For hosts obsessed with themed parties, kid birthdays are an excuse to go over the top. This year Hamilton asked for a cotton candy party.
To save my house from destruction, I opted for a party in a local playground, and under a patio roof in case of inclement weather.
For decor, I pulled stuffing from retired outdoor cushions. I wound it into big oval puffs and glue-gunned them into place. I then spray painted them in blue and yellow swirls. You can also dip the stuffing into dyed water to change the color. Once dry, you glue gun cones to the bottom, and paint swirls on for effect. Then, burrow your finger through each puff to draw yarn through and string up!
Instead of renting, I bought a mini cotton candy machine – pink and vintage carnival style. Modest in size, we only used it to make on-site cotton candy. So I wouldn’t be preoccupied with making goody bags instead of socializing, I bought pre-packaged party favors from Rainbow Cotton Candy – with a personalized message on them!
For kids getting antsy in line at the cotton candy machine, we laid out a colorful display on silver platters. We even served cotton candy soda! And so we could even out the inevitable sugar rush, we laid out healthier options, like crudites and sliced oranges. For anyone hungry for a meal, we offered an easy classic: pizza.
As us parents watched the kids burn off energy on the playground, we sat in the shade sipping La Croix, listening to a custom soundtrack I whipped up, and caught up over pizza. The day turned out as sweet as its theme.
Fayeruz Regan 