I had always thought Olivia’s 10th birthday party would be the last big celebration I’d host. After the lockdown, we found ourselves living in more confined spaces where throwing parties just wasn’t practical. But life had other plans.
When we moved into a new home with enough space to host again, we jumped right back into celebration mode, and what better occasion than Olivia’s 16th birthday? The theme: Mamma Mia!
Inspired by the sunny spirit of the movie, the party was filled with joy and creativity. We served a delicious spread of Mediterranean food, think fresh salads, pasta, olives, and flatbreads, and turned the space into a Greek island vibe with string lights, blue-and-white décor, and plenty of flowers.
There was karaoke (of course!), painting sessions where everyone could make their own “island art,” tons of dancing to ABBA hits, and a cozy sleepover to top it all off.
It was the perfect full-circle moment, six years after what I thought was the final party, we were back to doing what we love: celebrating big, with love, laughter, and a little bit of glitter.
No party is too small. While the world was stuck at home and binging Netflix became the new norm, we looked for any excuse to celebrate. So what better occasion than May the 4th to treat ourselves to a movie-themed feast inspired by Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and settle in for a full-on Star Wars movie marathon?
We were especially lucky to have our own outdoor movie theater setup, turning an ordinary lockdown night into something truly out of this galaxy.
When Olivia turned 10, I knew it had to be big. I brought together all of her favorite things, science, space, and pure fun, to create a celebration she’d never forget. Every experiment was carefully matched to the party’s color theme, and the food and decorations followed suit, down to the tiniest detail.
A giant slide in the backyard added just the right amount of extra excitement, and 30 kids came to join the fun. What made it even more special: this turned out to be the last birthday party I hosted for one of my kids. A perfect finale to years of creative celebrations.
Our very first adults-only dance party was nothing short of unforgettable. Halloween, my all-time favorite holiday, was the perfect excuse to have everyone show up in full costume. I went all out with the decorations and details, transforming the space into a spooky, spectacular setting.
The highlight? Surprise guest performers, professional dancers, who kept the energy high and entertained us all night long. One of the guest even joked, “I’m canceling my Disney membership to open one at Lacour’s Home!” 😊
This birthday was one of the easiest to organize, and still a total hit. A fully equipped gaming truck pulled right into our driveway, ready to wow the kids. We chose Fortnite as the theme, since it was Louis’s favorite game (and a global favorite at the time).
Each guest received a custom T-shirt and a VIP badge to enter the gaming truck, adding to the excitement. With themed food and a sleepover to top it all off, it was the ultimate gamer’s birthday bash!
A quick custom order from Olivia's best friend for her birthday, a Unicorn Cake.
Olivia’s first birthday sleepover turned out absolutely adorable. I set up a giant tent right in our living room, where each girl had her own cozy bed and a goody bag filled with all the nighttime essentials. The evening was packed with fun activities, making slime, customizing pillowcases, karaoke, and a mini spa session.
Dinner was classic American fare with burgers and hot dogs, and in the morning, the girls woke up to a towering birthday “cake” made of pancakes and waffles, a sweet and memorable start to the day.
Another favorite movie of mine! With Louis into parkour at the time, an Indiana Jones theme was the perfect fit. We set up obstacle courses, ziplining, and even mummification challenges leading up to the big reveal. The raft cliff ride and a giant inflatable slide, taller than our roof!, added to the adventure.
One of my favorite creations was the snake-shaped Red Velvet Cake, complete with onion bags as scales. The result? Absolutely spot on!
I hadn’t planned on celebrating my birthday at first, but a couple of weeks before, we decided to send out invitations for a dinner at the house. It turned out to be a wonderful evening.
That same morning, I heard the roar of a car engine and looked out the window to see Arnaud pulling up in a bright yellow Corvette. He had rented it for the whole weekend, knowing it would make me smile.
As an extra surprise, Arnaud compiled a video of all my friends and family who couldn’t make it, sending their heartfelt birthday wishes. The celebrations continued the next day, when the girls treated me to a relaxing afternoon spa.
Two full days of joy and love, unforgettable.
Watch Olivia’s face light up when she saw a horse and a pony arrive in our backyard, priceless! Another unforgettable, over-the-top birthday for her, but oh, what fun it was.
All the guests showed up dressed in their cutest cowgirl outfits, making the party even more charming. The day was packed with horseshoe ring toss, potato sack races, delicious food, and even horseback rides. And here’s a fun detail, the horse had her toenails painted pink glitter!
This birthday was a blast to organize. The kids had to go through a series of training exercises before earning their detective badges and solving the mysterious case of the stolen goody bags.
The food was straight out of any savvy office break room: doughnuts, pencil-shaped pretzels, mustache biscuits, magnifying glass Oreos, and a mysterious cake that kept everyone guessing.
Each trainee went home fully equipped with the perfect detective kit—plus their well-earned goodie bag!
