When Mazzy turned two, we threw her a huge birthday bash at my dad’s apartment. Because we couldn’t possibly fit all of her friends in our own apartment. You know, because a two-year-old has extremely close relationships that need to be honored, lest you risk ruining your baby’s big day.
By the time Harlow turned two (one week ago), we realized toddlers do not have good friends and throwing a big bash for a two-year-old is somewhat ridiculous. I mean, to each their own, but a small gathering of family with a couple kids thrown in for good measure (like her cousin and our neighbor) seemed more than sufficient.
We even decided to throw the party at our summer house, a full hour and a half away from the city, to ensure most people would not come. FYI- this is also why my husband and I got married in California. Sometimes the only way to have an intimate affair is to be an a-hole and make people travel.
Even though we were keeping it small, I still wanted the party to look special and festive for Harlow. My friend and office mate, Seri (aka Little Miss Party) has been planning my girls’ parties since we met four years ago. It’s her standing gift to me for all occasions. She helped plan Mazzy’s Milk and Cookies party and Harlow’s Pancakes and Pajama party, which were both beyond amazing, if I do say so myself. She also planned the joint superhero party for Mike and her son that gave my husband major dad points.
Over the past year, Seri and her partner Michelle have been busy planning a new venture called “Litttle Miss Party in a Box“. After getting numerous requests to design parties outside of Manhattan, they decided to package a gender-neutral birthday party with all the specialty items you need, shipped directly to your door in one big box.
No planning necessary.
Even though the site hadn’t launched yet (it launched this morning!), I asked Seri if I could be her first test case. It seemed like the perfect way to keep things low key and simple, but still look stunning. And let’s be honest— instagram-worthy.
The night before the party, Seri dropped off the box.
I thought she was going to stay and help me put everything together, since she is usually very particular about details. But she said, “No. The whole point of the box is that busy moms can make something look great with minimal effort.”
When I opened the box, sitting right on top of a bunch of confetti, was a folder with “party blue prints” of how to make it all look fabulous.
With Mazzy, Harlow and my husband all sleeping upstairs, I got to work. There were party hats, plates, flatware, napkins, cups, a cupcake kit, a Happy Birthday banner, gift bags, stripe-y straws and more.
Turns out, putting it all together is really just taking the stuff out of the plastic.
I called Seri on the phone.
“All I really have to do is put this stuff on the table and hang the sign, right?”
“Yes.”
“I feel like I am supposed to do more but it all looks great as is.”
“Yep. That’s the point.”
With all the details taken care of, including my cupcakes in the oven (I made them from a box because that’s how I roll), I set out on my next project— Harlow’s cake. The week before, Seri had shown me a picture of a carousel cake, which she thought would look adorable with her party decor. I called a cake place to see how much it would cost and they said $150. That seemed pretty insane to spend on a two-year-old’s birthday cake with only close family in attendance. I looked at the cake and decided I could make something similar using items we already had in the house.
Mike thought I had lost my mind.
“You are not a baker.”
“I know! There is no baking involved. I’m buying a plain white cake and then I’m just decorating it like a craft project.”
“You are not good at crafts.”
“I think I can do this.”
I think that’s when began placing bets behind my back that I would not be able to pull my carousel cake off. I was determined to prove him wrong.
And (secondarily), make something special for Harlow.
I’ll save a full homemade carousel cake tutorial for a separate post, but after channeling MacGyver and staying up until 2am with a glue gun, some pom-poms, a bag of M&M’s, a paper towel roll, wrapping paper, straws, plastic animals, ribbon and a kabob skewer stuck down the middle to keep it all balanced, this is how it came out:
Talk about Mom Skillz, am I right?
My favorite item in the box is a jumbo balloon with confetti and rainbow tissue tassel. The only thing we needed to do that morning was take the balloon to our local florist to blow it up. I would never have thought of going to the florist— I probably would have driven twenty minutes to the nearest party store, but Little Miss Party recommended using a florist right there in her Party Blue Prints.
