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 
marvelous monday giveaway!
How about an awesome giveaway to start your week? If you’re like me, you could use a break from all the running around and holiday madness. This one’s a whopper! Remember my sassy lime green stool next to my Sea Coral chair? It’s called the hourglass stool from Bungalow 5. And it makes me happy. I’ve used it in countless spots in our home. Here it is snuggled up next to one of my favorite chairs…
Today we’re spreading a little happiness. Bungalow 5 is giving away a $325 lime green hourglass stool to one lucky winner!! I’ve owned this piece for five years and have never tired of it. It’s well-crafted, perfectly mod and adds an element of quirky fun into any space. Plus it’s indestructible. Just ask my kids.
It’s funny, I bought this adorable little stool thinking it would be a perfect spot for a small stack of books and cute little figurine atop. But it’s lived a contrasting life of adventure in our home. And still looks amazing! Our children have used the hourglass stool for the following: arena for Bryers horses, ski chalet for Barbie and friends, homework spot, tea party station, hot chocolate stand, divider between pillow playhouses, a “time out” spot for Pom Pom (didn’t work out so well), cash register stand for playing store, shelter from nerf gun fights and much much more.
ABOUT THE STOOL & BUNGALOW 5:
The hourglass stool comes in seven other fabulous colors which you can see right here. They are available for purchase over here. There are many other crazy awesome pieces at Bungalow 5 you might want to check out including furniture, wall decor, lighting and other home accessories. I’m obsessed with this desk, these chairs, and this studly number.
HOW TO ENTER:
Simple. Just tell us where you would like to place this stool in your home. And if there are any colorful characters (including fur babies and/or husbands, ha ha) in your home who would probably use it in their own way? Do share!
Winner will be announced on Friday. Big thanks to Bungalow 5 for such a great giveaway!
Ho Ho ho : )