"Let's Have Cake" Party! - Therese's 2nd Birthday

Yesterday we had Therese party in honor of her 2nd birthday!

Every time I asked Therese what kind of party she wanted to have she would only reply with "cake". So that's what I did!

I essentially made every cake-ish dish that had peaked my interest in the past year, and made it! 

The Food

Menu

Starters

Cheese/Salami Plate (Blue, Brie, Herbed Brie, Gouda)

Hummus

Assorted Crackers

Fruit Salad (Watermelon, Blueberries, Raspberries)

Mains

Mashed Potato Cakes

Zucchini, Squash, Carrot Roses Tart

Smorgastarta

Before cooking picture. I added squash to the recipe for more color since I couldn't find purple carrots.

What is a Smorgastarta you ask? Essentially, it's a savory cake.

These were very popular in Sweden in the 70s, and have been making a bit of a come back.

I have to say I was very skeptical that this would turn out any good at all, but it really was quite tasty.

I lightly follow the linked recipe. I wanted to make it gluten and dairy free to accommodate more of our party guests. I used dairy free sour cream and cream cheese for the frosting, and cobbled together bits of gluten free bread to from the layers.

Because gluten free bread is very crumbly, I need something on the bottom layer to act as a glue. I made up a Dill Lemon spread and added that on top of the bottom bread layer with the cucumbers. Excellent choice!

My smoked salmon for the second layer fell apart when I took it out of it's package, so I created a smoked salmon spread by combining it with the mustard sauce and a little mayo to get the right consistency.

It's topped with pre-cooked shrimp, parsley, and smoked salmon.

Dessert

Watermelon Cake

Birthday Cupcakes

I've wanted to make a Watermelon Cake for a while. I chopped a watermelon in half, cut off the rind, patted dry and decorated with a rice whip (to make it dairy free), sliced almonds, raspberries, and blueberries. Big hit with the kiddos!

I'm a big believer in letting kids have real sugar and cake on birthdays. It's my hill to die on.

I made cupcakes this year to speed things up.

This is my DIY cupcake stand. I take 2 dinner plates, put a cereal bowl upside down on top of one, and place the 2nd plate on top of the bowl. Voila, cupcake stand!

Decorations/Kid Space

We reused a bunch of the decorations from the Georgia Peach Engagement Party. 

Like I didn't even take down the paper poofs. 

Different, Dollar Tree, banner, and Matt hung some streamers along the hallway. 

Keeping it simple.

Since we often have a number of crawling babies at our parties, I've been bringing out the area rug just outside the patio door and placing the block box on it. Our patio is covered with a roofing material that is very rough on crawling baby hands and knees. The rug gives them some outdoor space that stands a chance of not ripping up baby pants.

Party Time!

Little Therese had so much fun! Most of the kids are very used to playing together at church and park dates, and they all went right into their favorite games.

Devouring some Watermelon Cake.

Auntie sent a princess dress. So much glitter! I suppose she should probably watch the Disney Cinderella now since the book version dresses look REALLY different.

Grandma sent a baby doll and doll Ergo. Huge hit! Therese did get first crack but was happy to share with brother/friends.

***********

Here's My Sunday Best!

Dress: JC Penny (I think)
Wrap: Discount Dance (because it's my dance warm up...)
*Not Shown* Shoes and Chapel Cap: Payless sandals, Veils By Lily.

I got this dress for my friend's wedding this summer, and now I'm on a mission to find ways to wear it. Can't have things languishing in the closet!