As you well know, I'm one of those moms whose kids are in school all day. Been in that category for 6+ years now. One thing that moms in that category often like to do is go out to lunch. Mmm, mmm. Grown up girl bonding time over a salad, tacos, or pizza. And we especially like to go out to lunch when one of our fellow mom friends is celebrating a birthday.
A few months ago it was birthday time for my friend Katie so I sent out a text message to gather the moms at the lunch spot of her choice, Panera Bread. But this birthday was special - her 40th - so I decided it was necessary that this lunch date included a little something extra.
A Pop-up Party!
With some quick & thoughtful decorations from Target, incorporating her favorite color (green), and other personalized touches it was a hit!
Easy pop-up party elements
- Paper doilies as placemats
- Chalkboard place holders with personalized messages
- Tissue banner hung with colored masking tape
- Wood Monogram - also adorned with a strip of colored masking tape to keep the color continuity
- Balloons
- Cake / Cookie banner - made with kabob sticks, baker's twine, and colored masking tape. Simply fold pieces of tape over the string and snip the edges to give it banner flair.
All of this easily fit into one bag and I was able to arrive early, hoard a group of empty tables, and set everything up!
I brought the cake stand from home and purchased cookies and brownies right there at Panera. It served as a great centerpiece and dessert!
I found this darling lantern at Target and decided to fill it with succulents. After attaching a ribbon and a tag with this play on words -- "40 does not succ" -- the glass lantern served a dual purpose as fun centerpiece and gift for the birthday girl.
The pop-up birthday party is ready to go!
Nothing too fancy. We are in a Panera Bread, after-all. :) But enough to make it feel festive, like a celebration, and give this birthday girl something to smile about.
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Inspiration for the pop-up party came from my mom. She has done this party format on several occasions for baby showers, birthdays etc. Check out one of her Pop-up Baby Showers!
Okay, and now let's talk about a crazy coincidence . . . I'm reading over my mom's post and guess where they held their pop-up party???
None other than Panera Bread!
Apparently that is THE place to go! Be sure to plan your pop-up party at Panera!
And if you want more inspiration . . . Here is another pop-up baby shower my mom did for my sister-in-law, Jessica. This one was not at Panera. ;)
