This year, I didn’t really have a theme in mind for Ellie’s second birthday party. I wanted the party to resemble her – girly with an edge, stylish but mismatched, beautiful, playful and fun… As it developed, I started calling it the “Rustic Tutu” party.
The big pieces (the bar, dessert station, photobooth backdrop) were the rustic elements, consisting of wood, recycled palettes, vintage looking platters and trays. The décor made up the “girly” aspects: tassels, paper flowers, garlands, and roses. I bought coordinating items from Shop Sweet Lulu (who is having two great sales right now – see below): balloons, plates, napkins, eco-friendly utencils, paper straws, a “Happy Birthday Banner,” cupcake wrappers, etc.
I kept the color scheme to a couple primary colors: coral, ivory, gold and a grayish blue, to go well with the wood elements.



Tutu’s for the Two Year Old
And for the tutu – or “two-two” – part of the party: A make your own Tutu (and bow-tie) station! Each little girl found their name tag on a ivory tutu and then, with the help of their mommies, completed it with the colored tulle of their choosing. It was super cute to see the girls running around in their colorful “two-twos” all afternoon!

I had an iPad set up with a 2 1/2 minute video of Ellie’s second year highlights. We did this last year too. I use the 1 second everyday app to compile and edit the clips. It’s so great – and always a crowd favorite.
Two is Too Sweet
Ellie’s favorite part of the day was obvious: cupcake time. Here’s a quick video to demonstrate:
Happy Birthday, My Love!
Photo credit: Chris Tran
Shop Sweet Lulu is having TWO sales right now!!! And since they don’t have sales all the time, I would suggest taking advantage!!
To Save 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER
Use the code | LABORDAY15 – GOOD THRU 9/07
– OR –
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If you know anyone in the Southern California area who needs help with an event, please have them contact me! I just have too much fun with these things…. 🙂
So beautiful, i love the idea of “rustic tutu” theme party! Happy birthday to your beautiful princess!
I love this idea for a 2nd bday. Love the adorable simplicity and the rustic elements. Awesome job!
Oh my god, what a beautiful party! My son’s second bday was this weekend too! He did not have such a pretty party 😉
Sarah Noel | http://www.sarahsmirks.com
OMG! This is seriously the cutest thing ever! Gorgeous party!
So many great party ideas and it looked like so much fun. Happy Birthday Ellie.