Party Animals.

Birthdays are always a great reason to celebrate. And I am definitely one in favor of throwing a birthday bash— whatever the age! So, it is only natural that I LOVE dog birthday parties. I mean, why shouldn't your furry friends get spoiled on their birthday?! Here's some super-cute ideas to show your pooch some love on his or her birthday:)

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The first thing you should decide is whether you're throwing the party inside or outdoors. Once you've decided this, it's time to invite people (and pups) to your party. You could invite guests informally, or make it more special and send out invitations. 

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As far as entertainment goes, there are many options, dependent on the location of the party. If you're throwing the party indoors,  a good idea is to give each four-legged guest a toy to keep them entertained. Other ideas are to have a talent show (each dog showcase its best trick), a fashion show, or a look-a-like contest to see which dog and owner resemble each other the most! If your throwing the party outdoors, the possibilities are endless! Frisbees, balls, tug-of-war, agility races— all great ideas! Also, a kiddie pool is something great to have if it's hot outside so the pups can stay cool. 

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Now comes what will probably be your dog's favorite part of the party: birthday cake. Seriously, what's a birthday party without cake?! Bake some cupcakes pupcakes or doggie treats that will have your pooch begging for more!

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When the party is finally over, don't let your guests leave empty handed. Doggie bags are perfect party favors! 

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Now that I've convinced you (hopefully) to throw your pup a party, check out this E-card that is quite fitting for this post. 

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Birthday Bash.

Bday’s ain’t just for kids! Here’s some tips to throw a birthday celebration to remember for that special adult in your life =)

With any party, especially birthday parties, themes are always so much fun! Milestone birthdays are a great excuse to throw a themed party, but you don’t have to host a 40^th birthday to do this! Keep it simple and stick to a certain color scheme or motif, or personalize the party incorporating a theme based on a person’s hobbies or interests.

 {French theme}

{The Beatles theme} 

Now comes the food and drinks. To get the party started, mix up some pretty little cocktails! As for food, create a menu that shows off the birthday guy or gal’s personality. If you're throwing a bday party for your best friend and she's the pure definition of a morning person, it would be so cute to have something like a waffle, crepe or yogurt bar =) For dessert, make some shooters of their favorite dessert, like banana pudding shooters.  Or, being that it’s an adult birthday bash, replace dessert with alcohol. Instead of cake, have birthday cake shots!

{Crepe Bar}

{Burger Bar}

                                

{Birthday Cake Shots} 

Other than the theme, food and drinks, it's all the other little details that make a good birthday party great! A go-to idea for adult birthday parties is to have lots and lots of pictures! However old one is turning, include that number of pictures, choosing photos that show those important life moments (first dance, graduating high school and college). Make sure to include pictures that are funny and a little embarrassing as well (you all know the pictures I’m talking about….the bathtub picture your mother insisted on keeping, that picture taking you back to middle school with the horrible haircut, or the picture of your freshman year in college, after sipping one too many cocktails)! I mean, what is a party without entertainment, right?! Plus, you can get creative with how you display the photos so they double as décor=)

 {Pictures hanging on wire}

{Photos hanging from balloons} 

Have a fabulous Monday =)



Well She's 4, Y'all!

Seriously - the best birthday party E V E R.  

My little niece, Lou Lou, just turned 4 last week.  She (just like me) has a bit of an obsession with The Wizard of Oz.  We (or rather my mother) made her the most adorable Dorothy costume, complete with red, glitter, Tom's shoes.  We (again, my mother) made accessories for all the birthday guests, too - scarecrow hats, tinman hats and of course lion hats and tails!  What made this party SO special, was the appearance by Glinda, the Good Witch of the North - yes - THE real Glinda (according to Lou).  Lou Lou (who might very well be the most SHY child on the planet) was instantly in love with Glinda.  They sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" together and there wasn't a dry eye in the house!  I'm so very grateful for everyone in my life that helped make this party so special.  I could go on and on about how magical this day was!  Enjoy some of the pics below and find the rest on our facebook page. 

A Down Home Birthday BASH!

Frosty turned 80 last summer and he DEFINITELY still knows how to party!  Him and his girlfriend (yes, his beautiful girlfriend, Iris Ann), love going dancing, listening to bluegrass music and going to bluegrass festivals!  What was more appropriate than a bluegrass party?!  Upon entering the event, guests were greeted with a "memory lane" celebrating the last 8 decades.  As a special surprise, for his birthday present, I created a video with pictures of Frosty growing up until now.  It was very touching!  Take a look at the video (you'll see he got his nickname from his life-long WHITE hair!) and of highlights of the party below:

I hope I am as young at heart as Frosty when I'm 80 years old!  Thanks again to Specialty Cakes and Lauren Cardwell Photography for helping make this day a success!  Also, a big thanks to the band Fire Creek!  

It's your birthday, BABY!

One of my FAVORITE types of events, aside from weddings, is birthday parties!  Here are some pics from little Lou Lou's 2nd birthday party:

 

Ya gotta love great pictures and a cutie little monkey cake!  THANK YOU Specialty Cakes and Lauren Cardwell Photography!