Love it! It looks like he had a great time. And I am totally digging the rice crispy cake. Yummy!

This is exactly what I had in mind for our oldest who will be 5 in a month… I love all the stripes!!!

I totally agree. Sometimes we forget the party if for them some of my daughter’s favorite parties were the ones where everyone brought their bicycle and a paperbag lunch. I provided drinks and desserts and they played in the creek, rode their bikes around the pastures and ate under the carport. Easy clean up and everyone had a blast. Thanks for the links!!!

Some of the pics didn’t connect to the links.

you are right Emily! The party is for the birthday boy or girl and they do not care if you spend 1,000 dollars or 100 dollars…it is that you honor them and that they have fun. Too many of these parties are for the adults or the person hosting the party. I do appreciate a well themed party, however I do like the simple parties and the fact that they have fun no matter what as long as you honor their special day!

I love that you kept it simple! I think we all forget about the purpose of the party. I just got married last weekend and we opted for a very simple, casual, no frills reception. I’m sure we had some judging eyes, but we are so happy with our super low cost basis. In the end, if all people remember are your decorations then they really didn’t come for the right reason.
My niece is turning 1 next month and my sister has been planning the party for 7 months! She has put more time and effort into a party that the birthday girl won’t remember than I did into my very own wedding. I worry that my sister is working herself up into such a stressful frenzy that she will be miserable and it’s all to make a good impression on the fancy ladies in her upscale neighborhood.
Kudos on your super simple kid-friendly party!

A big chunky jar with big chunky chalk…so simple and cute! I love Birthday Girl and Tomkat Studio….never heard of the other one, though. Thanks for mentioning it!

It’s so cute, playful and colorful! Just what kids want. I agree we do get so carried away with the details and planning, but your party is adorable and you can tell the kids had fun. And as you said, that’s what it’s all about.

I am so thankful that you shared this. While I love to play fancy, themed parties, have the time I do it for myself….. It’s a pride thing “look what I can do!”. So good to get back to what is important!

I think you are a very wise mom! You are absolutely right as to the focus though I did love your striped cups! (Where do you find these things? They’re wonderful!) Some times our most thrown together parties can turn up to be one of their favorite memories! So glad you celebrated him!

Did you notice Mason’s face in the pictures! He’s so cute! Looks like his daddy’s expression!

I just read this post and thought, “yeah. all my kids’ birthdays are going to easy, fun, and casual parties…just like a play date.” That’s really all they want, right?

I love the idea of the perfect party but for now thrown together is where we are.

Looks like you got it just right! My #2 boys likes his hair “mohawked” like that too!

It looks like a fun party and I’m sure the kids had a great time!

I think celebrating should be simple and easy at any age!
Looks like a nice way to honor your boy!

looks like a fabulous party!

It looks like your guy had a great time! It’s against my grain to be completely and utterly spontaneous, but I’ve found the few times I allow myself to toss the plan out the window, I have a great time and the world doesn’t stop spinning in its proper course. I think our kids do enjoy seeing us be more like them, eager for fun and willing to roll with it. Bravo!

Okay, your little guy is SO cute. Like SO SO SO cute.

I don’t want to spend a lot to keep up with the “Jones(es)” so I have decided to keep up with the Jones (design co.) Such a great resource. Your lil mans b-day party shows that you don’t always have to empty your pocket book to have style and fun. Thank you for showing how it is done. For some reason I am thinking the post for Audrey’s 1st B-Day may be a little different though (lol).

Even your “thrown together” party looks lovely—the darling striped straws, the chalk in the glass cannister, etc. Great work! I also highly reccommend that you check out One Charming Party http://onecharmingparty.com for more beautiful themes and ideas.

What a super fun party! And to me it didn’t look too “thrown together”…it looks very pulled together!
We did my little guy’s birthday last year at a park with friends just like you. It was awesome…the kids played on the playground, parents chatted and we all enjoyed our time. That is a great party–and that is exactly what your party looked like!

love your site….

My mom used to love to throw themed parties, too. And I loved them! BUT, I do remember that the year she felt bad for not doing a ‘theme’ was the year my friends remembered and loved it the most!

I must also say that its refreshing to hear your thoughts on birthday parties, too. May I not forget to love my sweet little ones first…and not get caught up in the details.

thrown together!! showcasing colorful chalk and lollipops in glass containers was a designer touch as was the grouping of striped straws and red polka dot napkins. Great party and just as they should be..simple, fun and focused on the birthday boy.

When my son turned 7, we had a simple party at a local park with cupcakes and pizza, he and all his friends said it was the best party ever! It was too funny, considering the year before we went all out and had a “real” pirate come and do a treasure hunt, etc. and no detail was forgotten, no expense spared. That taught me an important lesson, sometimes Simple is Best!

I just want to say that this was a very inspiring post. Thank you for the reminder that birthday parties are for our children!

I totally love the idea! My big guy turns five this November and I love the “after school” party idea.

[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ’0 which is not a hashcash value.

I love your party! I think it totally fits the bill….it looks wonderful and totally appropriate for young children! Sometimes simple is best!! Angie xo

some of our favorite parties have been the least planned, last minute ones! it’s easier to enjoy the party when i haven’t been stressed out trying to plan & decorate for it!! plus, i’m not nearly as clever and talented as you at that sort of thing!!

Absolutely beautiful boy!

Looks like fun!! I couldn’t help but notice the cute blanket wrapped around your baby. Did you make it? It’s adorable!

Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed reading your article. As someone who is seriously considering planning a birthday party soon! Keep posting.

okay, like I need another blog to read. Too busy already. But I gotta adds yours to my list–I’m in love:) Julie

Hi Emily -
Just curious where you purchased those cute striped paper cups? Thanks for your time!

[...] My No. 2 turned six this month. September is usually a beautiful month around here and so we decided to do a party at the park again this year {see last year’s here}. [...]