Turning 4: Raleigh's Rainbow Arty Party

When you are hardcore Clemson football fans, and your team is headed to the national championship for the first time in 34 years, you may or may not plan the date of your daughter's birthday party around it. :0 Hence, the reason we held Raleigh's 4th birthday party on a Monday evening, the night before her birthday. :) Nonetheless, I think all of the sweet birthday guests had a ball! Without further adieu, here is how we helped our girl welcome in the big 0-4 with seven of her precious girlfriends (as well as a couple of supportive brothers, who were along for the ride): 

The Venue. 

We held Raleigh's party at a local children's art studio called Chelsea and Savannah. I cannot sing their praises highly enough! Not only were the staff incredibly kind before, during, and after the party, but they were flexible when I asked to have the girls create jewelry, instead of a bow holder, days before the party. They were great instructors with the guests, guiding them through the construction and creation of their pieces (a necklace, a bracelet, and a jewelry hanger), and were an absolute pleasure to work with. Local friends, they are awesome!!!

The Decor. 

I wanted it to be a bright and cheery party for our 4-year-old little lady, so I went with a rainbow theme as far as the party colors. Creating the backdrop for the food table was easy and inexpensive, and I really like how kid-friendly it turned out. Remember those paper chains from when we were little? Piece of cake! :) 

I worked with my favorite custom printable gal, my friend, Amy, of One Good Name, who  created the "Raleigh is 4" banner, which hung over the favor table, as well as the favor sign and food/drink labels. She is so creative and kind and awesome to work with!

The Menu.

The menu was simple, easy, and kid-friendly for the party, and included "Paint Chips," "Pop Art," "Paint Brushes," and "Creative Juice." Because the party was held from 5-7 pm, pizza was served for dinner in between all the snack- and sweets-eating. :) Oh, and I can't leave out the cake, which was a simple brownie cake made to look like an artist's palette. Easy, peasy but tasty, too! Fun utensil holders and rainbow-colored plates, napkins, and straws rounded out the food table. 

The Favors.   
I loved creating the favors for Raleigh's sweet guests! I got a Silhouette Cameo and wanted to give it a whirl by creating some simple, personalized artist aprons for each of the girls, as well as a watercolor set to take home, of course!

The Birthday Girl. 
Of course, the dress-loving birthday girl's attire just HAD to match the rainbow color scheme. ;) She loved her colorful headband (purchased from Once Upon A Time Tutus), but my favorite was her rainbow knee socks, which are actually Rufflebutts leg warmers she wore as a newborn!

The Fun.
Boy, did we have fun with all the adorable party guests! The first hour of the party was spent working on necklaces (and eating snacks). 

 

Such focused, and beautiful!, artists!

 

We took a break for dinner and blowing out candles before returning to the art tables to make bracelets. We concluded by opening gifts and handing out favors. 

I was SO proud of how well all the little ladies did completing their works of art! I think they all had a great time--I know we did! Such a special night celebrating our own and only, Raleigh Jane. <3