My daughter’s and niece’s birthdays are about a week apart, and for the past few years they’ve enjoyed having a combined birthday party. So, when they told me they wanted to celebrate together again this year – with a Taylor Swift theme, no less – I was 1000% on board! The inner Swiftie in me fully embraced their idea and I had a total blast planning activities, décor, and food for their birthTAY party.
I scoured the internet for images of quotes from all of our favorite songs, printed them, and attached them to jute twine string with miniature clothespins. With plenty of catchy Taylor lyrics to work with, we were able to create 8 banners to hang around the house for décor. These made for a fun, musical walk down memory lane for everyone – and guessing the song and album from each image also became one of our party games.
I created two additional trivia game handouts for everyone to put their Taylor Swift knowledge to the test. And there were stickers, lottery tickets, and a Taylor Swift Mad Libs book up for grabs for all who participated because, of course, “you play stupid games, you win stupid prizes.”
The day wouldn’t have been complete without friendship bracelets, so we set up a table with a bracelet kit that included assorted beads, charms, and string for everyone to get creative and “make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it.”
Taylor’s musical genius inspired most of the food choices on our party menu. Were some of them a bit of stretch? Perhaps. But were we determined to make it work with silly puns that continue to put a dorky smile on my face? Totally! In the end, we decided on:
- It must be exhausting always rooting for the (meatball) anti-hero: We set up a spread of meatballs in marinara sauce in the crockpot, slices of provolone cheese, and club rolls for guests to make meatball heroes.
- This is why we can’t have nice (wings), darling: We ordered 50 mild buffalo wings and 50 honey barbecue wings from a local restaurant.
- Champagne problems: Sprite served in adorable champagne flutes that I found at the Dollar Tree.
- Welcome to New York: Not exactly necessary, but Peppermint Patties felt like an opportunity not to be missed in honor of one of my favorite 1989 songs.
- Oh, my God, look at that (cake) – you look like my next mistake: One chocolate cake and one yellow cake (Birthday Girls’ Version).
We rounded everything out with vegetables and dip, fruit salad, chips and Doritos, and a soft pretzel tray.
To wrap up our night, we watched and sang our way through the “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” concert film. It was pure magic from start to finish. I didn’t want the party to end! My daughter turned 16 this year and my sweet niece is now 17, and to have this evening with them was wonderful. Ever since I had my firstborn, people have been warning me that the years will fly and that my kids will grow up all too quickly. Truer words have never been spoken! Recently, I have felt the truth of those warnings more than ever before. When my kids started high school, it felt as if our days began moving at lightning speed. I bargained and pleaded with every higher power I could think of, but time simply refused to slow down. Since I didn’t win that battle, I’ve instead tried to learn the art of embracing and wholeheartedly enjoying the moment I’m in. (Some days, it’s easier said than done. But I’m trying!) And let me tell you, I enjoyed every minute of this special evening with my daughter and niece. To all the parents out there, if you have any Swifties in your household, do yourself a favor and carve out some time to watch the Eras Tour movie with them on Disney+. It is joyful and whimsical; it is mesmerizing and empowering; it is heartwarming and nostalgic; and, above all else, it is extraordinary quality time that I promise you won’t ever regret spending together.
Song Quote Decorations: Group 1 and Group 2
Trivia Games: Finish the Lyric and Name Game
