Back when I first started planning Harrison’s second birthday party (you know, the day after his first birthday party), there was nothing greater in his heart than Curious George.  Of course, Lightning McQueen & Simba came later, but the little curious monkey was our go-to for entertainment in both books & film for many months.  So it only made sense for Curious George to be the inspiration for his birthday party.  Red & yellow with splashes of aqua, mostly digging on monkeys & bananas rather than actually splashing George’s face everywhere.

Last year, I spent hours in the kitchen hand-making dips & pies when the Pillsbury sugar cookies were the first to disappear off the table.  This year, I decided to cater to the toddlers by ordering $5.00 pizzas from Little Caesar’s & filling a bowl with goldfish.  Harrison’s smallest guests sipped on watered-down apple juice while the parents enjoyed water.  & of course, I did the ever-popular pigs n’ blankets – best part of the story was when I asked a grocery store worker where he kept his “little weiners.”  That was awkward.

Cupcake toppers from the Etsy seller, ClassyAndSimple.  As Harrison’s best gal has a serious peanut allergy, the cupcakes needed to be made from home.  I mixed up a box yellow cake, then The Momma helped decorate them with cream cheese icing & sugar sprinkles.  There is something wonderfully old school about homemade baked goods at a party, you know?

I’ve got a thing for paper lanterns.  They just give a little “pop” to the decor, so we hung them from tree branches.

A lot of the details were handmade, either by me or people with far more talent.  Like Erika from Bird E. Studios, who made the gorgeous pennant that will now go in Harry’s room.  I made the rag wreath at night while we watched Mad Men & Vampire Diaries (I have a rather eclectic taste in entertainment), & sewed the poms to a red tablecloth on Thursday evening, along with whipping up the red checked backdrop for our “photo booth.”

This is a typical family photo with a two-year-old.

I purchased six yards of cotton gingham cloth, on sale for $1.97 per yard, then cut it in half & stitched the two halves together.  I didn’t worry about hemming on the edges, but did fold over the top with a quick stitch to fit a rod or ribbon through that would hold it to the fence.

Harrison had a WONDERFUL time & was a fantastic host.   Did I mention that he did not want to wear a shirt?  Within thirty minutes of the party starting, Harry was shirtless & his friend Holden was dancing on the table.  So basically, the party was amazing.

p.s. be sure to take a favor before you leave!