Let’s be honest: children’s birthday parities are for more than just the young guests. According to The Queen Bee owner Michelle Beauboeuf, these whimsical occasions provide the opportunity to channel everyone’s inner child through over-the-top décor inspired by the timeless favorites that bridge generations.

“We’ve always wanted to do a Madeline party but had to wait until Kathleen and her friends were old enough to fully understand and appreciate the theme,” explains Beauboeuf. “We love all things French, so what better party for little girls than Madeline?”

With everything from custom capes to an Eiffel tower, Beauboeuf transported her guests straight into Ludwig Bemelmans’ beloved children’s book for her daughter Kathleen’s fourth birthday celebration. While Kathleen’s closest friends painted in the Louvre—also known as Beauboeuf’s dining room—older guests sipped French-inspired beverages and snacked on themed pastries in the “café.” The showstopper, however, was Beauboeuf’s mother dressed head to toe in a costume channeling the likeness of Madeline’s teacher, Miss Clavel.

“The girls loved taking pictures with my mom and the other props around the house,” says Beauboeuf. “We had the photos printed and included them in their thank-you letters for a personal touch.”

This Parisian party’s details were delightful, but the true takeaway was the joy found in sharing stories that continue to inspire the imaginations of both young and old.

RESOURCES

Party planners: Michelle Beauboeuf and Debbie Camp
Invitations and thank-you notes: The Queen Bee
Cake and cookies: Gourmet Girls
Capes: Kathleen England
Hats: The Queen Bee
Balloons: Giggles
Paper décor and printables: The Queen Bee
Custom suitcase favors: The Queen Bee

Click on the photos in the gallery below for a closer look at this party: