Deanna from Mirabelle Creations here, and I’m so excited to share my daughter Mira’s 10th birthday party with you. For her party, Mira wanted to have a small slumber party with her five closest friends. Additionally, when we started discussing themes, she didn’t want an over the top, all-out theme. (Teenage, or in this case, ten-ager, birthday party ideas are hard.) Mira has always loved rainbow sprinkles. In fact, it’s the only ice cream topping she likes. Also, she loves having breakfast for dinner, so we decided to host a Sprinkles “Brinner” (brunch for dinner).
Instead of sharing all the little details of the party (you can read more about them on my blog), I wanted to share what made this a special tween party.
I have always believed in the power of creating meaningful party details to celebrate the guest of honor. But, for tween girls, it’s crucial to also celebrate and encourage everyone at the party. Tween years can sometimes be trying. It’s tough finding your place in the world and a group of friends that celebrate you. During this time, tweens are trying to figure out their values and beliefs. Their experiences during these formative years will contribute to the teens and young women they become.
So, here are a couple of tips to make a tween or teen birthday party special for all the girls:
- Create a special space: During the party, the girls sat at a table specially decorated just for them. They were so excited to see their special space and all the fun décor we made just for them. They ate their dinner there, then returned to the same spots for cake, and for breakfast the next morning.
- Include one activity to build encouragement: While the girls were eating Brinner, I encouraged them to each write a positive statement about everyone else sitting at the table on pieces of the circle cardstock that decorated the middle of the table. OH MY GOODNESS! I never imagined what a wonderful moment it would be for all of them. Not only did they write beautiful statements about each other, but they also read aloud all of the affirmations. That led to them engaging in a lengthy discussion about all the things they loved about each other.
- Give them choices: Of course, my daughter had many ideas about what she wanted me to incorporate in her party. But, I also intentionally gave the other girls choices to make during the party. Allowing girls to make choices empowers them to believe in their own wisdom. One simple way I incorporated this idea was setting up a Yogurt Bar where they could choose to build their own parfait. Additionally, one activity they enjoyed was painting their own canvas. While the girls were painting, I overheard the girls praise each other’s paintings. These were simple ideas to plan, but were both confidence-building activities.
- Limit technology: By foregoing a movie and keeping the television off for the evening, the girls were able to role play and just talk with one another. They developed some elaborate scenario where they were all pretend sisters who also happened to be famous singers. They spent hours role playing and giggling!
All the gorgeous décor and desserts make for a beautiful party. I live for and dream about all the little beautiful details for parties. But, what I truly loved about this party was creating a space where my daughter and her tween friends could be encouraged and empowered to be their own person!
You can find me and more details about my sweet girl’s slumber birthday party, including how to create the chalkboard signage on our yogurt table and how to make these sprinkle rings as party favors, on my blog at Mirabelle Creations.
As always, we hope you’re inspired to craft, bake, create and celebrate!
Join The Celebration Shoppe on facebook, sign-up for the daily ideas to come right to your inbox (never miss an idea, giveaway or free printable!), follow us on twitter, pinterest and on instagram at @thecelebrationshoppe. And don’t forget to shop our party store for birthday, baby shower and holiday party supplies!
pink polka dot party decorations