Invites: all print media was created using PrintShop. Embossed cardstock was used to print each invite and response card (which allows each guest to select her favored spa treatments).
Also included were coordinating emergency contact" cards (one for the guest's parent with our information and one for them to send back with their information) and an overnight packing list reminding each guest to bring a robe flip flops pastel PJs a brush and a swimsuit. The focal image on all coordinating print material is a cartoon of a robed girl with a towel on her head which we customized by adding the initials of our birthday girl to the robe as well as adding a flower onto her towel. An appointment matrix will be generated from returned response cards. The internet is an excellent resource to use with respect to wording invites. Location: a beautiful estate was located to rent by the night (which saved the hassle of finding the "right" hotel with four adjoining units and was FAR less expensive). The estate boasts a private Jacuzzi room private nooks ideal to setting up spa "stations" a pool and a whirlpool capable of seating 8. Also notable is the estate boasts a grand ballroom and formal dining room. These amenities lend to the general splendor and luxury of the spa experience and compliment our activities to perfection. Decor: the estate is painted in a rich hue of eggplant and is beautifully appointed. All that is needed to create a spa feel is to dim the lights and light candles. The grand ballroom will be festively decorated with a rich hue of streamers and balloons purchased at Party City which coordinate with the "glam girl" style birthday banners chosen by the birthday girl. The grand ballroom will be the site of the dance party therefore traditional party decorations are appropriate there. To set the stage for the spa retreat guests will be met in the grand entry by a sign "Welcome to Spa Day." Kinko's enlargement services will be used to enlarge the PrintShop design (which coordinates with the invites) into a poster which will rest on an easel. To keep the birthday spa theme evident spa treatment stations will be decorated with towel "cakes" which hold supplies used by the volunteers (you may use Google to search images - they are FANTASTIC and easy to make). At the manicure station temporary tables will be draped with damask tablecloths to maintain a luxe atmosphere as at a day spa (a towel will line the top of the tray so that acetone will not get on the tablecloth). To further please the eye each guest bedroom will have a "towel animal" on the bed as if they were stepping into the most expensive of retreats. We purchased the Carnival towel book and have been practicing folding. With a partner it is easy and fast to fold the animal of your choice. I suggest choosing one to master. Favors: each guest (and adult volunteer) will receive a spa kit which features spa slippers facial loofahs body loofahs lip gloss body salts gels bubble baths and lotions. We took advantage of after Christmas sales at Wal-Mart to pick up favor items VERY inexpensively. A pamphlet (created by print shop) is included in each spa kit that shares the all-natural recipes we will use during the facial cleanse and masque. It also provides additional spa recipes and lists resources relevant to home spa on the cheap (using eBay Amazon and Craigslist for footbaths paraffin tubs books etc). Activities: guests will be pampered with a total spa experience! Each guest will be able to personalize their spa slippers with bows and puff paint in pastel tones as well as rhinestones. They will join in the kitchen to help whip up their all-natural face cleansers and masques. Guests will be able to then slip into their swimsuit and enjoy the whirlpool pool area and lounge chairs. Through the weekend the outside entertainment area is an option for the guests or they can take advantage of their favor kit and enjoy a bubble bath in one of the 5 estate tubs. Activities - Spa Time: each guest will be attended to according to the appointment matrix generated by response cards. Spa stations include: cleanse and mask with cucumber eyes foot massage and spa manicure with paraffin sea salt foot soak and spa pedicure with paraffin dip and massage (we are hiring a certified therapist to provide chair massages) OR Jacuzzi treatment in the private Jacuzzi room. Guests will wait in the Relaxation Room between each service and wait for their spa service professional. Each service time slot is one half hour. Activities - Salon Time: each guest will change into their pastel PJs and then be treated to an updo hairstyle and make-up application. It should be noted that makeup and brushes should not be shared - each girl should have her own brush and make-up applicators used. Make-up for 10 year olds should be tasteful and simple: shadow glitter powder and gloss. Two additional favors will be handed out at this time: a tiara for each guest and a feather boa. With the girls looking their best a fashion show will begin followed by a dance party. Meals and Snacks: all food will be consistent with the goodies found during a spa retreat. The relaxation room will boast bottled water on the minibar as well as fresh squeezed juices (such as watermelon and strawberry lemonade). During their outside pool and lounge time guests will be able to enjoy fresh smoothies. Lunch fare is planned as: cucumber sandwiches turkey wraps with green apple and cabbage carrot and raisin salad a walnut cranberry and feta salad made of spinach with raspberry vinaigrette chilled peach soup gazpacho and fruit and veggie trays. Snacks will consist of fruits with yoghurt and veggies with dips. Dinner will include gourmet pizza on whole wheat crust rigatoni al forno con salsa aurora and macaroni ai quattro formaggi. Breakfast will include fresh blueberry waffles muffins yoghurt and egg cups. I used spaindex.com to help generate our menu. My husband who is quite the gourmet and entertainer has graciously agreed to run the kitchen during our spa retreat. Our meals will be taken in the formal dining room complete with a menu that coordinates with the invites. Cake: for the cake I will take advantage of the fact that Sprinkles (a fabulous cupcake bakery) is nearby and will use their skill to procure a multi-tiered cupcake cake with multiple flavors so that each guest can enjoy her favorite. Their mission will be to create a cupcake that is elegant yet edgy. They have many flavors that ooze of day spa: chai latte mocha and red velvet. YUM! "
