For 3-year-old birthday boy James, a train party was a dream come true. For his parents, the vintage vibe designed by Keren Precel Events [1] took the kiddie celebration to the next level. "I love vintage and retro-looking items. I already did vintage airplanes and vintage car parties in the past and was so happy that I was finally able to do a vintage train one!" Keren told us. See how she translated an Americana color palette, retro typography, and plenty of kid-friendly fun into the ultimate train-fanatic fantasy.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [2]
The menu included caesar salad in individual cups, mini meatballs, fruit cups, and cheese puffs. "My best advice is to serve items that all guests can enjoy — not pizza for the kids and other items for the adults," Keren told us.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [3]
"[My favorite touch was] definitely the photo booth! We took a simple Ikea stock market stand and decorated it with our own colors to match the theme. We added a flag garland, and it looked spectacular," Keren said.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [4]
Kids could choose conductor, driver, or passenger costumes as they posed at the photo booth.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [5]
Everyone went home with a "future conductor start-up set" that included a striped conductor hat, red bandanna, and whistle.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [6]
The favors were presented in organic cotton bags with a train motif.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [7]
Keren cited the sugar cookies printed with train motifs as a kiddie favorite at the dessert table.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [8]
Everything from the train backdrop and assorted posters throughout the room to straw flags and bottle wrappers was custom-made for James's party.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [9]
"Make sure to have an activity that will keep the kids on their feet," Keren said. "At that age, they need to run around as much as possible!"
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [10]
Vintage suitcases were displayed alongside the party favors in keeping with the transportation theme.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [11]
Another look at the edible display. Everything was served in easy grab-and-go containers — perfect for on-the-move toddlers (and their parents!).
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [12]
The bright and fun kids table proves you don't need to go overboard to make an impact.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [13]
Brown kraft paper makes an easy tablecloth that you won't feel bad about destroying when revved-up partygoers spill on or rip it!
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [14]
Each place setting contained a number of personalized elements.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [15]
"The inspiration [for the look of the event] came from the classic conductor's uniform that has white and blue stripes, plus the red from the vintage suitcases that I found and had fitted for the party," Keren told us.
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [16]
The exquisite "All Aboard" tiered cake was the work of Keren's Party Cakes [17].
Source: Clay Williams and Alex Nirenberg for Keren Precel Events [18]