Time for another birthday!

I can't believe it's been yet another year in the life of Aria! 2 years, really?! Wow. In fact, just yesterday I was watching some video of just 6 months ago and I couldn't believe how much she's grown up! Her legs have thinned out and lost that "baby fat" look, her hair is so long and her face has really changed from baby-cute to adorable little girl. At least, I think she's adorable :)

This year, we're doing an outside birthday with an old-fashioned theme. Classic games like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Ladder Golf , Badminton and water balloons will keep things fun and simple. I'm currently working on some vintage decor for a special touch, and everyone will go home with old-fashioned cotton candy-flavored candy sticks as a party favor. Also, since it'll be held at a park with a playground, all the kids can be easily entertained no matter what age-group they fall into.

This is the recipe that I'm
planning on using for the
homemade chicken nuggets.
I'll let you all know how
it works out... or doesn't.

I originally had planned for a rather complex, albeit delicious, menu, but after reviewing it, decided it was a tad more than I could handle even with extra help, so I pared it down to homemade chicken nuggets and grilled chicken, sweet potato fries, a veggie try and a fruit salsa with cinnamon sugar tortilla chips.
I'm hoping the menu will also appease all age groups. I'll also let you know which recipes (from Pinterest, of course) worked, and which did not :D

Mason jars and burlap.
I'll be using pink daisies
for Aria's party.

For decor, I'm planning on using some burlap and mason jars to get the vintage-type feel I want, with pastel pinks, greens and blues to keep it girly. I'd love to do a "prop" or "dress-up" area with boas, necklaces, top hats and cane for the little kids, but haven't ever been to a party with that kind of area - I've only read about it in blogs. Have any of you ever seen or done this successfully? I don't want mad chaos lol.

I'm also still deciding about what to do for a cake. If you're in the US, you probably know that we've been experiencing some of the hottest weather since the Dust Bowl days, and the last thing I need is mountains of melting buttercream. I'm thinking cupcakes may be the way to go.

So anyways, those are just some thoughts and my inspiration for Aria's party. 

The overall look I'm going for
with the jars and burlap, only with
more "girly" colors. 

I already have my wheels turning for next year after seeing some Sesame Street veggies trays, but one party at a time :) 

What have been your most successful parties and their inspiration? Do you always do a theme or operate on favorite foods? Which Pinterest ideas and recipes have worked for you for a large group and which not so much? Having thrown a total of 2 parties in my lifetime, I could use all the help you can give me!