Ice cream

Rainbow Balls 

hula hoops

Bubbles

A laid-back summer party //

 

1 + 2 + 3 = PARTY

It’s summer and school is out! This means no more PTA meetings, field trip permission slips, or homework projects which somehow are forgotten until the eve before they’re due. To us, this feels like cause for celebration. And maybe because we spent all year over-planning, over-scheduling, and over-committing, we’re feeling the need to take a break from the over-styled, over-orchestrated — and, frankly — over-budget style parties of the past. We’re keeping it simple. So pull up a lawn chair, follow this easy equation, and join us on the sunny side of the street. This party will  keep you wishing daylight would last, so the street lights wouldn’t need to flicker on at dusk (the old-school cue it’s time to call it quits).

1. STAY LOCAL

Do you have a park in town, a cul-de-sac, or even a backyard? Put it to good use. Reserve the spot, and send out the invites. For this celebration, we took to the neighborhood sweet spot where they had a splash pad, a play structure, winding paths and a shaded picnic area. With so much natural action there wasn’t much more we needed to provide in terms of entertainment. Just a few colorful balls, bubbles and some hula hoops.

2. RAID THE CLOSET

Somehow we missed spring cleaning, so we took this party as an opportunity to rid the supply closet of items from parties past. A mix-and-match combination of streamers, tissue pompoms we ordered from the Oriental Trading Company, some leftover leaf plates from our favorite party supply shop, Meri Meri, and some balloons. The closet was cleaned, the picnic area decorated and the kids were none the wiser.

3. PACK A COOLER

Brown bag it on ice, just as if you were headed to the beach. For this gathering, we packed homemade sandwiches, store-bought donuts we decorated with cereal, fruit, and ice  cream — and of course, a cake. Because really, it’s all the kids want anyway! We picked up our gorgeous layer cake from Confection Deception.

PARTY

Aside from the squeals of laughter and beaming faces, the best part of this party was its simplicity. Ten minutes to set up — and even fewer to break down — meant we mamas enjoyed ourselves as much as the kiddos. So much so, we’re thinking we may bring back ye old summer block party. Grab the Kool-Aid and meet us in the cul-de-sac!

We’d love to see your take on a simple party. Hashtag pics from your event with #babiekinsmag for a chance to be featured on the blog.

#babiekinsweekend

 

Credits : photography Analicia Herrmann | styling priscila barros |article Allyson Haas

Party Credits : Clothing : Velveteen Clothing, Indie Scout, Sun and Autum,  Amour Bows, Eden & Zoe

Party Supplies: Confection Deception, Meri Meri, Oriental Trading Company