let’s SHELL-EBRATE
When my youngest, Jolie, asked for a mermaid birthday party my first thought was, "We do not have a pool." It seems like this theme is only reserved for swimming, but a dry mermaid party is what she wanted, so I attempted to bring the underwater world to us. This was a fun challenge. My first steps in planning this party is the same for any of my design preparation. I always start with a Pinterest board. THIS is the Pinterest board for the party. You'll see it's not exact, but it's just a tool to gather inspiration and collecting ideas.
Balloons were huge to the decor. So I called on one of the best in New Orleans, Ashley from The Graceful Host. I sent over my color palette and Iist of ideas. We incorporated "bubble garlands" with seaweed weights at the entry of the party for an underwater effect. And "balloon water droplets" at the entry garland to the home. It was a really windy day, which added to the effect! We installed a mermaid tail garland for the Photo Booth area. (Although you may notice the backdrop collapsed seconds before guests arrive - haha - ultimately the backdrop pulled the whole garland down). Luckily, Ashley snapped the picture below of the tail in all it's glory. 
I’ve kind of given up on themed savory dishes. I just order Domino's and call it a day. But when it comes to the desert table, that’s a different story! It is always an opportunity to reinforce the theme by being creative and fun! I simply could not pass up the idea of seashell macaroons. THESE were absolutely delicious and the colors were spot on! Of course, sugar cookies are a must and the easiest way to bring your theme to life. I found the perfect ‘Under the Sea” cookies HERE. 
Fun fact: I made this cake.
In the midst of all the planning for this party, I forgot to order the cake. Doh! And when I reached out days before to all my go-to cake vendors, they we’re, of course, all booked. So I rolled up my sleeves and ran to Michaels. I couldn’t believe it, the children LOVED it! Not a crumb left over.
What I bought:
3 - 8”x3” pans
3 - Cake Mix Colors
Total = $42 + tax
For the kids table, I used my basic beige linens that I always use. I have had this linens for YEARS and each one is under $20. I don't dry clean them, I just wash them myself. It's good to have a neutral base for any party and then you can add to them to bring a different look each time. For instance, this time I laid iridescent sparkly tulle atop, as well as fish net and seashells. For the table setting, I used scalloped plates, seahorse napkins, and iridescent cups. 
I recommend purchasing the tables, chairs and linens if you throw multiple parties a year. Totally worth the investment. Be sure to buy the fold-up tables and stackable chairs for easy storage.
When it comes to backyard birthday party entertainment, the bouncy house is a must. This one was a knee-jerk pandemic purchase on Amazon. We absolutely love it, but it’s a little too compact to entertain a large group of kids.
I thought another fun activity for the kids would be a shell painting station. So when I went to Michaels to pick up the cake mix, I also picked up a variety of washable paint. This entertainment station cost me less than $30 - washable paints, brushes and shells. I'm not kidding - the BIGGEST hit! I didn't dedicate enough room for this area and every kid wanted to paint a shell for their own. 
What makes a successful kids party is a variety of activities or stations to keep them busy and entertained. It doesn’t have to break the bank. It just has to be fun!
Something I didn’t consider was a drying area for the shells. So if you’re planning on this activity, keep that in mind. Paper towels on the ground worked but not ideal.
We had a face painter and temp-tattoo artist booked, but unfortunately she had to cancel last minute. Our plan B option, Sticker Face Gems, was so affordable and such a hit! Super easy to put on for the parents as it's an all-in-one sticker! Jolie was so excited to hand them out to her guests!
We had set up a "Photo Booth" area set up for the kids by the mermaid tail with a mermaid cutout and inflatable seashell. As I mentioned before, the backdrop for this area fell down and with it slowly came the balloon garland. It made this neat, cave-like arch for the kiddos to play under and everyone thought it was intentional. It kind of became the party hangout. Improvise!
I love documenting these fun parties and try to sneak some family portraits in. I usually do it at the end because I'm so busy prepping right before, that I'm setting up right to the buzzer. I've decided from now on that family photos are best to knock out early. Jolie was so tired that she wanted nothing to do with me or a camera - haha! So in the end I didn't get any of just me and her, but glad I got some beautiful candid shots of her in the moment having the time of her life!Such a beautiful party for my beautiful, mermaid Jolie!
Photography: Renee Yao of Nae Yao Photography
Pro Tip: Amazon will usually be your best bet for a one-stop-shop, along with that free Prime 2-day shipping! But always run a price check. A lot of sites sell the same items, and $10 here and there add up. Always cross reference and consider tax and shipping costs. Here's my party list to shop the look:Party Favors: Mermaid Bags, Shell containers, Mermaid trinkets, Mermaid Tattoos
Photo Booth: Inflatable Seashell, Mermaid Tail Cut Out, Sticker Face Gems, Under the Sea Sunglasses
Balloons: The Grateful Host
Cake: Made by myself the night before under $50! *scroll up for ingredients
Attire: Mermaid Gown, Seashell crown *hotglued to headband
Shop the Party Essentials
Large decor item that can also be used for a photo-op.
You can customize colors and flavors. Plan ahead. Order out a minimum of 3-4 weeks from party date, depending on the vendor.
Pool inflatables are an easy way to get a big-bang for your buck in decor.
Fun way to elevate the party favor bag, bonus it’s reusable!
A must have for a mermaid party photo booth. It’s a cardboard cutout that’s easy to set up. Life size and kid size - so parents you will have to sit this one out.
A great accessory to add to the photo booth area and also a great take away gift idea!
Easy way to elevate a party to look custom. For $10 you can get an entire suite to download. Just bring to an Office Depot or your personal computer for print.
In lieu of faceprint, this was actually a cheaper and different approach for kids to get in on the fun!
I opted for a soft, neutral color palette of matte balloons with pops metallic balloons sprinkled in for texture.
Look at this stuff! Isn’t it neat?
A professional photographer is always great not only to capture the details, but the moments with family you might have missed.
