Events Inspired by Love: Dazzling Under the Sea Party

Theme: This party was created for my super sweet step-daughter. This year she turned 12 and wanted something a little more sophisticated. Dolphins are a new favorite for her so that helped determine the theme and we transformed it to an Under the Sea Theme.

Decorations: An ombre blue color palette was chosen from a package of photo frames found while out shopping for ideas. This became the starting point. A king size dining table was created for guests with shimmering teal linens and silver chiavari chairs with ocean blue satin cushions were provided by Glow Concepts. One special chair the the birthday girl was adorned with a white sequin floor length chair back cover. Gorgeous all white floral arrangements were used for a special detail to mimic corals found in the sea. White hydrangea, china mums, garden roses and astilbe were set in white vases with crocheted blue trim and silver sequins. Multiple glass bubbles set around the table included a single china mum "anemone". The table settings included round sea grass placemats and clear glass silver ringed chargers topped with Tiffany blue satin napkins bound with twine and a single sea shell. Tall clear glasses were set with blue dotted paper straws. Short ombre blue bubble cups were also provided for a special punch. A special blue "bubble" Swarovski crystals table number set on frosted plexi glass guided guest to their sets. Multiple vases of sand and shells were set to finish off the under the sea themed guest table.

As sweets tables have been all the rage for all types of events I wanted to create my own spin on an Under the Sea Themed Sweets Table. The base started as a 6ft table covered with a satin Tiffany blue linen with the most A-MAZ-ING hand made white iridescent sequin overlay. A custom waves and bubbles backdrop was created from crepe paper streamers and clear iridescent beaded strings. A two tiered shimmery blue cake with fondant waves adorned with white chocolate shells became the centerpiece of the sweets table. Flanked on both sides of the cake were multiple jars filled with under the sea themed sweets; blue and white bubble gum ball "bubbles", blue and white salt water taffy, blue cotton candy "sea foam", blue and white rock candy "coral", candy coated chocolate "pearls", white meringue "sea urchin" cookies, home made sand dollar cookies, sugar cookie dolphins and octopus cake pops. Sea shells and sea stars were scattered around the table for extra detail.

Glass bubbles were hung with color coordinating ribbon above the tables to create that under the sea feel along with four large hand crafted jelly fish lanterns. A custom Happy Birthday sea shell banner was also created by EIbL Boutique.

Food: Keeping with the theme the food provided for the event were given creating names; "submarine" sandwiches, turkey roll up "sushi", peanut butter & jelly "fish" sandwiches and gold fish crackers in a bowl. Ocean water punch quenched the thirst of all the guests.

Games: The first activity for guests was to created their own sand art dolphin necklace, then they went on to water balloon toss (first one for the kiddos then one for the adults), next a dolphin ring toss and musical chairs.

4. Vendor Credits & Resources:

Event Styling: April Cenora Events Inspired by Love

Photography: Xanadu Dummert Xanadu Dummert Photography

Florist: Marci Gerlach Entwined Design

Linens, Chiavari Chairs, Chair Back Cover, Chargers, Table Number, Cake Topper: Eng Glow Concepts

Custom Banner: EIbL Boutique

Jelly Fish: EIbL Boutique

Cake: Julie Calico Cake Shop

Invitation: Zazzle

Candy: Nuts.com & Sweetcandy.com

Dolphin Cookies: Etsy - Sugar Lane Bake Shop

Crepe Paper: Birthday Express