We dreaded the second year because of the much anticipated “terrible twos”. We have been warned, and we’ve heard the worst. And while I’m beginning to wonder what’s so “terrible” about this stage, we thought we should drown our fears with excitement and bravely say “bring it!”
And so we planned a little party to welcome this “dreaded” year, and boyyy was it fun!
We decided to have an intimate gathering of family and just a handful of friends. The program was simple: Hang out, enjoy good food, and take lots of photographs to show the twins when they’re older. By keeping it small we get to save up their birthday money to buy them stuff that they really need. I couldn’t be any happier about our “less-is-more” choice.
The Theme: Twinkle twinkle little star
Having a small party didn’t stop me from indulging in a little DIY and designing some invites and souvenir tags. I can’t help myself. :) We picked a theme that the twins are very familiar with. If you follow us on Instagram, you’ll remember them singing and dancing to “Twinkle twinkle little star” a few months back. Dawn can sing it a lot clearer now!
So twinkle twinkle little star, it is. (They are our stars, after all.)
DIY alert: We found these wooden star clips at National Bookstore’s scrapbook section, and a friend, Sam, helped me make these paper stars. Thanks Sammy! :) Here’s how to make origami paper stars. If I had more time, I would have done these elaborate paper stars too!
The Venue: The Royal Piccadilly
I am so happy to have found this place. I first heard about their rainbow and ombre cakes. Scouring the web for an intimate party venue in the Quezon City area, I chanced upon some blog reviews and learned that they’re accommodating parties in their quaint “British-inspired restaurant” in Katipunan. My husband and I checked them out and booked right there and then.
We loved the place at first sight! And we loved it even more when we arrived on the day of party, seeing what they’ve setup for the twins.
Can’t take enough photos of that dessert table!
We only provided the souvenir tags, origami stars, and that window frame with little stars on it (which served as the dessert table’s backdrop). Everything else—the dainty props, Japanese lanterns, pretty and yummy treats, and the customized cake—are provided for by The Royal Piccadilly. You guys!! <3
The setup was pretty, but even without the decorations, the place is picture perfect as it is!
And by the way, Muggles, hear ye, hear ye! The Royal Piccadilly serves BUTTER BEER. Must. Try.
Overall, The Royal Piccadilly is not just a pretty place, the food and the sweet treats are also really good, and the staff are very professional, accommodating and trustworthy. They sure know how to make delicious food and stylish parties. Highly recommended! Ideal for intimate gatherings, The Royal Piccadilly can accommodate up to, say, more or less 30 people.
Shout-out to Mira of The Royal Piccadilly (and staff) for assisting us through out the preps and for being overall awesome. Thank you!
The Party People
I wish we could have invited more, but we wanted to keep it small for the reasons I stated above. Our group of 13 was comfortably seated inside the conference room. Still, even though the restaurant was open for walk-ins at that time, it almost felt like the whole place was ours!
Remember Isaac? This boy I was crazy about? See how he’s grown! He’s so big na and the little cousins love him!
The Birthday Celebrants
And then there’s our darling twins, enjoying their party, albeit oblivious to the fact that they’re the real stars of the day.
And then there’s us, the Daddy and the Mommy who are obviously too smitten.
Look at us, all smiles as if it’s our birthday. It might as well be. The Lord has blessed us with so much joy through these two little lives, and as if that is not mind-boggling enough, He’s also the one who sustains us and guides us and provides for us every step of the way. A-mazing.
Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Indeed!
The Rainbow Cake
Finally, we went home and devoured the cake with the family, and oh. my. wow. Would you look at that!
Not only is it the prettiest looking cake ever, it’s also for me the yummiest one. No kidding. TRP has perfected this thing. Note to self: Must order this again.
So there it is, our daughters’ 2nd birthday, the event of the year, at least in our world. I know I just dumped truck loads of photos in this one post, I hope it didn’t make your computer crash. I can’t help it! Happy days like this one are meant to be blogged.
Some shout-outs: Much love to our family and friends from Manila to New York, for celebrating with us, and showering the twins with gifts, love, and prayers. It’s true what they say. It takes an entire village to raise up a child. And we’re soo blessed beyond words for this “village” the Lord has surrounded us with. Thanks, you guys. From the bottom of our bursting hearts.
Happy 2nd birthday, Dawn & Rain, our twinkle twinkle little stars! We love you!
Love, Daddy & Mommy
The One Where The Twins Turned Two, Part 1
The Royal Piccadilly Restaurant and Cakery
2nd Flr, Petron La Vista Gas Station,
Katipunan Ave cor Mangyan Rd,
Loyola Heights 1116 Quezon City
www.facebook.com/TRPRestaurantandCakery (Restaurant)
www.facebook.com/TheRoyalPiccadilly (Custom cakes and sweet treats)
What a pretty party! Happy birthday, Dawn and Rain! You are loved. <3
Thanks Tita Krissy <3
Berigud mommy riz!! very pretty party! happy birthday to the twins :)
How did you print the tags on black paper? pwede pala yun?
Haha oo friend, just design with black background and print it on white paper! (That’s white paper, not black.)
Happy birthday again to your twins!
Loooooove the set up!
And I actually think the terrible part belongs to the threes since they are more makulit and opinionated already – but they become more adorable with their witty one-liners too. Haha. I’d like to refer to those years as the child’s golden years, nakakamiss din me baby! :)
Omy I can’t wait for us to start having real conversations! :) Thanks, Aggie! <3