Saturday 24 November 2012

Enchanted Fairy and Gnome Party

My beautiful Mahlia turned four a couple of weeks ago. I am at a loss to even fathom where the last four years have gone. In a blink of an eye, she's gone from this enchanting, knowing newborn to a terrific toddler (with a handful of those dreaded tantrums for good measure), to a delightful, caring and clever little girl.

She had been looking forward to her party for months. She originally wanted a butterfly party, but I dissuaded her as that was last year's theme. So she selected the good old fairy party. However, she plays with the boys at Montessori as much as the girls, if not more. So I took it upon myself to make it an Enchanted Fairies and Gnomes party. I tried to keep it as simple as possible. We held it at a beautiful nature reserve just ten minutes from where we live—plenty of space for fairies and gnomes to run and roam freely and safely. Here are some photos and details of her morning.





We held a treasure hunt, and Papa Gnome handed out paper bags and instructions—take ONE item from the balloon-marked areas. We had bubble wands, fake flowers, fairy dust, feathers and chocolate coins (many of these were put out, and none were left, so the instruction of one each obviously went unheeded!). When they made it back, the girls were gifted a handmade (by yours truly) wand and the boys received some magical gnome stones (aka marbles in an organza bag).

I made the decorations—doily bunting and tissue paper pom-poms. Not much more needed I thought, as the setting provided the perfect backdrop. Food was also simple, with popcorn, cups of berries, cheese and crackers and fairy bread. And of course the cake. Layered with a small fairy statue on the top. I also made the flower garlands that my little fairies were wearing – cute hey?

I had planned to do a lot more, but I'm more than happy with the end result. And more importantly, the birthday girl was as happy as can be. There is so much inspiration out there on the internet, and I wasted spent many an hour researching! Now, better start planning Leila's second birthday party ... any ideas?

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