An old-fashioned carousel 4th birthday party
First, can we talk about how much this little doll looks like Shirley Temple?! So fitting that her mama planned an old-fashioned party for her 4th birthday. And props to her for the idea to host it at the carousel at the Santa Monica Pier. Interesting venue = less effort in the decor department, for sure! Though she did an impressive job curating Etsy artisans for all the pretty details anyway. The lovely vintage-style photos by Julie Pepin capture the day perfectly.
Nikki is an old-fashioned girl who loves pick-up sticks, pin the tail on the donkey, and PB & Js, so her mom rightly thought to create a party around things she loves.
They collected vintage toys and tablecloths from Etsy, ebay, and antique stores around LA.
Pinwheels, paper dolls, board games… so many vintage-style goodies to entertain kids.
And Nikki’s mom’s SIL sewed rid-rac to all the tablecloths and to each of the wax bags that held the sandwiches.
It’s “pin the bow on Nikki”!
How about Nikki’s hair bow? Isn’t it amazing? It’s her signature piece and she never leaves the house without it. Her mom has them custom made on Etsy by Vinises Boutique (but she says any bow maker there can create one), and if you must have one note that it’s 8 inches long!
SUCH a cute party. The kids must have had an amazing time playing games and riding the carousel. Happy Birthday Nikki!
Photography: Julie Pepin Photography / Invitation/Printable Party Design: Green Beansie Ink / Decorations: Print & Cut Your Printables / Mason Jars + Straws: The Party Fairy / Quilting Fabric for Mason Jars: Nauvoo Quilt Company / Happy Birthday Nikki sign: The Banner Sisters / Centerpieces: The Pickled Parlor / Table runners: Four Bugs in a Rug

meg on Jun 5, 2013
OMG! Pin the bow on Nikki? Could this be any cuter?!?!?! She is such a little cutie. :) http://happinessiscreating.com/
kaity @ IC on Jun 5, 2013
absolutely adorable! from her curls to her gentlemen guests' bowties...can't get enough!
hannah on Jun 5, 2013
omg those curls...i can't even.
Julie on Jun 5, 2013
Yay! Thank you so much for posting this! The photos look awesome on your site ; ) xoxox Julie
natalie bodenhamer on Jun 5, 2013
What a great idea! Little Nikki is darling and clearly enjoying life. I have enjoyed planning 1 and 2 year old birthdays... look forward to 3, 4, 5 and so on!
Elizabeth on Jun 6, 2013
This is such a sweet party, though is it just me, or is this little girl's hair dyed? Apologies if I'm wrong, but if it is, why? She's so adorable as is.
Angelica Golden on Jun 7, 2013
That hair bow is just too cute! She does look like Shirley Temple -- simply adorable! And a an adorable party too.
Meg {milkandcotton} on Jun 10, 2013
absolutely adorable! love all the details. the kids clearly had a blast!