
This may be my last year for a magical, over-the-top birthday party and I intended to savor every minute of it. Since spying Astrid’s party in July, we’ve been planning and plotting the fun.
The invitations: I especially loved the rose paper that reversed to keys and locks– it may be Martha Stewart but it seemed designed just for Alice. To my surprise and delight, Mary requested ‘No gifts, please.’– because she “has enough stuff.”
We discussed finding a blue and white costume, but decided this peacock feather dress is just the sort of thing Alice would have in her closet.
I love decorating with paper and ribbon– it’s a huge effect for a few dollars.
These incredible goblets came from my mother’s shelves. I remember how giddy she was when she bought all nineteen of them in a rainbow of colors– red, pink, blue, green, white, yellow.
Italian made, gold trimmed and perfectly ostentatious for a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, they still had the price tags attached.
The tea pots, the cake platters, the chickens and pigs and carrot pitcher are all my mother’s and I could feel her with us– delighted with the table, the games, the stories, the adorable little girls, and most especially sweet Mary.
We all loved reading the Alice playing cards.
(and Ruth, my darling sister, if you want any of these dishes, they are yours. I’ve just borrowed them– not laid claim.)
Hats and giant cards hung from the back of each chair. For the birthday girl, the choice was obvious: seven of hearts.
Preparing for flamingo croquet. The morning after Mary was born, my mother covered my snowy lawn with a flock of pink flamingos– so they’ve always been precious to me.
Poor little hedgehog– he’s going to have a rough day as a croquet ball.
Each guest stopped by the table of ‘eat me’ cookies and mysterious ‘drink me’ bottles. Clearly, Alice ate a few too many of the shrinking jelly beans but I think all these little girls are simply going to grow.
After dozens of wild boy parties, I’m amazed at the way girls will sit in a civilized little circle and play Queen of Hearts Bingo and Pass the Red Hot Lobster.
But they got pretty wild during flamingo croquet.
We’re lucky enough to have not one, but five Mad Hatters serving tea.
The girls filled their plates with nutritious treats.
Gabe took ice-cream scooping quite seriously.
And you’ll laugh at me, but I regret all the photos I didn’t take– Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum three-legged races, my sweet friends who stayed for the entire party, the sugar cube toss, Hans and Xander pouring tea, little girls whispering in each other’s ears and twirling in delight. But that’s how parties go– the camera has to be set down to fully immerse yourself in the joy.
Too quickly, the candles were blown, the table left in beautiful disarray; tiny girls filled bags with candy and proffered hugs and kisses as they walked out the door clinging to their mother’s hands.
But some of the best fun happens after the party.
Gabriel was finally able to guzzle the ‘drink me’ cream soda he’d been coveting for three days.
Crafting wonderland bugs with daddy.
Giggling on the couch with friends who lingered.
And harnessing balloons to hapless flamingos.
I think we all got carried away.
Alice in Wonderland Cards
Giant Playing Cards
Inflatable Flamingos
Tissue Paper Flowers
John Tenniel illustrations— these are all over the internet, but the best place is oldbookart.com where you can add the entire album to your cart (it’s free) and download them in one click. It’s an incredible website and could inspire a dozen parties. Maybe I can talk Mary into a Red Riding Hood party next year. Or are eight year olds all about manicures and pop stars? At least I can feel confident about fully savoring little girlhood down to the very last drop.
cristie
totally magic…
and work. xox
Adri
Wonderland, indeed! Love it!
Kerri
You just blew my mind. Gorgeous and magical!
Lisa
Seriously…I am sitting her drooling over every last amazing detail. Is it ridiculous to wish I was 7 again and invited to “Wonderland”?
Tasha
Wow! When she gets married someday, that reception is going to be fabulous!!
(Sorry, weddings are all I think about these days. I’m just a teeny bit distracted…)
Lizzy
I have a suggestion for this imaginary pop star birthday party – Taylor Swift themed. Though I’m not that sure how different that would be from wonderland. Anyways, loved the… everything.
<3, Lizzy
Kim
This is the most magical birthday I have ever seen.
Jeanelle
Oh Michelle, so very lovely and magical! I now have a strange craving for ho-ho’s/swiss cake rolls, however.
jenjamin
Magic, pure magic! I love it:)
House of Estrogen
I love that all your mother’s china and knick-knacks worked so well for the party. What a wonderful way to make her part of it!
Kristin
I absolutely adore every last bit. Priceless.
Cath
Delicious. Every detail. I want you to throw my birthday party! 😉 Thanks again for inviting Eliza. xo
chococatania
This post was great and totally inspiring…I have to confess, I haven’t been the best at throwing these wonderful parties for my children, and now I’m feeling – well…not guilt…but motivated to change.
So…I told the girls we’re throwing a Valentine’s party in a few weeks. Thanks for the inspiration to be a “magical mom”
Linn
Oh, can I rewind time a year or two? And I can’t speak for every young girl, but my darling girl would still love a version of that party, and she is nine. So, so magical Michelle. What a sweet mom.
Blue
Michelle, I should have made one of my “Mad Hatter Cakes” for your party! Though it was totally fantastic and perfect as you did it.
I wish we could have created a magical, wondrous, fantastical birthday celebration for you! I’d still love to whisk you away for a special lunch or something. You’re so great at creating beauty everywhere you go. It’s like it trails behind you as you move through life. ♥
Carrigan Clan
Absoutely Perfect!!!
Tracy
Oh Michelle…it’s all so perfect. LOVE LOVE LOVE.
xoxo,t
Rachelle
What a great party! I love the dishes and the way you arrange the table with goodies. So wonderlandish. :o)