Cupcake Party!

When my daughter asked for a cupcake party, who was I to refuse her? Seriously? Who can resist cupcakes? I admit I have watched one too many "cupcake wars" and jumped at the chance to get my cupcake fix... without looking to greedy.

She actually already decided last year what she wanted the theme of her party to be so when I saw these little cuties in the dollar section at Target, I snagged them.

She had fun "addressing them"

and sending them out

 She made sure to make it clear to me that no boys were allowed under any circumstances. Her brothers wanted very much to come and I asked if she could make an exception but no, she stood firm and said that Daddy could watch them. They did end up coming, we just couldn't get around that but she didn't seem to care once the party started. I guess she can be fickle. I think she gets it from me...

I got a lot of great ideas from:  http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2012/12/cupcake-themed-birthday-party-ideas/....but as incredible as it sounds I actually had a few ideas of my own!

I loved their idea of using brown paper to cover the table and then drawing a place to decorate the cupcake, so simple and cute! I am not the best artist but, hey, cupcakes aren't too complicated.

I loved this idea of using cupcake liners as a garland...ingenious! at: http://www.bottleyourbrand.com/blog/cupcake-theme-birthday-party

And when I saw these cupcake tea towels at Ikea...really? How could I resist? I actually think I did a pretty good job at containing myself and not getting too crazy... there is just so many stinkin' cute cupcake paraphernalia out there!!

                         Cupcake pans.. what a great way to display the food and toppings! I even made cupcake mac and cheese, but I don't think the kids got it.

 I gave all the kids there own little piping bags( I used zip lock bags which I held tight with rubber bands) and choices of sprinkles and candy to decorate their cupcakes. What kid wouldn't enjoy that? A whole bag of frosting to yourself!

                              The kids and parents had a lot of fun eating and decorating them

Ellie was definitely enjoying all the attention she was getting, she usually gets very upset when we are at someone else's party and she is not the one being sung to and getting presents!

mmmm... homemade cream cheese buttercream and strawberry cupcakes

Ellie's decorated her cupcake all by herself, I tried to help but she was most emphatic she did not need any help, and she was right!

Yum!

                          The kids had fun playing a little" pin the cherry on the cupcake

I think she likes it!

When you announce "time to open up presents" its amazing how all the kids appear and can't get close enough to see the action!

hmmm...yep... time to open up more presents.

 I have seen many a meltdown from too many presents and too much stimulation, but I have to say Ellie is getting to be a pro and handled it very well.

I knew it would be hard to get the kids to leave all the cupcake fun, so the kids helped me make these party favors to tempt the kids to leave. I cut cupcake liners in half for the tops and used scrapbook paper for the liners. You have to admit, they turned out pretty cute:)

Of course Ellie had to wear her cupcake shirt and skirt to stay with the theme of things.
I don't know who will treasure these memories more, me or Ellie? But I know her party was worth every stick of butter and cupcake liner! I wish she could just stay two, but I look forward to year 3 with her and will treasure every moment of sweetness she brings.