The best birthdays are when you get up at five because you cannot wait to open your presents and you get to wear a paper crown while distributing popsicles to the class. Luc turned six yesterday and it’s been an annual tradition to host a classic party. Tumble Jumble rented spaces with hand sanitizers at every station have been avoided since these are “winter” activity places. At least that’s how mom pitches it.
This year Luc was vague about how he wanted to celebrate so I suggested postponing till after our trip to Italy (more to come on that). He liked the idea of an excursion event with a selection of friends. Chaperoning boys to a zoo may be an excuse to relive epic outings of yesteryear, I cannot go a birthday without planning a party regardless of end of the school year madness and an international trip to prepare for. The theme would be a surprise, literally, as I created a surprise party with three days till his birthday.
It’s a secret surprise party so the best ways to keep it a secret when the guest list consists of 5 to 6 year old guests is to only let the parent’s know.
Limited time to plan a party is not as challenging when you have party boxes labeled with certain themes and then supplement with your favorite vendors. Meri Meri for their paper pieces is always a dependable choice. We also try to have a homemade birthday cake that we never made before. This year it was a Milky Way cake, which I lowered the degree of difficulty by using basic cake mix and adding melted Milk Ways into the batter and topping the frosting with colored candy and cut, bite-sized bars.
Milky Way cake simplified with cake mix but spruced with candy toppings.
The decoration of choice is buntings for bringing in color and festiveness. I essentially added them in every bare space inside and out.
While traditional holidays have their expected menu with Luc’s birthday falling on June 1, just after Memorial Day, there is always seasonal watermelon and corn.
There is also a handmade dish and something decadent from the bakery that I could never create in my kitchen.
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- Even the kitchen is decked for the event.
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- Macarons are what we are loving now. Bakery goods is insurance for cooking mishaps.
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- Cold pasta salad is a snap, just add fresh herbs and produce.
The result? Luc was surprised and welcomed his 6th year with family and neighborhood friends.
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- Luc and his cousin Wells.
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- The surprise begins with a chalkboard sign at the front entry.
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- Eating a macaron takes precedence over making a wish.
