When it came time to plan Addison Hohman’s fourth birthday party, her mom Stefani offered up several party theme possibilities. Among her suggestions was a birthday party styled in the vein of Addison’s number one obsession: Pinkalicious. Addison had been enamored with the Pinkalicious book series since receiving a copy of the original title the previous Christmas. Stefani says there was no hesitation; the soon-to-be 4-year-old was adamant about having a party devoted to all things pretty and pink.
Stefani says she typically spends up to eight months planning over-the-top parties for her two little girls. But with the theme of the day simply being “pink,” the mom gave herself just a few weeks. “It was the best party I’ve thrown in the least amount of time,” she says.
With the help of friend and party planner Ami Pearson of Pollywog Parties, the Pinkalicious party quickly took shape. Stefani rented out a room at one of the city of Arlington recreation centers where she had a blank palette ready to be transformed.
Guests were welcomed by Addison, clad in a party dress (pink, of course) and a crown, and surrounded by an overwhelming wash of pink. Pink table linens, pink balloons and centerpieces crafted from pinwheels popped in the previously plain space. Stefani got creative and crafted several DIY decorations with materials from Hobby Lobby, including a hand-cut happy birthday banner.
Stefani kicked the party off by reading Pinkalicious before partygoers turned their attention to the amusements. Classic games like Bingo and pin the tail on the donkey were re-imagined as Pinko and Pin the Cherry on the Cupcake. As they played multiple rounds, the pint-sized guests sported their own Pinkalicious-inspired crowns, Addison’s gift to them.
When guests weren’t gaming, they snacked on cupcakes, fresh strawberries and pink juice. Stefani made the strawberry cupcakes herself, decorating the edges with swirls of pink decorating gel as a nod to the cover of Pinkalicious. The mom says she is by no means a baker and was pleasantly surprised to find that the cupcakes were easier to decorate than expected.
Stefani counts the party as a major success. Adults and children alike were captivated by the whimsical theme. She advises other party-planning moms to keep things simple and give themselves plenty of time in order to achieve success. “Just start small,” she says. “It was so simple but came across so cute.”
