Flowers flowers everywhere

I am sure that you can probably tell that I really enjoy putting together a party!  Although it is only my daughter's second birthday, we have done quite a bit of the birthday circuit over the years with my son Tobin who is five.  Many of these parties were nice, but I was always amazed at the cost of these parties that were held in some of these different places!  Oh yes, I too hosted parties at some of these different places.

I came to realize that if I chose to host my children's parties in our home, then I would have more flexibility to make the parties the way I wanted them to be.  I wanted to be able to choose what food to serve, how to decorate and what favors to give.  This would mean that perhaps there might only be 10 and not 20 children present as guests, but that kind of jives with my philosophy as well.  I don't think that my children need to received 20 birthday gifts.  I also think that when a child has that many guests, it can probaly be pretty overwhelming.  

 

This project is a Martha Stewart craft idea that was passed on to me by a friend.  To me, the simplicity of this project and of the design reminds me of how we, as a family, are trying to cut out the excess and turn our focus towards enjoying the simple things.  That we become aware that what is important is not the party or the children's games, but instead is the opportunity for family and friends to spend quality time with the birthday child. 

 I used sticks that I found in the yard, tissue paper and some hot glue to make this cherry blossom centerpiece.  I found the square latern at www.asianideas.com and placed a block of foam used for floral arrangements inside to hold the cherry blossom branches in place.  I think that this was a lovely craft idea!  It was fun and easy to make.  I also liked that I was not spending money on decorations that would be thrown away...and the little bit of money I did spend for this decoration can easily be reused at another time.

As a mama, it becomes very clear how quickly time can pass as your children grow and change right before your eyes.  Today, it is so important to me to pay attention to the beautiful little details of my life that can so easily be overlooked.  I feel that my life is so much richer when I live in this type of mindset.  I hope that this little detail will make a lovely addition to wonderful party!

  

Comments

[by little hands]

If you haven't done thank you cards already (although I am sure you have!) here is a great one someone as young as Fifi can do by herself but will still look cute. And you can do them with cherry blossoms to tie in to your theme.

http://bylittlehands.typepad.com/by_little_hands/2009/04/flower-print-cards.html

[http://mysweetbabu.typepad.com]

No, haven't done the thank you's yet!
I made a similar card that I was thinking of using for thank you's...I posted them in May 09 under Mama's Day cards...I used tissue paper instead of the dried or silk...but either way, I really like the 3D look!

[Terri Van Benthuysen]

what a great idea! it looks great. :)