Guess who showed up this time? Jasmine! Henna tattoos, bindi jewels, rangolis, and lively Bollywood music set the perfect mood for the celebration. The theme was beautifully inspired by the vibrant colors of Olivia’s Indian outfit, brought back by Dad from his trip to Mumbai. The stunning hues of orange and fuchsia blended seamlessly with the decor, transforming our living room into a dazzling Bollywood disco dance floor.
When my friend turned 40, she trusted me to organize her surprise birthday party. The theme was a festive Luau, complete with a buffet-style spread of finger foods. For the occasion, I gathered video messages from all her friends and family and created a mini film that also included childhood photos, so touching it even inspired a similar video for my own 40th. The emotion in the room that night was unforgettable.
One of my favorite surprises was a giant cone shape, just like the ones we used to find in our childhood bakery. I made her a pink, girly version and filled it with all the nostalgic candies and authentic toys from the ’80s that I hunted down on eBay. I loved how it turned out… and secretly wished I had one for myself!
Being in Orlando, just steps away from Disney, gave us a unique opportunity to bring the magic to life with incredible Disney look-alike characters. For this client’s Rapunzel-themed birthday party, I hired a Rapunzel performer who was absolutely flawless, her costume was stunning, and her beautiful singing voice truly captivated both kids and adults alike.
I took care of every detail, from designing and sending out whimsical birthday invitations to creating enchanting décor that transformed the space into Rapunzel’s tower. Themed food and treats were carefully crafted to match the story, while engaging games and activities kept the little guests entertained throughout the celebration.
To preserve every magical moment, I arranged for professional photos and videos, giving the family memories to treasure forever.
This was the first party I organized for someone other than my own kids. Since the movie Cinderella had just come out that month, what better theme to choose? We transformed the space into a magical Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, complete with a fairy godmother who turned each little girl into a princess.
A rack full of princess costumes, makeup, and glitter made every child’s dream come true. For the occasion, I splurged on a limited-edition Cinderella dress from the Disney Store, thinking I might resell it after they sold out.
Three months later, I listed it on eBay, and a lady from New York bought it for two and a half times the price I paid!
When it comes to choosing a party theme, the possibilities are truly endless. Since Louis and Dad are both fascinated by science, organizing a Science Party was an obvious choice. I dedicated a lot of time brainstorming creative ideas for decorations, food, and activities that would bring the theme to life.
I designed colorful science-themed banners, set up lab stations with beakers and test tubes, and even created custom food items like “atomic” cupcakes and “chemical reaction” punch. But the real challenge, and the fun, came from testing every experiment beforehand to make sure it was safe, engaging, and guaranteed to wow the kids. From simple volcano eruptions to glow-in-the-dark slime, I practiced each activity multiple times so the party would run smoothly.
The excitement and learning began well before the big day, turning the preparation itself into a memorable adventure.
For Olivia’s 6th birthday, we planned a magical surprise that none of the kids expected, Ariel herself knocked on our door! It was Olivia’s very first birthday surprise, and the excitement on her face made it unforgettable, kicking off a long tradition of special celebrations.
The color theme was carefully chosen to be clean and sleek, with shades of turquoise, seafoam green, and coral bringing the underwater world to life. Decorations included shimmering seashells, starfish accents, and sparkling fairy lights that created a truly enchanting atmosphere. The kids were captivated by the storytime Ariel shared, and the themed treats-like “seaweed” gummy snacks and “under-the-sea” cupcakes-were a big hit.
It was a day full of wonder, laughter, and memories that we’ll cherish forever.
Bricks, blocks, and everything buildable were all Louis could think about, so what better birthday party theme than a Lego one? Plus, The Lego Movie had just come out that week, making it even more perfect!
The kids dove right into the fun, building their own custom race cars with colorful bricks at dedicated stations. Once their creations were complete, they eagerly participated in a thrilling race competition that had everyone cheering. The prize? A golden Lego crayon, cleverly hidden inside upcycled Kinder Egg capsules, adding an extra layer of surprise and excitement.
The decorations were vibrant and playful, with giant Lego block centerpieces and banners inspired by the movie. Even the snacks got a Lego twist, featuring “brick” shaped cake and colorful, stackable treats.
Everything about the party was AWESOME, sparking creativity and smiles all around!
Olivia’s fifth birthday party was colorful to say the least, a true celebration of all the hues of the rainbow. Every detail was carefully planned, especially the food, which was crafted to represent each vibrant color. From rainbow fruit skewers and multi-colored cupcakes to a stunning layered cake that revealed a full spectrum of colors inside with every slice, the treats were as delicious as they were beautiful.
The backyard was transformed into a magical play zone, featuring a giant bubble slide that stretched down the slope. The girls laughed and squealed with delight as they slid through shimmering bubbles, the sunlight catching the iridescent colors all around them. There were also rainbow-themed crafts and face painting stations, adding even more sparkle and fun to the day.
It was a vivid, joyful celebration full of color, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
When Louis turned 6, I decided to throw a Pirate-themed party complete with an exciting treasure hunt. I had so much fun crafting the clues, which I sealed in small bottles to give that authentic pirate feel. To age the treasure map, I dipped the paper into coffee, creating that perfect weathered look as if it had been lost at sea for years.
