Ella's third birthday

My daughter's third birthday is probably my favorite party I've planned. Not only because I love silhouettes but it was also the beginning of my party planning business, Lovely Little Parties. Being that her birthday falls a week before Christmas (which creates some challenges), I decided to have the guests decorate gingerbread houses as an activity. Once completed, they were able to take home to enjoy during the holidays along with a personalized apron.

This party was truly a labor of love from friends and family. The mini cupcakes and marshmallows were made by Ella's grandmother and displayed on a cake stand that belonged to my great, great, grandmother. The birthday banner that greeted our front door as guest arrived was made by Ella's great grandmother. The silhouette cookies, cake and macrons were made by local pastry chef, Martine's PAstries. All photography was by super sweet and talented, Melanie Mauer.

• Desserts

  The main focus was on the dessert table. Guests were served macrons, homemade marshmallows, mini cupcakes, silhouette shaped sugar cookies, and of course, birthday cake!

• Activities / Games

  Because of the age group and the location, which was our home, we kept the activities pretty low key. We did have a pinata that was made with lots and lots of tissue roses thanks to the help of two friends. The children happily decorated their gingerbread houses and were content playing with Ella's toys.

• Party Favors

  Guests decorated gingerbread houses that could be used throughout the holidays for decor, along with a personalized apron.

• Best Moment

  The best moment was seeing the happiness on my daughter's face. She loved having her closest friends to celebrate with her and you could just see the joy on her face as they arrived. It was also a sweet moment watching as she blew her candles out on her cake.

• What People Ate

  The food was kept light and consisted of mini fruit kabobs, veggies with dip and sandwiches in the shape of Ella's silhouette

• What People Drank

  Water, tea, pink lemonade and strawberry milk for the kiddos!

• Melanie Mauer

  Photographer

  http://www.melaniemauer.com
  [email protected]

• Martine's Pastries

  Cake designer

  http://www.martinespastries.com

• Silverbox Creative

  Graphic Designer

  http://www.silverboxcreative.com
  [email protected]