Amy Burstyn Fritz followed the success of her daughter’s first birthday party — which we were thrilled to feature last year — with a bash that’s just as impressive. On the guest list: 33 two-year olds (nope–that’s not a missprint…).
The challenge: Showing them a good time without a melt-down. “I didn’t plan to go so big but I had so much fun doing her first birthday,” says Amy. “I plan parties for a living and I love doing this kind of thing in my spare time too. And the earlier you start planning, the better luck you will have ordering custom or specialized decor items without the high price of rush orders or deliveries and the more time you will have to explore and enjoy all the options.”
The conclusion: Grace celebrated turning two in style thanks to her stylish and dedicated mom. Here are Amy’s tips that made this party tailor-made for a toddler.
Timing is everything.
“We planned the party between 3:30 and 5:30 to make sure we didn’t overlap with nap times and dinner times. We remained flexible though and had dinner available for those who wanted to stay and celebrate longer.”
Expect the unexpected.
“I got mini tables and mini Eames chairs and for each guest, I had a custom calligraphy placemat made with their name. I had this vision of 2-year olds sitting and having a late birthday lunch together. It was a total disaster and they just trashed the place. I had the best intentions and I have to laugh at myself for being that hopeful.”
Express yourself.
“Quite frankly, I believe we don’t have to feel guilty about picking the theme during their early years. I figure by 4-years old she’ll start really being vocal about what she wants, which will probably be something about a a TV or movie character. For now, I’d like to keep it from being commercialized for as long as I can.”
Let them entertain you.
When the guest list is large, hosting doesn’t mean being the entertainment too. Amy enlisted Pawsitively Pets and requested tropical animals like parrots and turtles to feel at home in the tropical-themed party.
It’s All In The Details
How-to turn out a tropical-themed bash that will delight guests of every age.
The dessert table was decked out with pineapples that the host spray-painted in gold and balloon decor from TO Balloons. . Notably, there was no gift table because Amy requested to share the love instead. In lieu of gifts, guests were asked to donate to RAICES, a nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees.
“We called the party ‘Grace’s Tropical Twos’ to play on the terrible twos and give a nod to the tropical decor.” All greenery and florals were ordered from Amy’s personal and professional go-to florist, Stemz.
Perfect your seating with mini tables and Eames-inspired chairs from Plate Occasions.
“Grace Song Calligraphy made custom Monstera leaf placemats, which I purchased from Amazon, for each guest. They’re also great as personalized takeaways.”
“Graphic designer Tori Chippendale made a custom print for the event that we used on the invites, napkins, party hats and gift bags which we ordered through Zazzle.” Inside the gift bags: goodies on point with the party’s tropical theme.
Desserts were made in sunny shapes like flamingos, pineapples and palm leaves with cookies from Sorelle and Co. (which is all gluten free, preservative free and vegan) and cake and cupcakes from Yummy Stuff Bakery.
Amy scored 50 plastic flamingos which she rented from Flamingos and Friends lawn decor service (yassss, there is such a place). “Once the rain cleared up the kids loved playing in the garden which was super muddy but fun.”
Savoury food was provided by a family friend’s catering company with mini grilled cheeses, teriyaki meatballs and pineapple bites, veggie platter (with decorative vegetable palm trees), meatballs and pigs in a blanket. And drinks were self-serve via a tropical juice bar and some extra prosecco which grown-ups could add to their bevvies.
