Monday, September 06, 2010

Back To School Eve

Tomorrow is the first day of school for the girls. Megan to First Grade and Molly to Kindergarten! Wyatt starts his first year of preschool in just a few days. All three kids in school. This is a milestone for me as a mother. As well as for the kids. I'm still taking it all in.

So tonight, we had our annual "Back To School Eve" formal family dinner. It has become one of my favorite, Burns Family traditions. I decorate, set the table with our good china, and make a yummy meal. We all dress up (at least us girls do!), drink out of fancy stemware, and talk about the up coming school year. I love that our kids will grow up knowing Matt and I think school is exciting, fun, and something to celebrate! As well as important, respected, and something to celebrate!

A couple years back, I was first inspired to start this tradition by NieNie. (She's quite inspirational, that girl.) One of the things I LOVED about the Nielson's Back To School Eve Dinner, was that they came up with a "family theme" for the upcoming school year. We've done the same ever since.
(Like the wreath I made out of pages from one of my bookclub books?! I followed THIS tutorial. LOVE!)

The bookpage wreath inspired a vintage, antique, cream and white theme to the rest of the decorations I made. I've been wanting to try making tissue poms for since...EVER! And a post this past week on AndersRuff inspired the fabric garlands. How FAB are these decorations? I love them all!! Total cost = $8.98. The garland was made out of a sheet set I got at the Goodwill for $4.99. The tissue poms were made out of a jumbo pack of white tissue from KMart that cost $3.99. I think this is the definition of BANG for your BUCK.


Last Back To School Eve, I made Megan and Molly's crowns out of paper. So this year I decided to make them out of felt. It was fun making a "boy" version too! Last time he was too little...and he wasn't going to school yet!



When I was at the Goodwill, thrifting for sheets and lampshade frames (that's a whole 'nother party coming up!) I came across several odd candlesticks. I grabbed them up and used a can of RustOleum Antique White to make them all uniform. I love how they give height and character to the ordinary votive candles on our table.


Dinner was Grilled Flank Steak, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Mesclun Salad, Herbed Biscuits, and Corn on the Cob. Cause it's still Summer. And Summer is all about Corn on the Cob!

And we had a blast eating it! Seriously. Good food makes everything okay.
Hence why I run. I miss you KimmyD!
We went around the table talking about what each kid was excited about, worried about, and curious about concerning the upcoming school year. We also talked about ways the kids thought they could "Stick With It!"

Megan and Molly are excited for Daisies, the school play, walking to school, and lunch recess TOGETHER!

Wyatt is excited to ride bikes and play with his friend, Owen, at school.

Dessert was Cupcake Cake!

My girlfriend Libby gave me this awesome cake pan for Christmas last year, and this was the first time I used it. The kids LOVED it! It turned out so cute. Thanks, Libby!

At the end of the night, as we cleared the table and went inside to plan outfits and lunches for the next morn...I couldn't help but snap a few more pics as it got dark and the candles really began to cast a glow.


It was a beautiful evening, fun filled family time, and a wonderful way to say Goodbye to Summer!

21 comments:

Anders Ruff Custom Designs said...

I think you could quite possibly be the BEST MOM EVER! What a great idea!
I LOVE IT!

Heather Vo said...

Those are the coolest crowns ever! Love the detail with the yo-yos - absolutely adorable. I would NEVER have guessed that you spent less than $10 on decorations - that is amazing!!

What a great tradition!

Anonymous said...

I so love this! It is so inspiring!!!! Can you send more information as to gow you made the pom-poms and the wreath-please. My email is ramimont@yahoo.com. Thanks!!!

LauraC said...

Love love love.
Love the pics and again love seeing your craftiness at work.

DEFINITELY planning on doing this when my kids enter school next year. Perhaps in our NEW HOUSE..... oh yes, we might be making an offer on a new house tomorrow.

And it's RIDICULOUS.

Ashley@The Vanilla Tulip said...

OH MY!!!! Absolutely fabulous in every way :) LOVE LOVE LOVE the wreath! I do believe I will need to be making one of them!

I hereby give you the BEST MOM EVER award :) you're awesome!

Amy said...

I am so in love with this idea! I missed our first day back, but maybe will compensate this weekend! Awesome!!!
http://amysreallife.wordpress.com

JuliaVP said...

For some reason, I almost cried... what a beautiful idea!

mel @ the larson lingo said...

LOVE it! You did a great job! You are so crafty! Kate had her 1st day of preschool & we did our back to school feast tonight, but it was NOTHING like yours! Way to go!

Jules said...

can I be one of your kids?
or can you be my kids' mom?
love every single thing. sort of hate you a little. in a loving way, of course.

Heather @ Glitter and Gloss said...

Erin - no joke, there are tears in my eyes!! I had to call my mom and tell her about it. We'll be starting this tradition, thanks 100% to you. SRSLY, girl, I cannot get over every beautiful, special detail. Those kiddos are SO lucky to have you!

Now, if only I can find a crown....preschool starts next Tuesday and I am on the hunt!!!


xoxoxoxox!

Bridget said...

this is SO SO SO MUCH better than our back to school eve which was pretty much nothing special. go you.

Heather @ Life Made Lovely said...

i love, love, love this!! your crowns are so cute and so is the decorations! great job.

Zhanna said...

WOW!!!! This made me a little emotional! I have two little girls who will start school soon and that fact is a bit hard to accept. What an amazing idea! You are an inspiration!

Teri said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Oh wow! This is so precious! Great idea!

Teri said...

Erin, What an amazing idea! I wish I had this idea when my kids were little(I'm Heather@AFD Jewelry mom). This is going to be so fun for Leila's preschool eve. You are such a talented lady just like my girl. I love seeing all the talent that you young moms have. Your children are so blessed . Thanks for sharing! Teri

mommyholly said...

This is seriously the coolest thing ever. Why did I have to see this AFTER my son has been in school for a month?! :) Maybe we need a little pick-me-up party to keep him going strong hehe!! AMAZING job, this is gorgeous and what a tradition for your kids to treasure. You rock, momma!!!! xoxox Holly

Jill said...

ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!!!! what precious memories to treasure for your sweet children!!!
Many Blessings!
Jill

Unknown said...

This is amazing!
Could you share how you made the fabric garland?

stacey said...

Oh I love this idea! I might have to steal it for next year! And your children are beautiful! Looking forward to reading more! :-)

jonahbonah said...

can you get anymore amazing??? i am so steaking this for next year!!!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...