Our normal rule for watching Parent Trap, one of our favorite family movies, is that it’s reserved for a Michigan summer tradition—preferably watched outside, under the stars with a campfire and popcorn while we quote all our favorite lines: “Honey, you never looked better.”
We made a little exception to our rule this year as we celebrated Nella’s 11th (Eleventh! How?!) birthday this past weekend with a campy Parent Trap themed party—downscaled from our usual party crowds to include three school friends—and it was perfect.
Since we’ve long been obsessed with camp vibes, we pulled a lot of things we already had to create a summer camp scene. I fell in love with these Hudson Bay stripe paper placemats (lots leftover to take to Michigan this summer), these cute campfire centerpieces and these bamboo plates (used the 6 inch ones) for an outdoorsy look (correction—I’m told they’re made from fallen palm fronds—even better!).
The cake was really fun to make. Nella chose chocolate, and I covered it with homemade chocolate buttercream frosting, crushed Oreos and decorated it with a little tent (just a piece of buffalo plaid fabric folded and propped up with a stick), a dollhouse lantern, a homemade Camp Walden sign and these adorable pine trees.
Nella was all smiles.
An Instagram reader gave me the cutest idea to add lizards (I bought these ones) to Evian bottles, inspired by this favorite scene.
And what’s a Parent Trap party without Oreos and peanut butter in honor of the twins’ favorite snack.
And the iconic torn picture of Nick Parker and Elizabeth James.
My sister found these cute camp water bottles at Five Below.
…and the kids decorated them with these fun summer camp stickers.
Camp s’mores packs for take home favors.
The girls loved making camp crafts. We painted leather camp bracelets with paint pens and made “Cuppy” necklaces in honor of Hallie Parker’s beloved bunny stuffed animal in the movie. I found these cute Cuppy-similar charms. We added leather cord and wood beads.
The rest was simple—packed camp lunches in paper bags (hot dogs, chips, trail mix), a pile of blankets and pillows in the living room to watch Parent Trap together, and a concession stand for movie popcorn and candy.
I found Nella’s camp shirt here and mine here.
I wrote a bit on Instagram about how remarkable Nella did with her friends this year and how much hard work it took to arrive here. Her friendships enrich her life so much, and we are so thankful for that part of her success.
I’ve loved all our birthday celebrations over the years, but this little intimate gathering with all the Parent Trap details was one of my favorites. The only thing we didn’t get to was master the famous Parent Trap hand clap—gives us something to accomplish this summer.
I want to move to Florida and be your friend so I can join in the fun! You are such a fun loving mama!
Thanks for all the links. I love your party details. Can you share where I can get the Explore sign? Thanks!
That’s from Oxford Pennant (oxfordpennant.com), one of our FAVES!
Well, my eyeballs needed a good cleaning, anyway!! What a sweet party for such a sweet girl! Well done, mama!! <3
So sweet! You always plan/throw the best parties. Very lucky kids and friends!
Looks so fun! I always love your birthday party posts!
One of your best themes ever! You knocked it out of the park with the decor and cake. I adore it.
Plates are actually made from fallen palm tree leaves 🙂
(I only know because I was searching for something compostable for an event I had a number of years ago).
Thank you! That makes me feel even better!
Happy birthday, Nella! Looks like a fun party!
I say this each party you have for your kiddos…. but this one is absolutely adorable.The lizard on the Evian bottle ~ too cute.
Happy Birthday Nella!! xo
Kelle – you would make a great Consultant! Open your own business – Party Planning Consulting! I will be your first customer!! Great Job! No way is she 11!!!!!
I cannot believe that Nella is 11. I have been reading your blog since Bloom came out which is where I first heard of your blog. I have read that book so many times the pages are all creased. Nella is such a beautiful young lady.
We don’t know each other but I’ve been following your blog since Nella was born. Oh my goodness – I just can’t believe she is 11. What an awesome party!!!