Mermaid Inspired Birthday Party :: Charlotte’s Fifth Birthday

Well, somehow, we’re here. The big FIVE. For some reason, five has really done a number on me. Maybe it’s because Charlotte is officially not in the toddler section anymore. Maybe it’s because she’s the best story-teller I know. Either way, my big girl is growing up, and it’s both heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time.

This year for her birthday, she wanted a mermaid party, “Not The Little Mermaid party, Mom, a merrrmaid party.” So that’s what we did. I got the biggest inspiration for the whole party from my best girl boss, Jessica Garvin, and it was so fun to recreate.

Here’s what we did.

MERMAID BIRTHDAY PARTY INSPIRATION

First up was the ballon arch. This really wasn’t as hard as it looks. All you do is pin some twine up in the corners (I used pushpins) and make the sides as long as you need. Once you have the twine up, you can place the balloons by hanging them with twine itself. I tied a little piece to the balloons, then I tied that to the hanging string. I started at the top corner, then worked myself across, then down on each side keeping it even as I went. For any gaps left after that, I taped extra balloons to the tied balloons and filled the space.

Now the key to making this balloon arch in less than a day is buying a mini hand pump to air up the balloons. This was a lifesaver! Michael actually wanted to blow up balloons the manly way, but I used the hand pump like a champ. We did this the night before, then party morning, I went to town with the directions above.

To greet our guests, I set up our entrance table with Charlotte’s birthday invitation from Etsy (which I sent via text this year, because I really have it together) and her latest portrait. I also had my diffuser running with they yummiest scent, and it was a huge hit.

For the table, I used this sequin fabric. It was fabulous and served its purpose, but it did get dirty, and I have no idea how I’m supposed to clean it. Oh well.

I also have loved getting an oversized mylar number balloon for the past couple of birthday parties we’ve done, and it really anchors the whole setup nicely.

The cake was a total fluke, but my sweet girl loved it, and that’s all that matters. It was from our local grocery store, HEB, and it turned out better than expected.

The mermaid cake topper was from another fun Etsy shop. This was another one of Charlotte’s favorite pieces from the party decorations.

Since Charlotte’s birthday party is always after Valentine’s Day, I use my bouquet that Michael usually gets me as party decor. My blooms are still holding strong a week later. Essential oils for the win!

The cupcakes were a total copycat from Garvin. They turned out so cute! Charlotte made the strawberry cupcakes with little help from me, and my sister put them together. A waffle cone turned upside down with these little mermaid fins at the top.

For party favors, we went with candy, because why not. I filled some little glass jars with blue and turquoise candy and the kids took home the little goody bags.

The vintage mermaid stickers were the perfect touch!

We kept everything really low-key and simple as far as food was concerned. A couple of sandwich trays, a fruit tray, birthday cake, cupcakes, tea and lemonade were spread out throughout the kitchen. Since our parties are always filled with our family (since there’s 20 of us in my family alone), my family always helps out a ton!

The kids had fun jumping outside on the trampoline, and Colin played in his Little Tikes car. When they got too hot, they headed indoors to the playroom or bounced the leftover balloons on the floor.

I’m so thankful to all of our family who drove from their homes two hours away; it really made for the perfect day. But most importantly, my heart is so full to have celebrated Charlotte’s life yet again. Time is certainly a thief!