The boys turn 5

You know planning birthdays in crazy. Especially if you have twin boys with diverse tastes. My earlier plans of celebrating the party late got disrupted when the better half informed me that he would be back in India for their birthday. From chilling because I had a month to plan the party to hyperventilating that I had a week to prepare everything got me all worried and hassled. And there I was, cutting the holiday short and rushing home because the party had to be on 18th.

No party is complete without cards! I searched for Chota Bheem and Angry Birds themed cards, and online stores gave a tenative 5 business days for delivery and that wasn’t something I wanted. It was at that time that a mail from VistaPrint popped up and I got the answer! I got the cards customised from VistaPrint and it was delivered by Tuesday afternoon in 26 hours after I placed the order. I also got personalised stickers that were stuck on the goodie bags that were given out at the end of the party. Vistaprint has loads of designs that you can choose from and the best part is that you can customise the looks and layout, so I know I was not giving out something that was available in the market.

And the most important of them all – the cake! The fight for the cake design started a fortnight ago when each one of them wanted a different theme and a cake each! While Aaru chose Chota Bheem, Gunnu was keen on Angry Birds. No amount of cajoling or convincing or bribing with extra gifts made them change their minds. I did not want to disappoint either of them and at the same time I did not want two cakes. My rescue came in the form of Gauri, the blogger behind TheMindBrew, who is also one of the most awesome professional bakers I know! She bakes some really fab cakes and you can see her creations here. I told her about my dilemma and the cake design I had in mind. I know I was looking for something really fab and she volunteered to bake it!

She designed the cake and sent the sketches so that we could finalise everything. We decided to have figurines on the cake depicting the boys and the characters they love and we decided on a rainbow cake with a piñata centre that made all the gems roll down once the cake was cut. I was prepared for a mini fight when the cake would be cut! Gauri made a fantastic cake that was in 6 vibrant layers that was really the centre of attraction in the party. The cake travelled all the way from Mumbai to my home.

Next was the food! I wanted something simple and yet filling enough to skip the dinner post the party. After speaking to at least a dozen caterers I got the lead and zeroed in to Post 91, a restaurant close to where I stay. They  I have been to this restaurant a couple of times and I love the food they have. The person in charge helped me with the menu and we chose to have some Rosemary Pasta, Chocolate Tarts, Mint and Cucumber sandwiches, Tomato and Cheese sandwiches, Chips and Juices. The food was simple, yet filling and the pasta was a hit with the kids. I had no clue that they did outdoor catering and I was least worried about the food because it was a tried and tested place.

And then came the return gifts. I wanted to give something that would be utilised and remembered as well. Since there was a varying age group, I chose different gifts for everyone. The common thing in all gift bags was the customised cupcakes in a glass from Coccio – the Bake Shop, I chose chocolate ganache cup cakes for the boys and red velvet for the girls. Then there was a mix of candies, hot wheels cars, utility stands and puzzles for the kids. Each of the return favour had the sticker I had ordered from VistaPrint that added a personal touch. The toys and other gifts were picked up from a local store that has a very good collection of various gifts.

I think more than the boys at one point of time, I was more thrilled! The party ended with a bunch of happy kids and a tired mommy who just needed to prop her feet and give it adequate rest!

I have written this post to connect you all with the wonderful people who made the party happen. You never know who you could connect with and thins would just work for you! This was the first time that I actually got to plan a party, of course I did have my goof ups when I realised that the party caps, masks and the whistles came back home unopened! Nevertheless, it was fun!

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*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. If it is a sponsored post, it is indicated. Most of the brands and products reviewed are what I have tried and tested and truly recommend! All Photographs are (C) Pratibha unless stated otherwise.*