When Harlow woke up the next morning, she was wowed by everything. She put her party hat on before she had changed out of her pajamas. We set up the little table for her four friends and Harlow sat there way before the party started.
By the time Grammy and Grandma Toby and Uncle Eric and Ya-Ya and Cousin Jack showed up, Harlow was in full-on party mode.
Here’s a pic of Harlow with her crush Gavin.
Gavin is otherwise known as Mazzy’s boyfriend.
Everyone thought I went all out on the party, even though with the exception of the cake, I put in no work whatsoever. I think I even sold my sister on using the box for Jack’s second birthday.
Here’s Harlow eating her cupcake in her new Sophia the First dress, a gift from Grandma Toby, who knew Harlow has been dragging around Mazzy’s size four princess dresses for the past year.
Thank you Seri for making Harlow’s low key party look amazing. The Little Miss Party in a Box site launched this morning and I am honored to have been their first test case. Especially since it was a huge success. It’s kind of like giving everyone access, no matter where they live, to the party planner I’m lucky enough to have in my backyard.
Did I mention that Gavin is Seri’s son? Here he is photobombing my family and letting us know he will be causing trouble for the next 10-15 years.
You can place your order for a “Little Miss Birthday Party in a Box” here. They are also selling a New Year’s Eve Party in a Box, with a Baby Shower and a Wine and Cheese Party coming soon.
Plus, I am giving one lucky reader their very own Party in a Box. To enter, just leave a comment from your kid to mine, wishing Harlow a happy birthday.
That way it can seem like she has more friends.
If you’d like a second entry, post this pic on Pinterest using “Little Miss Birthday Party in a Box” in the caption and then leave a second comment saying you did so.
If you’d like a third entry, tweet the following and then leave a third comment saying you did so.
I just entered to win a “Little Miss Birthday Party in a Box” from @mommyshorts— SO FABULOUS! http://bit.ly/1ycyCAi
Winner will be announced December 5th. Good luck!
UPDATE: Congratulations to Kasie and her daughter Charlie Mae who will turn two this January! I know she’ll have a fabulous birthday with Little Miss Birthday Party in a Box! Please contact abby@mommyshorts.com to claim your prize.
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Party photos taken by Karilyn Sanders.
happy birthday Harlow!!!!!
Love,
Colton in California
I love you did a small gathering, more intimate that way. Happy 2nd Birthday, Harlow!!
BTW that green top on you is just gorgeous with your dark hair, where is it from??
Just tweeted!!!! Love the party in a box idea!!!!
Posted to Pinterest!
Happy Birthday! From, Hailey
Happy birthday Harlow!
I LOVE the Birthday Box!! So creative and fun!! Cannot wait to order one for my daughter’s birthday party! 🙂
Happy Birthday Harlow! Party looked like fun! <3 AJ and Emma
Posted to Pinterest!
Happy birthday Harlow! From Ray Ray in Chicago
I tweeted
I pinned the little miss party in a box graphic
Happy 2nd birthday, Harlow! Shane will be 3, 4 days before Christmas…and he would love to not have Christmas decorations for his birthday party 🙂
“I love a girl in pigtails, way to rock ’em. Happy birthday Harlow!” – Danny V
Posted on Pinterest. LOVE the party in a box idea!
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/226939268698690639/
Happy birthday, Harlow! This kit is perfect for my rainbow unicorn party in February! Xo- Olivia
Happy Birthday Harlow!
Happy Birthday Harlow!! Xo Helen (turning 5 months old tomorrow)
Pinned. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/407294360025446409/
Tweeted. https://twitter.com/ginayshen/status/537361682742259712
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARLOW !- JOSI AND ELLA
Happy birthday Harlow! Good luck with those “terrible” two’s ; )
My son Khage says, “happy birthday baby” …
I’m going to assume he was referring to her as a baby as in small child and not using this as an opportunity to flirtatiously hit on your two year old. haha
happy birthday from AJ, Bella, Nico & Gianna
Happy Happy Birthday Harlow!
<3 All of my students in CT
Happy Happy Birthday Harlow!