What made the hunt even more thrilling was that the map featured real locations around our yard and nearby park, turning the adventure into a real-life quest. The kids followed each clue eagerly, solving riddles and overcoming little pirate challenges along the way, like “walking the plank” on a makeshift balance beam and decoding secret messages written in pirate code.
To add a special touch, I incorporated elements from one of my favorite pirate movies, blending classic pirate lore with cinematic fun. The treasure at the end was a chest filled with gold chocolate coins, eye patches, and small pirate toys, making the kids feel like true buccaneers.
From the handmade decorations, skulls, sails, and flags fluttering in the breeze, to the themed snacks like “cannonball” meatballs and “seaweed” green snacks, every detail was designed to immerse the kids in a swashbuckling experience they won’t forget.
This was Olivia’s very first birthday party with friends, and it was a dreamy celebration filled with pink, tutus, and glitter everywhere. Turning 4 was a big milestone, and we made sure the party reflected her sparkling personality.
The space was transformed into a magical pink wonderland, with balloons, streamers, and fairy lights creating a soft, enchanting glow. Each little guest received a fluffy tutu and glittery tiara to wear, making every girl feel like a princess.
Activities included decorating magic wands with ribbons and sparkles, a “glitter art” station where the kids made shimmering masterpieces, and a dance party to Olivia’s favorite songs. The cake was a showstopper, a fluffy pink confection topped with edible glitter and delicate sugar flowers.
From the carefully crafted invitations to the goody bags filled with sweet treats and tiny sparkly treasures, every detail was designed to make Olivia’s first friend-filled birthday unforgettable.
Any occasion is a perfect excuse to create something fun and beautiful, and Valentine’s Day inspired three unforgettable celebrations, each with its own unique theme.
One year, we embraced relaxation with a cozy spa day, complete with DIY facials, scented candles, and soothing music that set the perfect mood for pampering and self-care.
The following Valentine’s, the focus shifted to baking, homemade heart-shaped cookies filled the kitchen, all decorated with sprinkles, edible glitter, and sweet messages of love.
And then, chocolate took center stage the next year.
Throughout these celebrations, the true heart of Valentine’s was always friendship, sharing stories, playing heartfelt games, and exchanging little handmade gifts, making each year a beautiful celebration of love and connection.
Christmas is definitely high on our list of favorite parties. Beyond the joy of decorating the tree and gathering with family, one of our most cherished traditions is the annual Christmas Cookies Exchange, a delightful event that brings everyone together year after year.
The Cookies Exchange adds an extra layer of magic. Each family member or friend bakes their favorite holiday cookies, everything from classic gingerbread men and sugar cookies with festive icing to unique family recipes passed down through generations. To make the event even more special, I set up a wrapping station where guests can beautifully package their cookie selections with ribbons, festive paper, and tags turning each batch into a lovely gift.
Ahhhh... Halloween, my all time favorite holiday. Just the beginning of a long tradition for our family.
My very first “American” birthday party was for Louis, who turned 3, and Olivia, who was just 1. It was a whirlwind of fun with games galore, everything from sack races and ring toss to pin the tail on the donkey, each with little prizes that kept the kids excited and engaged.
The sweets table was a colorful feast featuring clown-themed cakes that were as whimsical as they were delicious, alongside piles of candies, fluffy cotton candy, and playful temporary tattoos that had the kids giggling as they showed off their new designs. A puppet theater provided endless entertainment, with lively shows that captivated both the little ones and their parents.
Looking back, this first big celebration was a huge learning experience. While I had packed the day full of activities and treats, it taught me the value of simplicity and focus, realizing that sometimes less truly is more when it comes to making memories.
That party set the foundation for many more celebrations, each one a little more refined and a lot more fun.
I had the joy of organizing a double baby shower for two French moms-to-be who were due around the same time. The theme was the Forest, soft, sweet, and absolutely adorable, perfect for celebrating two little ones on the way.
One of my favorite creative touches was upcycling chip cartons to make the party favors. Each one was transformed into a charming container filled with dry ingredients to make a cake at home, practical, personal, and perfectly on theme.
But the most meaningful part of the celebration was the time capsule gift. Guests were invited to contribute heartfelt letters, small keepsakes, and mementos to be sealed away until the babies’ 18th birthdays. It was such a touching and thoughtful tradition, filled with laughter, a few tears, and memories the children will one day treasure.
It was a beautiful celebration of friendship, motherhood, and the magic of new beginnings.
I hosted my very first girls’ gathering in the cozy basement of our home in Colorado. To make it special, I baked a variety of European sweets, from delicate madeleines and buttery financiers to rich chocolate tarts and fruit-filled pastries. It was a warm, intimate setting filled with laughter, good conversation, and the comforting aroma of home-baked treats.
That first get-together sparked something wonderful. Many more themed events followed, each with its own flair-like a Fashion Night, and a Makeup Party, complete with beauty stations, mini tutorials, and plenty of glam selfies.
What began as a simple idea turned into a cherished tradition a space to relax, create, and connect.