With Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty set to premiere, I couldn’t resist recapping my daughter’s 12th birthday party…because she chose the popular show as her theme! After modifying it to be “The Summer I Turned 12,” we worked together to choose the color scheme, food, favors and entertainment. She even decided to make the “cake” herself after finding some adorable Pinterest inspo! Since we already did the legwork, here’s everything you need to host a Summer I Turned Pretty Party–for your own child’s birthday celebration or otherwise!
Drink Parasol LINK (affiliate)
Sand Pail LINK (affiliate)
Birthday Candle LINK (affiliate)
I mean, wouldn’t this party as a shower theme be adorable? “The Summer I Got Engaged” or “The Summer I Turned Married”? I love it!
Everything you need to host a Summer I Turned Pretty Party
Beachy Balloons
Normally I DIY my own balloon arches, but for the focal point of our Summer I Turned Pretty party, we called on the pros at Balloons to Go to help bring my daughter’s vision to life. We shared our color scheme and coastal wishes with them at their east Boca retail location and they surprised us with THIS gorgeousness that even Belly would approve of:
My daughter and her friends were obsessed with the neon sign and that little touch kept the balloon display looking fabulous even after the sun went down.
Full disclosure: we were gifted this display, but I honestly can’t wait to work with them again for our next family celebration.
Balloons to Go:
1890B NW 2nd Ave
Boca Raton, Fl 33432
Call: +1 (786) 886-6419
Email: [email protected]
Delicious Finger Foods
When it came to catering delicious, hassle-free appetizers for our Summer I Turned Pretty party, Canapés USA totally delivered—literally! I was blown away by how easy the entire process was. With a quick online order, three trays of beautifully crafted finger foods arrived right at my front door, perfectly packaged in ready-to-serve boxes that didn’t even need refrigeration.
That meant zero stress and zero oven time—just open and set out for your guests!
Even better? We were able to customize our order with some gluten-free options so that all our guests (especially our GF friends) could indulge without worry.
Thank you so much to Canapes USA for partnering with us!
Canapes USA:
Call: (786) 536-7676
Email: [email protected]
24 hours a day. 7 days a week
We also served about 10 takeout pizzas from Frank Pepe’s in Delray Beach to our guests. The kids especially were big fans of their unique and delicious custom pies! They are our go-to local pizza place. We served all food with coastal-themed paper plates and napkins because I had no desire to do dishes after the party.
96Pcs Ocean Seashell Party Plates Supplies – Coastal Beach Party Tableware Decorations Serves 24 LINK(affilliate)
And then the cakes were all DIY and delicious thanks to my daughter and husband’s creativity.
MBMom Tip: Line each pail with parchment paper and then place a glazed donut at the bottom to fill in space. On top of the donut, add your cake (flavor of your choice) and pipe on blue frosting for the “water.” Then, you can add the graham cracker “beach” and the tiny umbrella as the finishing touch!
We also used the pails for serving popcorn later on in the evening. That was a fun use for them post-cake!
Outdoor Entertainment
For as many parties as we have thrown in our backyard, we have never had a waterslide before! Of course I rented this 20 ft. one (in blue!) from our go to vendor, Premier Bounce N’ Slide. I never use anyone else for inflatables–their rentals are such great quality and the customer service can’t be beat.
My nephew, Aden, especially had a blast…
Premier Bounce N’ Slide
Call: (954) 300-3357
Email: [email protected]
Decor & Party Favors
Keeping with our coastal vibe, I ordered “aesthetic pool floats” (pictured above) as well as blue and white striped Turkish towels for all of our guests to use at the party and take home. Talk about a practical party favor!
If you plan in advance, you could even have them all embroidered by a local company with each child’s name (FYI- this busy mom did not plan that in advance and simply used blue Sharpie).
I also HAD to order this Cousin’s Beach flag. I mean, how else would people know they had arrived at a Summer I Turned Pretty party?
If you decide to throw your own Summer I Turned Pretty party, I hope the above tips were helpful!
Follow my Pinterest board, so you can save all of the inspiration for your future bash! Now I only have one question for your…are you Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah? Comment below! 🙂
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