Ever since my niece was born my sister and I have talked about celebrating her half birthday in June. You see, my niece was born on December 18th and then five short years later my sweet little Payton was born on the exact same date. December is one busy month and since both girls will be celebrating their milestone birthdays on the same day for, well, the rest of their lives we thought it was time to finally celebrate that half birthday of theirs. The weather is always unpredictable, the guest lists are always short due to traveling friends and family and there is only a handful of times you can throw that Winter wonderland theme. I dream of throwing birthday parties in the Summer but with both of my kids birthdays in the Fall & Winter it makes for one sad mama! Well, until now! The half birthday celebration was the perfect idea, especially with the start of Summer. I usually spend months upon months planning parties and honestly, I’ve been there done that. Enter Hallmark Disney Dream Party.

My nieces and nephew had been staying with us so I took all five kids to Walmart, yes, you read that correct. Five kids and I braved Walmart to pick-up everything we needed for the celebration. You can see my brave shopping trip here. Luckily for me, Walmart had everything we needed and we were in and out in less than an hour! We ordered our Deco-Pack cake from the bakery and then cleared the shelves of all the Hallmark Disney Princess Dream party supplies (cups, napkins, plates, party scene kits, favors boxes, favors, paper princesses, etc) and then grabbed the food for the party. Walmart really saved the day because five kids in multiple stores would have been a disaster, they truly are a one-stop party shop!

The key to this party was to keep it simple, any party I throw I tell myself that and it usually gets blown out the window. For the table I wanted it to be kid friendly but with a touch of princess glam. I used my Grandmother’s china for the plates, and added various heights of dessert plates and apothecary jars. Hallmark and Disney have really pieced together amazing products that make it simple for a stellar party. It only took me an hour or so to put the party decorations together when I usually start the day before. For the food, since it was in the middle of the afternoon I offered snacks and desserts. Some great ideas and what I used were:

– heart shaped tea sandwiches with whipped chocolate peanut butter and sliced bananas
– mini pigs in a blanket
– mini chicken pot pies
– blueberries & apple slices
– salt water taffy in various shades of pink
– sparkling lemonade
– cake & cupcakes
– raisin bread tea sandwiches spread with butter, cinnamon & sugar
– whole grain tea sandwiches spread with veggie cream cheese

Ready to see the party?!

The table settings were a perfect princess glam. My Grandmother’s china, a Disney Hallmark crown, a Disney toy (a party favor), a paper napkin, necklaces and bracelets.

Behind the table I used one of the Hallmark party kits and took what was shown on the package as window panels and made a backdrop. I also took the door decoration and placed it over my mirror in my dining room. Taking bits and pieces from different decorations really helped piece together the party based on what would work for our space.

Payton’s other cousin, John, showed up with his girlfriend, Ashli. They brought her a ring that matches Ashli’s and can be worn around her neck until she is big enough. Seriously, so cute!

How adorably cute was this party? My niece and daughter loved the celebration of their half birthdays and with the help of Hallmark & Disney the party was a breeze and beautiful. If you have a birthday celebration coming up you must check out Dream Parties from Hallmark and Disney at Walmart. I have already starting planning Brayden’s 2nd birthday party using their Cars collection! For more on Disney and Hallmark Dream Parties make sure to follow Hallmark and Disney on Twitter.
Are you planning a party? What dream party would you love to throw?