Bella’s Mermaid Party

There’s something extra magical about celebrating a little girl turning four — especially when the day is filled with pastel balloons, shimmering scales, and the giggles of tiny mermaids dancing under the trees.

Bella first came up with the mermaid theme 10 months before her birthday after coming home from her cousins party. I expected her to change her mind, swayed by another party or idea throughout the year. But as the months got closer and she was still fixed on wanting a Mermaid party, I opened Pinterest and found an array of ideas! I instantly knew I was going to have fun with this theme!

For Bella’s 4th birthday, we transformed our garden into an underwater wonderland, complete with seashells, streamers, and sparkling tails. A mermaids dream. And what better place to bring that to life than in the shade of our leafy green canopy at Rose Cottage.

From the moment guests arrived, the enchantment began. A cascading balloon garland in lavender, mint, and blush welcomed everyone to the party table — decked with shimmering netting, ocean-inspired treats, and the prettiest little cake that looked like it had washed ashore. The sign read: “Let’s be Mermaids” — and that’s exactly what we did.

We hung jellyfish lanterns from the trees and draped fabric like seaweed across branches, adding dreamy textures that swayed gently in the breeze. The table was scattered with treasures from the sea — shells, coral, and glittering cups just waiting to be filled with magical blue punch.

And let’s talk about the food! We had so much fun getting creative with the menu. There were croissant crabs with googly eyes, red capsicum crustaceans perched in dip bowls, and an entire octopus made from sausage rolls (thanks to my mum’s creative genius!). One of the stars of the table was another creation made my my mum, a garden focaccia decorated with herbs and veggies to look like fish, seaweed, and even a little octopus made of onion.

I couldn’t contain myself on the sweets. So much fun creating coloured chocolates using mermaid and sea themed moulds. I was truly in my happy place! The results were truly something special. Mermaid tail cupcakes, shell-topped meringues, and jelly cups in mini clamshell bowls had the little ones wide-eyed and sugar-happy. And of course, Bella’s cake — soft pastels swirled like the sea, dotted with chocolate starfish and macarons (her all time fav!), and topped with candles that she blew out with one big wish.

To keep little hands busy and imaginations flowing, we set up a creative corner inside the studio — the perfect escape for some calmer moments between all the excitement. The space was filled with colour and craft, decked out in pastel mermaid tablecloths and signs inviting everyone to "get creative."

There were stations for bracelet-making with shimmering beads and stretchy cords, colouring sea-themed plywood shapes (like dolphins, mermaids, and shells), and decorating mini artworks with stickers, sequins, and sea sparkle. The kids loved having a space that felt just for them — where they could slow down, explore, and proudly show off their masterpieces.

We also created a little photo spot with an under-the-sea backdrop, a treasure chest, and little trinkets from the sea — perfect for mermaid selfies (and a few silly poses from the grown-ups too).

There were picnic blankets on the lawn, and a “Mermaid Lagoon” for the kids to play with mermaid barbies in, sea shells and other little treasures.

But the real magic was in the moments. Watching Bella’s excitement helping me create each little detail, greeting her friends and having the best time reminisce on it all. Seeing the joy as she offered everyone a party box filled with little trinkets and goodies to take home.

It wasn’t just a party — it was a memory. One filled with wonder, whimsy, and the quiet kind of joy that makes you stop and soak it all in.

Happy 4th birthday, our darling Bella. You are pure magic — and I loved throwing you the Mermaid Party of your dreams. xx