday, designed and hosted by MerryB Events.

Upon arrival, guests were painted up to resemble the Cat in the Hat and given their very own striped hats and bowties. There were a few rounds of “Cat in the Hat Says” before a very special guest arrived during the reading of The Cat in the Hat–it was the Cat himself!

The Cat led fun party games such as the Fish Toss, Mess the Dress, and the Thing 1 & Thing 2 Relay–and managed to cause a little mayhem as expected. Before his departure the Cat presented Janey with a special birthday gift, Dr. Suess’ Happy Birthday to You book and gave each party guest an oversized bubble wand.

Everyone enjoyed the refreshments–goldfish, lemon treats, popcorn and bananas–but all the guests were ready for a treat when Janey blew out the candles on her six layer hat shaped cake!

See more pictures from Janey’s Cat in the Hat Party.

A Sweet 2nd Birthday Party for Miss MerryBelle

Miss MerryBelle, a personal inspiration for us here at MerryB Events, had her super sweet 2nd birthday party last Saturday. Our little girl was flying high after all that sugar, but she's such a sweetheart, we couldn't resist this delicious party theme!

Lollipop invitations (motivated by a previous feature on this blog) were handmade using colorful scrapbook paper cut into large circles. We printed party details onto the white card stock which was also cut into a circle and glued each circle together with a lollipop stick in between. A sassy picture reflecting the birthday girl’s true joie de vive was glued to the back side and pink ribbon was tied to the stick. These sweet treats are a keepsake for all of MerryBelle’s beloved party guests.

These whimsical bouquets of giant lollipops were made with rolled up pool noodles (a find at the dollar store) hot glued into the shape. For the sticks, we cut a tiny hole into the noodle and inserted a wooden dowel covered in white duct tape. Then we wrapped the lollipops in cellophane which was tied with coordinating ribbon. The lollipops were held in place in glass vases with a mountain of gumballs. Ordinary balls were also wrapped to look like giant pieces of hard candy. The personalized sign was made from matte board that was already the perfect shade of pink, the same scrapbook paper from the invitation, and white sketch paper.

Colorful cardstock molded into cones and hot glued in place provided guests with single servings of their favorite treats--from Sugar Babies and Circus Peanuts to caramel corn and animal crackers.

Visit our website to see more pictures from MerryBelle’s sweet 2nd birthday celebration.