Spring is a very popular time of year for birthdays amongst my group of friends (and myself included). Since it has been a while since my last look at birthday decor and celebration ideas (see here), I thought I would share a few of my latest finds that have really upped my birthday celebrating game. These birthday party extras are both sophisticated and fun, making these items perfect for celebrating almost anyone at any age!
For the Cake
Whether you are baking a cake from scratch or buying super fancy cupcakes (which I am definitely guilty of doing on occasion due to time constraints), no birthday is complete without candles and the traditional happy birthday song! Once I hit my teenage years, I was over having my birthday candles reflect my age, primarily because it overwhelmed the cake and distracted from the cake's pretty aesthetic (I also didn't need to be reminded of my ever-increasing age).
I prefer to have either a few candles or even a single candle on my cake. While nothing beats the traditional mini birthday candles sold in most grocery stores, since I tend to opt for few candles I want to make sure that they are special. Recently, I have discovered Target's Gold Birthday Candles and TOPS Malibu's Big Golden Star Sparkler Wand and absolutely adore these candle options! The added metallic glitz from these candles makes for a unique and chic addition to any birthday cake. *To really take the presentation over the top, light the candles with these adorable birthday matches.
Wrapping Birthday Presents
It can be challenging to find a gift wrap print that is appropriate for an array of gift recipient types (ex. age, gender, relation to you). Often I find myself housing a ridiculously extensive collection of wrapping papers because I have bought papers based on a single recipient instead of finding a paper that could work for many. Fortunately, I had my "Ah-ha!" moment a few months ago and have been obsessed ever since!
Caspari's "Party Animal" line of paper products is a current favorite of mine when it comes to gift wrap, wine bags and gift enclosures. The sophisticated wild animals decorated in whimsical birthday flare, makes this line of high quality gift wrap ideal to use on both adults and kids. Caspari has also extended this line to paper tabletop products, which are equally fabulous and another birthday entertaining favorite of mine!
Party On!
If I am going to host a birthday party, then I am going to do it right. Meaning, I'm pulling out all of the stops (birthday party essentials), like party hats and confetti!
Traditional party hats are a thing of the past in my opinion. They are just too bulky and basic. Ever since my discovery of the mini santa party hats around Christmas time, I have been totally in love with the concept of jaunty mini party hats worn stylishly tilted to one side of your head. These Meri Meri Mini Party Hats (pictured below), paired with these super fun and reusable Confetti Pops (pictured above) are fun twists on traditional birthday party accessories that will give any party a fresh and festive vibe.
Cocktail Time
In addition to outfitting my birthday parties with Caspari's Party Animal paper products, I also love using these "YAY!" Cocktail Napkins. Not only do they scream FUN, but they are also a pleasantly unexpected/refreshing change from the traditional "Happy Birthday" and "Celebrate!" signage typically printed on birthday party paper products.
Refreshing my birthday party repertoire with these chic and whimsical additions has me chomping at the bit to host my first birthday celebration of the season. Simple updates to your party accessories can make all of the difference when it comes to putting together a fun and festive event. I have always been a fan of birthdays because in my opinion, they are perfect opportunities to single out and celebrate those special people in your life.