<3,
William
happy birthday to Harlow from Nathan and Brielle!!
Pinned it!
I pinned to Pinterst
🙂
Happy Birthday Harlow! Your party looked so fun, I can’t wait for mine, I will be 5, then after that, 6. From- Elliana
Happy happy birthday, Harlow! Love, Kylie Beans
Just pinned to pinterest!
Happy birthday Harlow! I’ll be turning 1 soon, so a Little Miss Party in a Box would help my mom throw a fabulous party for me! From, Olivia
Happy Birthday Harlow! From Chloe in California
Happy birthday Harlow from my boys!
Happy birthday Harlow!
– emma
Happy Happy Birthday, Harlow!! From Charlie Mae who will be 2 this January!!!
Happy Birthday, Harlowe from Amelia and Cora. Hope it was a great day!
pinned it also
Happy Birthday Harlow! I turn 2 this week and it looks like fun 🙂 Love Emma
I’ll admit I was skeptical about a party in a box, but this turned out fantastic! Photo pinned.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/134052526384655455/
Dear Harlow,
Happy happy birthday to the coolest 2 year old I know! Do you like younger men? I’ll be 2 in May, but then again, age is just a number.
Love,
Charlie
Happy Birthday Harlow! May our bdays be as special as yours when we win this fab party box. xoxo Vashti (2 yr and 49 wks old) and Phoebe (47 wks old).
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY — HARLOW
Sorry smilies didn’t show up!!HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY — HARLOW!! Hope you have a year of cool surprises!! My mom shares your Insta account with me. Your very lucky because my mom doesn’t let me have one yet!!! My birthday is December 31.. And I have to always celebrate in January. please pick me… I’m Turing the big 9! -Sasha gomez ….miyenu is my mom..
pinned 🙂
I also pinned this to my pinterest board
Happy birthday Harlow!
From Teddy (almost 2 yrs old)
Happy birthday boss! Love, Annabelle Elise
Harlow, Warren and Elie and Liam all wish you the most fabulous birthday ever! I think Liam might have even said something like “wanna go get a cup of milk together”, but I reminded him that you have a crush on Gavin already! Happy birthday sweet girl!
Happy birthday Harlow! From Parker, allll the way in Kansas!
Happy birthday to Harlow from Elizabeth, who will also be turning 2 on January 11th! 🙂
Happy 2nd Birthday Harlow–what a wonderful party!
Happy birthday Harlow! I loooove your new Sofia dress!
Love,
Emily
Happy Birthday, Harlow! Love you! Ella, Jed and Sydney
Happy Birthday Harlow!!
From, Katelyn (turning 1 in January)
What a great party! And Harlow, my daughter Adeline would like to wish you a happy birthday all the way from South Carolina!
Happy birthday, Harlow! If you decide to go for younger men instead of older men, like Gavin, I’m the guy for you!
Happy Birthday Harlow! From Piper (who will be three this year, though technically she doesn’t get a birthday because she was born on leap day
Happy birthday, Harlow! 🙂 Your friends, Lucy & Stella
Happy birthday! Your party looks awesome, especially the cake. Hope my 2nd birthday is that cool.
Happy second birthday, Harlow! It looks like you had such a fun time celebrating. My mom is thinking about what we should do for my first birthday in January. I hope it’s as fun as yours!
Your friend,
Elin
(All the way from Iowa!)
Happy birthday Harlow! Looks like your mom threw a great party for you! In one year I’ll be two like you! Love, Parks
I just pinned it on Pinterest. Thanks for the giveaway!
happy birthday Harlow! Love, Addy & B
Happy Birthday, Harlow!! From your friends in San Diego: Charlie, Lucy and Evelyn.
Happy Birthday Harlow, from your 17 month old friend, Maxwell from Michigan!
Happy birthday Harlow!! I hope you had a wonderful birthday!!
Happy Birthday Harlow! From Kira 🙂
Happy 2nd Birthday Harlow! From Alexa. I will be 2 in March and would love a party box.
