sweet sixteen birthday bash (part ii)

My middle daughter, Grace, turned sixteen a few weeks ago…of course, we had a celebration for her! Yesterday, I shared the decorations, the party props, and the table decor for the fun and eclectic event (click here in case you missed the post).

Today, I’m sharing more about the entertainment and the food that was served at the party.

The guests were greeted by the adorable Bubble Tea bike from a local favorite, Balance Grille, as they entered the backyard. There were two flavors of teas from which to choose…whatever and strawberry. As it was a warm evening, the oh-so-trendy beverages were quite the hit!

Balance Grille also catered some of the food…Pan-Asian favorites such as fried rice, brown rice, steamed vegetables, chicken, various sauces, and edamame. The guests created their own concoctions and sat around the wood pallet table to eat, talk, and laugh.

There was also a yogurt bar…the girls could fill coconuts that had been cracked in half with either Greek or regular vanilla yogurt, and then top them with fruit, granola, and honey.

In between bites of food, the guests had henna tattoos applied by a henna artist. It was interesting to see the different designs everyone chose. There was also a table set up with supplies for anyone who wanted to apply more temporary tattoos…which they did!

Grace did NOT want a cake for her birthday…instead, she wanted cotton candy!

It was the SWEET part of the sweet sixteen, and it made for some fun (if not sticky) pictures!!

As the sun set, the guests settled in on blankets, pillows, rugs, and in those cute teepees to watch an outdoor movie…Sixteen Candles (very appropriate for the occasion, I thought).

One final treat included roasting marshmallows and making s’mores around the fire pit. I know Grace said NO cake, but I created one with the supplies for the s’mores…marshmallows, chocolate bars, peanut butter cups, and graham crackers. Some candles were added, the birthday song was sung, and I think she liked this kind of “cake.”