A Fairy Good Birthday

Then I found it. A floral cottage just minutes from our house that instantly reminded me of Aurora’s woodland home (a.k.a. Briar Rose’s glow-up era). Fate? I think yes.

Décor-wise, I kept it light and magical: pastel green, pink, and blue balloon garlands, hydrangea centerpieces for each fairy, and a flower garland to tie it all together. Pro tip from a serial party planner: when you prep almost a year in advance, you become very good at spotting after-holiday sales. Easter clearance? Don’t mind if I do.

And of course, no Sleeping Beauty moment is complete without a little color drama:

“Make it pink!” “Oh no. Not pink. Make it blue!”

— honestly, a mood.

When guests arrived, they each picked a crown egg. Inside was one of the three fairies, which determined their wing color: pink, blue, or green. And miracle of miracles: zero arguments. I found both the crown eggs and wings on Amazon. (Bless.)

Next up: flower crowns. Because what is a fairy day without one? Amazon came through again with a ready-made pack that was equal parts easy and adorable.

A crown to wear in grace and beauty, as is thy right and royal duty.

For our first interactive craft, we tackled DIY fairy wands. My helpers and I handled the glue, the girls handled the sequins, gems, and—because we’re not monsters—the glitter. Always glitter.

Then came face gems and glitter. I briefly considered a face painter, but let’s be honest—that gets washed off five minutes later. These festival-friendly gems, however? The girls were basically Coachella-ready.

After refueling with chicken nuggets, fruit wands, and butterfly- and flower-shaped sandwiches, it was time for the main event: Fairy Gardens.

The floral cottage set up a DIY garden station where each girl filled a glass bowl with magical gems, dirt, succulents, more dirt (because gardening), and the finishing touches—fairies, of course. We squeezed in a quick DIY butterfly craft, cupcakes, and presents just in time.

A magical day for Lennon, a win for the fairies, and after a nap (for me), I’m officially ready to take on whatever challenge next year brings.