Ava's Par-TEA!

Hi again!  Hope you're having a great weekend!  In my last post, I mentioned the recent party we threw for our "Sweet Ava Kate."  I have to admit, I cannot take credit for any of these adorable ideas!  I found a lot my inspiration on my favorite party blog Polkadots & Pirates.  I just love every detail that Jess puts into making a party special and fun!  I wanted her invitations to be similar to those Jess created.  I contacted Carli on Etsy who creates custom invitations you can print at home.  I sent her my inspiration and she worked her magic!  Aren't they the cutest?  Thanks to Carli @ Dimpleprints!  To order and view more of her custom designs, go to www.dimpleprints.etsy.com

A few weeks before the party (I started to go into panic mode), I went to Tar-jay and scoured their clearance sections for table linens, entertaining pieces and paper goods.  

I was NOT disappointed!  My first find was 3 mini table runners, perfect for the tables where the girls would be sitting.  Just check out the prices!  

I bought three of these for $2.48 each!  Woo-hoo!  :)

I wasn't crazy about the design, but the reverse side was turquoise, so I decided to buy some coordinating ribbons and do a loop trim on the ends.  Here's what I came up with...

(Yes, this picture is a re-enactment)

I also found a set of four scalloped shaped bowls in graduated sizes and colors.  Normally $19.99 for $4.98!  I used these for fruit, cookies and the pop beads the girls used to make jewelry.  You can find these at Target for the odd price of $16.19!

I'm telling you, these provide hours and hours of fun!  

Prior to the party, Ava and I came up with some of our own creations!

The green & white gingham table cloths were a great find, 

normally $14.99, on sale for $3.24!

Okay, now onto a few pics of the Par-TEA in action!  The girls had so much!  

It was cute to listen to their conversations.  I just love their innocence.  

The girls making their pop bead creations!  

I wish I had more pictures of the girls playing with these. They really enjoyed making necklaces, rings and bracelets. I told them anything they made they could take home as their party favor!

They played pin the flower on the tea pot... Ava's idea!

I love creating party decorations using scrapbook paper and stamps.  I used to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator back in the day and my paper and stamping supply is still quite extensive.  I used what I had to create pennant banners, thank you cards and games for the party.  

Here is where their dolls sat while the girls 

were busy socializing and watching Ava open her gifts...

Happy Birthday, Ava!  

The day would not be complete without a group picture.

Ava's dolly and me Par-TEA!