Funny how a 2 yr old can type lol. Please Check out my store 8pyramids.us
Happy birthday, Harlow from one rehabbed supermom who doesn’t have the energy to do it all anymore. Party in a Box me!
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/KrazyButafly2/status/537482466484051968
Happy birthday, Harlow!
I pinned it: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/324470348128095286/
Wow I love your blog! Please Check out my store 8pyramids.us
Happy Birthday to you (fill in the blank of said kid- Harlow) !
Can I have cake now? because that is why I am here. seriously. cake?!
Love Jackson.
(mommy says she loves your site !)
My mommy pinned it!
Happy Birthday Harlow! From Brielle (who didn’t get to have a 2nd birthday party since her dad decided to go out of state for 3 months and said we couldn’t have it without him). Hoping for a 3rd birthday party in February.
Happy Birthday Harlow from Luna! Mommy says we need to really win this party box for my 2nd birthday, because daddy won’t let mommy throw the house down again, and he put her (on a painfully stiff) budget…
Happy Birthday Harlow! We nearly share a birthday (mine’s 18th) except I just turned one but still – November birthdays are cool, right? I only got a first birthday party because my big brother and sister totally guilted my mom into it by saying it was her fault I didn’t have friends to invite because she didn’t make any for me. Yeah, third child guilt is totally working for me. Although I think most of the kids there were siblings of my siblings’ friends…. hmmmmm. My mom loves you because you were so cute your first year you stopped her freaking out about having a third baby while she was expecting me so she’s a little thrown you are two already!!! My mom is losing it – since I turned one, obviously you are two. Moms. Anyway, Happy Birthday, you look fabulous in that hat. Love, Benjamin xxx
Happy birthday Harlow! From Ella, Alice, and Mabel
Just tweeted!
Pinned!
Happy 2nd Birthday Harlow! Love, Brooke & Myles 🙂
Henry says, “Happy Birthday, Harlow!” I love the idea of “Party-in-a-box.”
Pinned! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/52987733091729729/
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/sQuirrelboTTom3/status/537599376227848192
Happy Birthday Harlow!!
❤️ Amber & Ty
Happiest Birthday Harlow! From Adeline 🙂
Happy 2nd Birthday Harlow! Girl, 2 is so awesome! I’m 2 1/2 so I should know. You can start doing more stuff for yourself (always insist…No, I CAN DO IT…mamas love that), you can run faster (even if they say no running in the house, you can do it when they aren’t looking), ask for chocolate and lollipops often ’cause eventually they will break down and give them to you if you are good, and do your best to say please and thank you…it really does go a long way! Cheers Sista! love, Matilda
Happy Birthday, Harlow from James!
I love your green shirt!
Hi Harlow! I just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday! From the photo of you and that cupcake, it sure looks like it was a very happy birthday! I’ll be one in December and I hope my birthday party is as amazing as yours, and as easy on mommy too! I figure she could use a break for one day since she spends every day chasing after me and cleaning up after my explorations haha! Once again, happy birthday and wishing you many more birthday mornings where you wake up in a world of wonder!
From Benjamin, 5: “Who’s Harlow? Oh, the girl you keep showing me on your phone? The one with the big, big eyes? She’s two!!???” Me: “Yes, can you wish her Happy Birthday?” Benjamin: “Is she going to wish me “Happy Birthday?” Me: “I’m not sure, she might if you’re lucky but your birthday is not until next summer.” B: “So Harlow will be three then?” Me: “Yes, almost.” B: “OK, I can wish her a happy birthday: Happy Birthday, Harlow who’s two!”
Happy birthday Harlow! From Sarah, 5 years old.
Happy Birthday Harlow! From Delaney Jo (my birthday is in March!)
Happy birthday Harlow, from Sammy James! He says he likes your spikey pony tail hair but doesn’t want Mommy to do it to his hair!
Happy Birthday, Harlow! From Mason
Happy Birthday Harlow!! Love, Molly, Vayda and Lyric ❤ Vayda has a birthday coming up too and Lyrics just passed in November 🙂