Birthday Party #2: Inspiration

* Spoiler alert, for those of you attending!

The invites have been sent out, and my vision is in place (in my head)! We're having the party a week early as my mom will be out of town on his actual birthday. So, here's what I'm thinking:

I am keeping it simple, first of all - trying to make the party the best it can be on a budget. I just want lots of COLOR! Bright, vibrant color everywhere. Basically the theme revolves around the cake I'm going to attempt...

I don't think I'll do the purple layer though.

Isn't it pretty? Try not to think about all the food dye involved.

I'm really excited to try my hand at my first pennant banner. I've already picked up several sheets of colorful, patterned scrap book paper from Michael's (can I just say that crafting is a MILLION times easier in the US?) I'm going to use the dye cut machine at the middle school (where I've been subbing) for the letters.

My inspiration. Picture it with brighter, bolder colors and patterns. 

Other decorations will include those hanging paper fans, like the one below, and lots of balloons.

Colorful fans! Hung by fishing wire. I got the idea from my lovely sister-in-law.

I want to keep the food simple so that I can actually enjoy the party and not spend all of my time in the kitchen. We'll do some simple finger foods for when people arrive - my go-to's are usually guacamole and chips, hummus and veggies, etc. I'll be serving dinner too, penne with my grandma's famous pasta sause, and Italian sausage on the grill with sauteed onions and peppers.

                          

Drinks for the adults will be margaritas - because how do you get through a child's birthday party without a little alcohol? And I think I'll have juice or punch for the kids. I haven't decided yet. There actually will only be a few kids, as the party will be pretty small - mostly family.

Is your mouth watering yet??

Ok... let the actual work begin!