A Thoughtful Place

A Thoughtful Place is a Tennessee based lifestyle blog about design, fashion, gatherings and the occasional from the heart post.

Big Boy Birthday Party

by 43 Comments

So my baby boy turned three this past weekend! I have to say it was a bit tough as it feels like just yesterday we brought him home from the hospital. We had a truck themed party and he enjoyed every single second of it. We also made sure there was blue everywhere as Grady can’t get enough of the color. My husband and I reflected on the day and decided it was one of our favorite days ever. Just so fun to watch a three year old enjoying his day so much. We kept things simple with an at-home party with bubbles, treats, a truck piñata, and homemade puzzles. Prepare yourself for a zillion photos! The Party Scene IMG_1586 Luckily I haven’t decorated Grady’s big boy room yet, so his Ikea Curtains {blue and white polka dot} served as a table runner and a backdrop for the drink station outside! And luckily, nothing was spilled on them during the party! IMG_1555 IMG_1522 Instead of putting together goodie bags, we had a green truck piñata filled with fun items and candy. After knocking it down the children filled these bags with their finds to take home. IMG_1505 The Lunch   IMG_1553 Lunch was simple with turkey wraps, blue chips {everything was blue for Grady}, and fresh fruit. I posted a sign that read, “Lunch is served! Please help yourself any time.” I wanted the children and parents to feel comfortable helping themselves throughout the party. IMG_1600 I covered soup cans with scrapbook paper to coordinate with the party and placed them throughout as an inexpensive and easy way to decorate. Shredded paper and cupcake toppers sat in a few of them. IMG_1529 If you live anywhere near a Trader Joes than  you are probably familiar with both their Joe Joe cookies and blueberry snack bars. They are both favorites of my son. I dipped some of the cookies in chocolate and some in blue candy melts. IMG_1498 IMG_1607   IMG_1605 IMG_1496 The Sweets IMG_1561 IMG_1495 IMG_1613   The Drinks IMG_1541 The drinks were out on our patio. I used scrapbook paper to make the banner and the Ikea curtain as the backdrop. In keeping with the “blue” theme, the adults even had Blue Moon beer. I couldn’t resist. IMG_1538 IMG_1542IMG_1572 Outside Fun IMG_1548 IMG_1593 The best part of the day was watching Grady run around having a blast with his cousins and neighbors. He enjoyed every second of it. Especially picking out his own truck shirt to wear and trying to bust open the truck Piñata. IMG_1651 Towards the end of the party, I set out take out boxes with a sign encouraging guests to take home extra cupcakes and treats. The younger guests happily obliged!!!!  Great tip for making sure you don’t end up eating it all yourself! IMG_1567 IMG_1704 And our little man got a bike for his birthday. He learned how to pedal and ride by himself in just about ten minutes. We can’t get the kid off of it now! And of course, big sister was right be his side cheering him on {ok, and sometimes being bossy, too!}. I could never have pulled off this party with the help from Elizabeth from Pretty Smitten. She not only did my invitations which I posted about here, but also:

    • The Grady Banner
    • Cupcake wrappers and toppers
    • Truck Mix Tags
    • Water bottle wrappers
    • Cake Topper
    • Thank You Tags
    • Return address labels and thank you notes

She is amazing. If you are about to jump into party planning, head on over to Pretty Smitten to see what she has to offer. Thank you, Elizabeth!!! Sharing this party with: Keeping it Simple Under the Table and Dreaming Fingerprints on the Fridge The Shabby Nest Chic on a Shoestring Budget Ten June

Comments

  12. Absolutely adorable! This is so up your alley Courtney. Have you considered becoming a party planner?

    Happy birthday to your sweet boy. I remember trucks like they were yesterday, sniff.

    Reply

  14. What a special day, Courtney!! You really did it up fabulously for little G. I love the blue theme- so classic! That Ikea curtain/tablecloth idea is genius! So glad you guys had such an incredible time : ) Happy birthday Grady!

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  16. THIS is keeping it simple? It's beautiful! And I know it has nothing to do with the party decor, but I just love the pendant light over your dining room table. So chic.

    I just found your blog and will be reading along now! I'm new to the whole blogging world and just started a lifestyle blog of my own. I'd love for you to stop by! http://www.3pointperspective.blogspot.com.
    Thanks so much!

    Reply

  17. Rene shared my thoughts exactly. Courtney, Grady's party was adorable and yes, you have a gift for party planning. How fun the day was for your little man! I love the photo of Grady in front of his cake and how precious the one is of Dad helping him ride his new bike. You put on the perfect blue celebration for Grady's big day. Happy Birthday to Grady!

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  20. I should have posted about the plates! I bought a fantastic pack of Waverly items from Costco . . . believe it or not. It came with the trellis plates, striped plates, cups, and paisley napkins. It came with 24 of everything for only $15!

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  21. Amazing!! I adore the cute little touches. The truck water bottles, cupcake toppers…everything. How precious…he loves his bike! Such a fun party, Courtney! I bet you're exhausted now

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  29. What a beautiful, fun party you gave your little guy! I just love all the ideas…thanks for sharing his special day with us.
    How do get the wreaths on your French doors to stay on?

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  32. Courtney, I love everything! It brings back many a memory. Birthday's are a big deal at our house. He will be sure to cherish his special day for a long time to come.

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  40. Courtney – this is one beautiful party for your little guy. I just adore all the little details and special touches. The pattern and colors are fabulous and fun! Happy Birthday to your little one – looks like a fantastic party. Thanks so much for linking to The Sunday Showcase Party – I greatly appreciate it. I have featured this Sunday. Have a wonderful week.
    ~ Stephanie Lynn

    Reply

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