Rick's mother, KLynn, started a tradition with her daughters long ago: doll parties. I believe they began with a simple tea party with sisters and their dolls, through the years it grew to include cousins with themes, hand sewn matching dresses for girls/dolls, booths, etc. KLynn has continued this tradition with her granddaughters for the past several summers.
I love this tradition and wanted it to be very much apart of my daughters' lives and share it with other mothers and their daughters, which is why this last weekend I threw a small doll party and Chrissie was the youngest (due to the activities). I've wanted to do this for awhile, but, was intimidated by the idea. I decided I needed to start somewhere, tried to keep it simple, and made it a garden doll party: freshly picked flowers, flower patterned fabric, hats with flowers, activities taking place on flowered quilts laid on the lawn, etc.
I love this tradition and wanted it to be very much apart of my daughters' lives and share it with other mothers and their daughters, which is why this last weekend I threw a small doll party and Chrissie was the youngest (due to the activities). I've wanted to do this for awhile, but, was intimidated by the idea. I decided I needed to start somewhere, tried to keep it simple, and made it a garden doll party: freshly picked flowers, flower patterned fabric, hats with flowers, activities taking place on flowered quilts laid on the lawn, etc.
It was very magical to Chrissie. She woke up thrilled, clapping her hands, and squealing in excitement as she saw me making tissue pom-poms. She quickly lined up all her dolls along the wall and then jumped up on the stool and begging to help.
Chrissie even went so far as to rearrange the wayI had decorated things to her liking: each doll table had to have a bud vase, no the purses need to be hung on a lamp, didnt' like where I placed the baskets, etc.
She helped KLynn, her grandma, with the purses, raspberry tarts and cucumber sandwiches (KLynn, by coincidence, happen to visit the same weekend I scheduled the party,thank goodness-I couldn't have done it quite so nicely without her, three young kids take more time than I realize). The doll party was a special way for both Chrissie and I to spend time with KLynn before she left for Russia for several years.
Of course the dolls need a place to sit.
Each purse had the girl's name embroidered on it.
There was a doll store full of goodies for the girls and their dolls: jewelry boxes, bracelets, barrettes, treats, doll bonnets, and fabric bookmarks. All items that could be bought with the buttons they found in their purse.
We decorated straw hats and embroidered the bookmarks.
We had a sort of "tea party" lunch. The girls all had very good manners. And I think Chrissie even pulled out her British accent a few times.
Grandma KLynn and Jane
Yes. We now have baby chicks who even joined us for the party and roamed around the garden.
I had such gracious guests who brought items for the store and had nothing, but, compliments to give.
I love this tradition; it allows women and their daughters to bond in a very happy and beautiful way.
Chrissie even went so far as to rearrange the wayI had decorated things to her liking: each doll table had to have a bud vase, no the purses need to be hung on a lamp, didnt' like where I placed the baskets, etc.
She helped KLynn, her grandma, with the purses, raspberry tarts and cucumber sandwiches (KLynn, by coincidence, happen to visit the same weekend I scheduled the party,thank goodness-I couldn't have done it quite so nicely without her, three young kids take more time than I realize). The doll party was a special way for both Chrissie and I to spend time with KLynn before she left for Russia for several years.
Of course the dolls need a place to sit.
Each purse had the girl's name embroidered on it.
There was a doll store full of goodies for the girls and their dolls: jewelry boxes, bracelets, barrettes, treats, doll bonnets, and fabric bookmarks. All items that could be bought with the buttons they found in their purse.
We decorated straw hats and embroidered the bookmarks.
We had a sort of "tea party" lunch. The girls all had very good manners. And I think Chrissie even pulled out her British accent a few times.
Grandma KLynn and Jane
Yes. We now have baby chicks who even joined us for the party and roamed around the garden.
I had such gracious guests who brought items for the store and had nothing, but, compliments to give.I love this tradition; it allows women and their daughters to bond in a very happy and beautiful way.
6 comments:
This is so sweet--what a good mom you are! And it was so fun to see a picture of KLynn. I'm sure they will be so missed!
Thanks for this, Vanessa--it was so fun to be a part of it. The pictures are so cute and you are wonderful!!
This is Bob: Vanessa, you're the best! That is a great posting. Thanks for sharing.
Vanessa, this is fabulous! I've debated planning one for Claire's friends here. I'm sure the pictures don't do it justice, but is still looks so beautiful and magical. I love doll parties!
Well, Vanessa, my adorable girl, you are too clever. Chrissie is most fortunate..such beautiful photos, sweet girls, lovely everything and thank you Klynn for the wonderful inspiration you have been for my daughter.
P.S. I love looking at these photos. That is such a sweet picture of Jane & Klynn and Jane & you.... I guess if you want a "sweet" picture, just pick up Jane :)
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