Friday, August 29, 2014

Bea's 18th Birthday

Turning 18 years old is a big deal in the Philippines. We call it a debut, and is usually a grand celebration, similar to a quinceanera.

Parents would rent a restaurant or some other nice venue. The celebrant would be wearing a gown, there would be a cotillion dance, 18 roses dance, the 18 candles, and everything is so formal and elegant.

You know how little girls dream of being a princess? Well, this is kind of like being a princess for a day.

And all that is wonderful.

IF you can afford it.

And since we fall into the category of "parents that can't afford it," I had to be a little creative to make my daughter's birthday a little special.


18th Birthday Party by chengand3kids.blogspot.com


Instead of  renting a fancy venue, we celebrated it in our humble home.


18th Birthday Party by chengand3kids.blogspot.com


Instead of ordering an expensive tiered cake, I gathered my baking supplies and made her a chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, and poured some ganache on top of it.


Paper Flower Party Decoration by chengand3kids.blogspot.com


Instead of  buying party decorations, I put my cutting machine to work and made paper flowers for the wall and also for the table. (If you don't have a cutting machine, you can also use scissors just like they did here.)

Was her party grand?

Absolutely not.

But it didn't make it any less special though. (^_^)


I linked this post to these wonderful parties:


12 comments:

  1. Ritchil,
    Happy Birthday to your daughter! 18 is a huge milestone, but honestly, a big party doesn't mean a special party. The decorations are gorgeous, and that cake looks pretty amazing. But most importantly, your daughter's smile is priceless!
    Hope you and your family are enjoying the last weekend of summer!
    Best,
    Aida

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    1. Exactly! Thank you so much Aida. I hope you and your family are having fun too!

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  2. That cake looks amazing, and the decorations are lovely.
    My son turned 18 in June right in the middle of his exams. Here in the Uk it's quite common to have a big party but he opted for a family and friends gathering at home instead. People dropped in all afternoon and evening and it was really lovely.
    You do what you can, you make the birthday person feel special and loved. Can't really ask for any more than that!

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    1. You're right, Julia! So long as the birthday celebrant feels special and loved then that's all that matters.

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks Nicole, that's a great compliment coming from you! I love the balloon centerpiece idea you posted. I've gotta try that some time.

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  4. I absolutely love the flower decorations on the wall and the plates and the cake! Wow, the ganache is perfectly decorated around the cake! Happy 18th birthday to your daughter!
    Cathy

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    1. Thanks Cathy! She loves them too! She's keeping the paper flowers so she can decorate her dorm room with them.

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  5. Happy birthday to your daughter! I love, love, love your paper flowers! Handmade decorations are the best.

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  6. I love the Cake and the flowers - you are so creative :) Happy 18th for your Daughter

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    1. Thank you Amber! I love making stuff for my kids' birthdays. It just makes it more personalized. :)

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