The Summer days just flew by, and it seemed there were very few weeks when everyone was home at the same time. Two weekends ago, we finally had a free night, so we celebrated our son’s July birthday with a Pool Party. A co-ed Pool Party. *gulp*
He wanted to invite all his friends he’d missed over the Summer, so we had the party at the big neighborhood pool. Since I had to transport everything, I kept it really simple and used decor and supplies I had on hand.
I hung the Mexican Banners I picked up on this trip from the gazebo, for an instant party-vibe. (I also used them in the Pottery Barn Fiesta Challenge.)
We created the simple invitations using this method, and texted the file to his friends and their parents. You can be sure 12-year-olds always check their text messages.
I draped a table in red and white striped fabric, and set the food on it. Small canned drinks and water were served in galvanized buckets over ice, placed around the pool area.
We kept the food really simple, and easy to eat. The watermelon-on-a-stick was a big hit! Use a paring knife to break through the skin of the watermelon before inserting the craft/popsicle stick.
Nutter Butters were transformed in to flip-flop cookies with some gel icing, and we used popcorn buckets from the Dollar Store to hold chips.
The kids had a great time swimming and catching up, then we played group games.
Their favorites were the relays….pushing a soccer ball with only your face, walking on your hands, and racing in tiny floaties.
The kids are all so sweet, and I’m grateful my son has this great group of friends. I was also thrilled to see the girls eat as much as the boys!
For dessert, we surprised the kids with a big Ice Cream Sundae Bar…with Haagen-Daz, no less! The small pints allowed us to try lots of flavors, and were perfect for transporting in coolers of ice.
Toppings included cherries, strawberries, marshmallows, chopped cookies, chocolate chips, almonds, whipped cream, hot fudge and caramel sauces, and sprinkles. (The shaker jars are from the Dollar Store!)
They created some delicious masterpieces!!
My sweet boy said it was his best birthday ever. I’d do just about anything to see that smile.
It was the perfect end to the Summer Break too, so we might need to procrastinate his party next year! How have you been celebrating the final days of Summer? And who’s going out for ice cream tonight!?
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What a fun, fun party!! I loved the flip flip cookies the most! Super cute!
What a wonderful idea for a birthday party! I love the watermelon on a stick and the create your own sundae bar looks super yummy. So glad everyone had such a good time! 🙂
Cassie, what a fun and nicely styled party!! Great photos too. The kids all look like they're having a blast. 🙂
Looks like a fantastic party Cassie! So fun and I'm sure your son had a blast. Love your photos too – such great photography. I'm still trying to get that part down… xo Jenna
You had me at watermelon on a stick & sundae bar. As always, you styled everything festively w/out going overboard–LOVE!
J looks so grown-up! The thought of a co-ed party for my kid makes me jittery, too lol. So glad they had a blast.
What an awesome party. You always make everything look so great! I'll have to remember those flip flop cookies, and who doesn't love a sundae bar?! Putting the sprinkles in the shakers is really smart. Why don't I ever think of these things. hah
Dude! How do I get myself invited to his next party?? This looks ah-mazing!! So many great details, decor, a pool and a sundae bar!? You did such a great job.
p.s. that shot of Sloan at the table cracks me up!!
What a fun party! Look like everyone had a fantastic time.
Great party ideas for adults and children alike! Love how this turned out
Your parties always look like SOOO much fun…I'm ready for you to throw my next one! 😉 Happy boy=happy momma.
So awesome! That looks like a great party! The cute little sundaes in the mini ice creams was a great idea!
Proud of you for surviving the co-ed party! So fun. Darling touches and always so well done, friend. Kids looked like they had a blast.
You are the best mom ever!!!! Im one of those — oh crap I forgot to order a cake- go grab something at Kroger-and snag some candles and voila… Happy Birthday kid!
Cassie! You really know how to throw a party! Carter's 5th birthday is Sunday, it's at Little Gym, and I'm not even doing favors. We are literally showing up with pizza and a cake and then leaving. Why do I hate throwing parties? Even for my own kid?!?
Anyway, SO impressed with this cute party. And how gorgeous are those girls? I was totally awkward at that age!