Happy Birthday Isla! Princess Pampering Party

Last week marked the release of the Sleeping Beauty DVD and Blu-Ray, the perfect time to throw a princess pampering party don’t you think?

Honestly, I feel any time is the right time to get pampered like a princess, little girls and big girls alike. Taking the opportunity once in a while to treat ourselves and feel extra special can be so important. I know it is for me personally and my own state of mind. As Ellie grows I want her to learn that it’s OK to take moments for herself, and to have special friend time too. I just love those days when I can get out of the house and do something special, like get dressed up or get a manicure or my hair done. And with friends, it’s even better. 

One of Ellie’s best friends is Isla (below left). They are just two peas in a pod and stinkin’ adorable if you ask me, although I may be slightly biased. 

Isla’s mom is Ellie’s beloved preschool teacher Miss Molly. Just days before I learned I was to plan and host this very special princess party, Molly mentioned to me that she was bummed she was unable to throw Isla a 5th birthday party. 

I have to tell you when I got the email about the party, I had a major flash of happy adrenaline. I instantly knew I wanted to give Isla the birthday party of her dreams with all of her school friends. It was just perfect to be able to do it. I’m actually still smiling thinking about it. I quickly got the go-ahead from Molly and began preparations for a Isla’s Princess Pampering Party! My kids were both thrilled and on board to help clean (if you can believe it,) prep and plan.

Party Planning & Prep

First step, pull out the ‘ole party checklist, then get to work. (Feel free to pin this for your next party!)

As our plan took shape, we knew we wanted to create a full princess pampering experience for the girls. I actually think I was living vicariously here. To be a little girl again! I decided to create several princess activity areas including: a dressing room, a princess hair salon, a doll hair salon, a jewelry station, a manicure station and lastly a formal luncheon. 

  Princess Entryway & Dressing Room

The front of our home has a small entry way and right next to it is an alcove with a window seat. We used this area to create the dressing room. I didn’t have a dressing screen and didn’t want to spend the money, so the kids and I found a big piece of foam board in the garage and created our own. I drew the outline in black marker then the kids did the fill in work. We all had fun and it cost nothing to create a special touch for the party.

I also took a little folding table we already had and wrapped the top in pink wrapping paper for a dressing stand. I scanned my home for little extras, including Ellie’s jewelry box, princess purse, picture frame and floor length mirror. 

The only items for the dressing room that I ended up needing to purchase were a set of Disney Princess dresses that included little locket necklaces (thank you Halloween costume section!) and princess dolls for each girl. Ellie had so much fun helping me pick out all of the party favors, tableware and decor. And of course she chose to dress as Aurora, Sleeping Beauty herself!

As the girls entered, they each picked up their dresses and we helped them into formal princess attire. Then they picked out a princess doll of their very own. 

PRINCESS PARTY TIP #1: Plan the dress choices in advance so there aren’t any fights or upset feelings. I asked each mom for her daughter’s top 2 favorite princesses and then planned dresses accordingly. Some of the moms even let the girls know in advance to get them excited about who they would be for the party.

And we didn’t forget the Princes. They got to bring home a Disney doll as well. 

Princess Hair Salon & Manicures

Every little princess needs a gorgeous new hairdo. Luckily one of the moms does rock star braids and she was willing become our hair stylist. THANK YOU Jessica! For the salon set up, I again used several items from home (like the mirror) but also picked up an American Greetings princess tablecloth and tiaras, plus hair ties, clips, hairspray and a couple brushes from Walmart. The girls were so happy being transformed into #DisneyBeauties!

PRINCESS PARTY TIP #2: Right now you can save $3 with any $10 purchase of Disney-themed American Greetings Party Goods supplies at participating Walmart stores (coupons available in-store through October 31st). 

Formal Princess Luncheon

I just loved planning the formal princess luncheon! Using elements of my own tableware, and black and pink princessy paper products, the table setting turned out just darling. The center piece was created mainly by items I already owned, a pink vase and tissue paper flowers, plus two glass jars that I filled with pink gumballs and pink lemonade.

PRINCESS PARTY TIP #3: Raid your own home for extra party supplies. Even though this was for little girls, the princess theme lends itself to being fancy. Incorporating items I already own for adult dinner parties with princess paper products, gave it extra special touches that really sold the theme.

I kept the menu for the girls relatively simple: cheese sandwiches and fruit (plus birthday cupcakes of course!) but went full force with the theme by creating crown-shaped sandwiches for each girl along with a fruit want. I just used cookie cutters to create this adorable effect. 

PRINCESS PARTY TIP #4: Do not make the fruit wands the night before! I made this mistake and did an 11th hour re-do on the day of the party. The sticks I used got super soggy, as did the fruit. A no go for this elegant affair!

And lest you think the moms didn’t get to have any fun…

After lunch it was time to sing Happy Birthday to Isla and have cupcakes!

These adorable pink cupcakes were so simple. I purchased store bought vanilla cupcakes with white icing. Using a knife, I smoothed the frosting and then gently rolled each cupcake in pink sugar. Then topped with a gem ring. 

Our birthday girl, Mom and big sister Mia enjoyed the day! Happy Birthday Isla!

Of course we didn’t forget the birthday gifts! Ellie gave Isla the Sleeping Beauty DVD/Blu-Ray. The perfect gift for a beautiful princess. We’ve already had a chance to watch the movie too and really enjoyed it. It was Ellie’s first official viewing!

 Play Time

PRINCESS PARTY TIP #5: Don’t forget the play time. Of course planning all of these activities is fun, and making sure they look beautiful is nice, but it’s important to remember that kids will always be kids. Open play time is a must, and a mess WILL be made. But you know what, that’s OK.

Many thanks to all of the moms, and little girls and boys for joining us for this special party for Isla. I had a ton of fun planning and hosting it. A very special thanks to Ellie, Ronin and even John for helping me clean up the house! And here’s proof! Now that’s a supportive husband. LOL. 

PLEASE PIN ME!