When Throwing Kids Birthday Parties is Your Love Language

Let's Travel to the City of Lights Without Leaving Atlanta

Elle turned nine earlier this month and it marks nearly a decade of a passion I discovered when planning her first birthday. I adore children’s parties. There is something so sweet, so magical and so nostalgic-in-the-moment about creating the memories they’ll (hopefully) look back on with fondness and love.

This year we agreed upon a smaller party, and my one ask was that it wasn’t a spend the night (we have a lot of celebrations in February and I couldn’t take that on). While we were brainstorming Elle remembered a “trip to Israel” that she took at Sunday school last year and was inspired by the memory. What if we go to Paris? That’s all I needed to hear.

I told myself that this would be a smaller scale party than what I’ve done in the past — not just in attendee numbers but also in spend. I can’t help myself. I love kids birthday parties and want every detail my brain concepts to come to life. I did a better job this year, and think since the party was so dynamic, the changes of scenery enabled it to feel as if it hit all the marks conceptually without the cost of creating so many scenes.

The other bonus I had in my back pocket, is that a close friend of a close friend (who I now consider a close friend too) has a grand scale Eiffel Tower in her backyard. Once I got approval to stop by to sightsee, we were off and the party planning could begin.

We picked Passport to Paris as our handle, as one who grew up in the pre-Row MK&A era would naturally do. Not to mention Elle and I saw them when we were in Paris so it was too good not to use. The plan, as Elle directed, was for the girls to get dropped off at the airport (our house), and then we would do “Paris things,” including lunch at her favorite spot, Le Bilboquet. To Elle’s credit she asked to visit a museum for culture, but time didn’t allow - the three hour party could have easily been four.

Scroll through the photos to visualize how I brought this to life…I think it might be my favorite party yet! In my next post I’ll share some tips for planning in case you, too, are inspired to plan something pretty for your people.

Guests Arrived at the Airport Where They Were Greeted with Cotton Candy and Got All Checked In

Elle Air was Chic

The Girls Had Cameras of Their Own and Enjoyed Taking Photos of One Another and Our Main Attraction

The Table Was Absolutely Stunning and Fit for a Queen

If interested, you can shop the party here. Vendors are listed here, with special thanks to Fête, where you can purchase these stunning dishes or rent them if you’re local.

More images and details from the party coming soon to bornonfifth.com!