A perfect 'Puppies in Paris' party

This adorable puppy-themed birthday party was a dream come true for three year old Bonnie. Jess Vermeulen shares the special day with us.

Where was the location and what was the theme?

We celebrated Bonnie’s third birthday at our home in Auckland. The party theme was one that kept developing. Bonnie was set on having a puppy party from the get-go but every now and then she had a few extra ideas that would creep in. She loves ballet, is passionate about pastries, and being a February baby we always add in some hearts as tradition. As I was trying to incorporate all of these elements I realised we could have it all with the theme 'Puppies in Paris'.

Tell us about the party...

We wanted to keep the party small and intimate, this year Bonnie had eight of her little friends from Playcentre join us to celebrate. The party started at 2pm and we began with an 'adopt a puppy' station. Children could choose a puppy and make a beaded collar for them. This was such a nice icebreaker activity to settle the children in. We shared some afternoon tea together before heading outside. It was lovely to have a summer party where we could set up a bouncy castle and make use of the backyard. After a play the kids came back inside to decorate a dog house for their puppies. The kennels were made from cardboard boxes and they decorated them with a mixture of cut card, stickers and pens. We finished off the party with the cutting of the cake.

Were there any special moments that stood out?

Three is such a magical age. Bonnie had been involved with the preparations and the baking ahead of the party. She was so excited for her special day! She didn't stop dancing and twirling the whole day, we knew she was loving every moment of it!

Tips for planning a third birthday party?

Having the party in the afternoon worked really well for us. It was so nice to have a slow morning setting up and allowing Bonnie to be as involved as she could. She loved having simple tasks she could help with, such as filling the flower vases with water and arranging the roses.  

DayDream Society Bow Wow Dog Banner, $39.99, Bow Wow Dog Plates 8pk, $14.99, Bow Wow Dog Garland, $39.99, Qualatex Cute Puppy Foil Balloon, $9.99, The Party Room Jumbo Poodle Foil Balloon, $24.99, and The Party Room Jumbo Dachshund Sausage Dog Foil Balloon, $14.99, all from thepartyroom.co.nz; Paw Patrol Foil Balloons – Dog Bone, $12.99, balloons4you.co.nz; Kmart 8 Pack Serving Bowls, $4, kmart.co.nz; Puppy Kids Craft Activity Kit Printable Dog and Dog House instant download, $10.21, etsy.com/nz; Chocolate Log Dog Cake Recipe, partypinching.com/swiss-roll-dog-cakes; Clementine Tutu in antique, $112.95, ryleeandcru.co.nz.

 SHOUT-OUT TO THE PARTY PEOPLE

Cake, cookies and puppy illustrations: Jessica Vermeulen; Baking supplies (cookie cutters, food colours and edible paint): Coast Cakes, coastcakes.co.nz; Table decor (plates, napkins and cups): The Party Room, thepartyroom.co.nz; Bonnie's tutu dress (plum tutu): Cute Baby, cutebaby.co.nz; Bonnie's beret: Seed Heritage, seedheritage.com/nz.

For more kid’s party inspo follow Jess on Instagram @uponameadow.