34 Comments

  1. Who manned the photo area?? I love the idea of a photo spot but think I would be so distracted with other things that I wouldn’t remember to snap pictures!! Also what has been your standard when it comes to parents staying/leaving? I have had a few parties and typically the parents just drop off the kids…but in your pics it looks like a lot of the parents stayed. Do you communicate that in advance? And finally how long do you run your party usually?? Looks like a great party!

    1. There was no “manning” of the photo area. I usually take photos before the party starts, and then whenever there is a group of kids around, I say smile! 🙂 My camera never leaves my shoulder, so that helps.

      As for parents staying/leaving, parents generally stay at our parties. I noticed that the leaving trend tends to happen when the kids are a little older (7ish), at least for the parties my son has gone to. Elias is turning 8 next month and we put on the invitation that the parents could leave and plan to pick up at a certain time.

      We generally do parties that are 1.5 -2 hours. I over-planned a bit for this party and it was every bit of 2 hours! 🙂

  2. The party turned out amazing!!!!!!! I want one jellyfish to hang in my craft room! 😀 What do you typically do with all of the decorations you make after the party?? I have such a hard time parting with all the hard work that I currently have 9 sesame street character pom-poms hanging around the kids craft table…I just can’t part with them and my youngest is turning 3 soon so she still likes them. But I know it will become a problem being she’s only 3 if I want to keep EVERYTHING…

    You are an amazing inspiration and I know your children will definitely look back and see how much their Mom (and Dad) loved them so. Can’t wait to read more about this incredible Finding Dory party!

    1. You are so very kind. Yes, it is hard to part with the handmade stuff. I still have the Sesame Street characters that I painted for Adeline’s birthday when she was 2. Most of the stuff (like the signs) I get rid of. I did keep the jellyfish, since they store flat. I figure a mermaid, Octonauts or under the sea party may happen at some point. 🙂 I am fortunate to have a large storage room off our garage and two shelves in it are dedicated to party supplies. Everything is in rubbermaid totes and labeled.

  3. This party is just the cutest! I love all of the small details and how much time that you put into this. Your kiddos are SO lucky to have a creative and awesome mom like you!!!
    Come do mine next!! LOL

  4. Hi, congratulations on hosting such a wonderful party. i loved all the nitty gritty details.

    I am new to this throwing party at home and hand crafted stuff. Your page definitely inspired me. My son is turning 4 this August and loves Dory. Will it be weird to host a dory themed pool party in August and that too for a boy?

    Thanks,
    Neels

    1. I don’t think it is weird at all, especially since most of the main characters in Finding Dory are boys. My son especially LOVES Hank and Bailey. 🙂 A lot of the decor has Hank on it too. Hope this helps.

  5. This is great! I’m doing g a dory party I a week so this is so inspirational! I’d like to know more about the finding dory pasta and the other snacks you provided. Beside the fruit salad and the crab sandwiches. Also where did you purchase 4 coffee pots I love your coffee pong idea but I don’t want to spend $10 /each on a coffee pot for a one time thing…. Thoughts?

    Thanks so much for posting this love love love it!!!!

    1. I found the pots at a restaurant supply store. The pasta was just Kraft Mac & Cheese noodles and I used a Food Network pasta salad recipe. I’m working on a post about all the food because it is SO much and way too much to leave in a comment. 🙂 Good luck with your party!

  6. What a sweet birthday party. Time does fly by. Before you know your little Adeline will be all grown up. You provided such a fun party. Loving the details and accessories. colorful and fun. Your Adeline is a cutie. Thanks for sharing this lovely birthday party at DI&DI.

  7. What a wonderful party!!!
    Neat and well organized Birthday Celebration 🙂
    Cake decoration looks super cool.
    Could you share the Cake bakery contact details please??

  8. I love party ideas! This is such a great one, with so many ideas shared. Pinning! Thank you so much for sharing your posts with us this week at Brag About It!

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