When my sister-in-law and I threw a baby shower this past summer, we turned to Paula of BluGrass Designs for our invitations and party printables. Paula was so much fun to work with, and such a talented designer. So I was pleased as punch to find one of her own parties in my email recently. Paula created this choo-choo train birrthday party for Luca, who was turning 4.
aula says, “My friend’s son Luca loves trains, specially Thomas and Friends like any other boy. So, for his fourth birthday we decided to surprise him with a choo-choo train birthday party.”
Paula started her design process by creating a vintage-looking engine and incorporating some of the Thomas and Friends elements to give it that extra special look. I love the aqua and red together.
Paula used suitcases to add height to the table and to display the choo-choo lollipops. (Have you ever tried to make candy? The whole candy thermometer thing makes me nervous.) The train cake is really stunning.
Other treats included meringue swirls, mini chocolate bars, red velvet cupcakes, Sixlets, and cookies.
Drinks included Jones soda (“choo-choo fuel”) and water and were displayed on a drink and favor station. A drink area separate from the dessert table is a great way to improve circulation at your party. With children, it relieves crowding around the dessert table, and for adults, it creates another area for chatting or networking.
Don’t you love the Target dollar section? Paula lucked into these favor boxes there and then added wheels using two different circle punch sizes. Paula of course designed the thank you tags and attached them with mini clothespins.
Paula says, “This party was a little bit of a challenge because it took place in a bounce house. The tables were too small for my decor and I just had 45 minutes to decorate the room.”
It really turned out wonderfully — you’d never know the setup happened so quickly! For more tips on creating a party in a rented commercial space, check out my interview with Anders Ruff.
Keep up with Paula on Facebook
Vendor Credits
- Printable Paper Good Designs: BluGrass Designs
- Bakery: Le Sucre Cakes and Cupcakes
- Train Lollipops: Candied Cakes
- Paper Straws: Paper Source
- Suitcases: Paper Source
- Wagon favor boxes: Target @ the dollar section (no wheels included)
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