*All photos courtesy of* ***@alinakom***

The main inspo behind the entire party is always the host of honor...Capri Penelope. I always like to ask her what theme she would like for her party because after all, this entire day and all the magic is all for her. For her first birthday we did a "Secret Garden" theme based on books and the classics of course because I have never seen a one year old more obsessed with the concept of "reading". You would catch Capri eating, sleeping and playing with books all day long, to this day. Her second birthday was Winnie the Pooh, her first very favorite character. Which brings us to three.

Around March we took her to Disneyland for the very first time and in preparation we started doing Disney research with her, showing her all the classics. Out of the many favorites Capri ADORED Ratatouille and would giggle throughout the whole movie at Chef Remy. When I asked her what theme she would like this year for her party she actually requested at the age of 2 at the time that she would like a Ratatouille party. Now it was my mission to create the cutest rat themed party for a 3 year old princess, game on.

I love to do a moodboard before planning a party because I feel that it really helps me bring everything together and be so creative throughout the process. I sit down for like 15 minutes and just look through pictures, Pinterest and even think through all the things about her that I would want incorporated on her day. I pulled a bright color scheme that was inspired by cooking and different vegetables and ingredients. We have these huge heirloom tomatoes growing in our garden that made tomatoes the main ingredient of the day. My family loves to get involved in these parties for her and we LOVE to cook so this was our moment too. I had a lot of fun creating a curated menu with Capri's grandparents on what we will cook inspired by French cuisine like ratatouille of course as well as her favorites like her grandpa's classic chicken wings ( the girl loves wings). We love to do as many things homemade as we can and so grandma even made croissants and french eclairs for the party that were unreal!! It really is a whole family ordeal haha.

Brainstorming kids' activities and "goodie bags" is always so fun for me because I just love our community and want to thank our people for being a part of our baby's life on her special day too. I thought it would be so fun to see all the kids dressed up in their chef attire and also have something useful and special to take home which is what inspired the custom aprons. I did a craft paper table cloth that the kids could color during the party with pain pens and also had pots on the table with herbs they could decorate and bring home for their own kitchens. My husband and I even spent some time together building a mud kitchen for the kids to enjoy at the party and to be her birthday gift. I can guarantee a lot of love went into this party.

We love going all out for our babies and turning our cute little yard into Capri's dream restaurant for her 3rd was a lot of fun. Every year we order a cake from Olga. She is so incredibly talented. I simply share my ideas for the party with her and she dreams up and creates something so unique to Capri and the event. She has done Capri's cakes since she was one so at this point it is a tradition. Her handle is @olgapysko on IG. The paper plates I always go with Meri Meri because their designs are so fun and colorful for kids which is the whole point of childhood and birthday parties.