This party was affordably (and quickly) put together. Pretty much everything you see came from Michael’s. I would love to be one of those plan ahead, print out invites and order-it-all-online kind of moms, but I’m just not. Maybe one day?
The inspiration for the party’s aesthetic was this stripey graphic horse I found. This image summed up two things my daughter loves: vibrant color and horses. For the life of me I cannot figure out where it came from – please share if you know the source! Maybe it was on pinterest?
My favorite part of any party is always the favors. I just love surprising little treasures wrapped in fun containers!
I thought boxes would be fun. For their tops, I cut little squares of leftover newspaper on diagonal and wrapped with ribbon. Then I glued on the wooden horses. Boxes were 79 cents each at Michael’s. The wooden horses, 50 cents each.
The horses were unfinished wood, so I spray painted the day before. So easy. Even did a few that morning, hence the dirty barn boots.
Inside the favor boxes I placed knitted gloves and holiday-inspired bubble bath in different flavors. I usually try to avoid candy as party favors, although I cheat sometimes. Mittens were $1 a set from Michael’s and bubble bath came in a pack of ten from Tuesday morning.
To embellish our balloon garland, I printed out the graphic horse and framed it in a leftover IKEA frame. I like the modern frame against the rustic wood.
About the balloons: my friend Tamara’s husband, Brett, blew up every balloon for our garland. He told me he was happy to offer his hot air, ha ha. To give the balloon garland a “swag,” he put a little bit of water in the center balloon. Smart!
Since I don’t own a fancy punchbowl, I used one of our Tarjay jars for the lemonade and just wrapped decorative felt ribbon around the top and secured with a glue gun. Added one of our wooden horses. Ribbon $3 from Michaels. Straws $2 from Wal-Mart.
We set up a s’more station. You know it’s totally against the rules to have a bonfire without s’mores. Containers $1 each from Michael’s.
I had a professional s’more stylist : )
My cutlery container came from TJ Maxx. And in case you’re wondering about my extra fancy unhemmed, white trash sophisticated tablecloth, it was a piece of scrap fabric I used from this picnic way back when. I have it in green too – it’s this cheapy from IKEA. I’ve loved that fabric forever and hope to make a tablecloth in it someday!
Thanks to Tamara, Brett, Judy, Maddie and my daughter, Sterling, for helping me put this all together. And to my amazing husband , Peter, for carting two carloads of stuff AND cooking all of our food. It’s always much more fun doing projects with loved ones!
I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more 
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It looks amazing! Love the fun colors and DIY projects! She looks so happy!
great job! I’m sure Blair was so ecstatic to have a horse of her own!
Looks fabulous! Just read yesterday’s post about your daughter’s gift. I had tears in my eyes too when I saw what you gave her. Wow what a birthday to remember.
I would love to see what you could do if you were one of the “plan ahead” kinda moms. Love all your ideas! Too cute!
The perfect party for your darling little girl! You designed it beautifully and what an amazing gift to your daughter! My heart is full just looking at the photos and hearing how proud you are of her. xo
What an adorable party and a memorable day for the birthday girl and you. Happy Birthday to Blair! I got tears in my eyes looking at the photo of you bringing out her birthday gift! A truly special, special moment. I enjoyed all the photos and you are a wonderful mom, Seleta.
Oh I adore everything, Seleta. The details are stunning. I especially love the favor boxes and s’mores station. So cute! xo
Love it.
I do sometimes wonder what it would be like to plan ahead…..
GREAT party and the simplicity of it makes it all the better.
What a lovely party. Such fun details! Thanks for sharing.
This was a wonderful birthday party for our oldest daughter. It could not have been more fun or spent with nicer people. Horse people are great people in my book. Happy Birthday to my Big Girl.
Wonder what you would have done differently if you were that type of mom who plans ahead and knows her every move months in advance? Ha ha….maybe monogrammed saddles? Seleta, what a sweet party, so pretty, so thoughtful and I like that you did not just cop out and give in to giving candy!
My husband calls me a “wing and a prayer” type of gal. I like to live on the edge and just know that it is in bigger hands. I do have a bit of ocd which causes me to constantly question, “Is this good enough” but I always feel that if I have more time, my ocd would mess with my spontaneity.:)
Anyway, happy details do make all the difference!
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Looks like there is no need to plan in advance, how fantastic to come up with such a great looking part and on a budget as well. It all looks great.
I absolutely love this party idea! I grew up with horses and know everyone in my family would adore this inspiration. Thanks for sharing!