A Day of Grace.

PSSSST...I'm no longer blogging here!

You can now find me at

www.acottagegirl.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Literally.

Today was the big Sweet Sixteen party for my youngest daughter Gracie!  I thought it might be helpful to show you how easy it is to decorate on the cheap with style.  Two words: Dollar Store.

Of course I didn't get everything there, but lots of the little details, like the fake flowers, crown, stick on words, little painted pots from DS years ago, and a wee stuffed pillow with her name.  Mirror was a consignment store bargain that I painted with the rest of the horde.

Balloons from the DS.  Yes, my 16 year old daughter wanted a princess party.  *shrugging shoulders*

Pink tissue banner from DS.  Flowers were a gift.

Colored plastic tableware, DS.  Also got napkins, plates and cups at DS to match.

Candles, candy and fakey flowers from DS.  Serving dishes are from my collection. (doesn't that sound hoity-toity?)

Served on my diy DS 3 tiered server I made back in the fall. 2 glass plates, a bowl, 2 candlesticks and some epoxy glue. 

Everything else I picked up at party outlets and Walmart.  Balloons, Princess napkins, ribbon, etc.

I splurged for this, even though I coulda prolly made it. 

Another shrine. 

Cake from Sam's Club.  I know y'all want those princess rings. 

I gotta tell ya, my 10 year old son helped me decorate....he spread the plates and napkins out in a psuedo-random way on the table, and I was so proud of him!  Doesn't it look great?

Token artsy shot.

Our family's tradition is to throw a big party for each of our girls when they turn 16, and their daddy presents them a white gold and diamond Promise Ring in front of God and everyone.  (My hubs is on the left).  Then Dad, Gramps, and her two youth pastors pray a blessing for her.

Grace gets her ring....

For old time's sake, here's daddy giving my other two girls their rings on their respective Sweet Sixteenth. Kristen....2007

Maddie....2005

Our sons get a big shin-dig on their 13th birthday.  Here's my oldest on his 13th in 2001 (btw, he's on the right in the above picture with his wife in blue)

Back to Gracie....

'Twas a fun party, but I'm beat, so I'll have to show you my mirror collage and my spring spruce-ups later this week. I worked my poor hubby so hard yesterday moving furniture and hanging stuff...what a guy.  I have lots to show ya.  But in the meantime, I'll link to Make it for Monday and you all can see everyone else's creativity whilst I crash here:

EDITED 12/18:  I linked up with Rebecca at My Re-Purposed Life to share in her birthday blog party!