Let Your Hair Down! A Tangled-Inspired Birthday Party

"When Olivia came to me for help planning her daughter Emily's birthday, she knew right off the bat she wanted a Rapunzel/Tangled-inspired party," says Ashley Deoleo of Sole Luxe Events. "Her daughter's obsession with Princess Rapunzel is the cutest thing. When you ask 4-year-old Emily what her name is, her response is 'I'm Princess Rapunzel' in the cutest little voice ever! How could we not do a Tangled-themed birthday for her?"

Instead of going with the traditional princess party decor, however, Ashley decided to give this party a rustic feel, incorporating green vines, earth tones, and an outdoor venue. Add in a creative dessert table, tons of DIY craft projects completed by Emily's mom, and a princess bounce house, and you have a party fit for royalty, big and small! Keep reading for all the details, captured by photographer Unique Design Studios.

Tangled Party

Tangled Party

"I started thinking how we could make this princess party different from all the rest," Ashley says. "I love a princess party as much as the next planner, but I love having the creative freedom to change things up! So we did. I pictured this event being the complete opposite of what comes to mind when you think Disney princess. I pitched the idea of doing a rustic Rapunzel version, and that's when I came up with 'A Rustic Royal Affair.'"

Dessert Cart

Dessert Cart

"The dessert station, which we agreed would be the main focus, was my favorite part by far," Ashley says. "Vanessa of Ohh My Sweetness did an amazing job on not only executing my vision but making the most delicious treats as well. Mi Vintage, a local vintage rental vendor, had an Indian cart made that I just had to use as the dessert station table."

Indian Cart

Indian Cart

Another look at the Indian cart dessert table. "Vanessa of Ohh My Sweetness added moss to the cart for an added pop of color, and Monica of Le Petite Papier made purple glittery tent cards for that added princess sparkle!" Ashley says.

Sweet Stuff

Sweet Stuff

"Vanessa of Ohh My Sweetness baked all the yummy sweets, from Rapunzel's Paint Palette cakeballs and Flynn Rider's Jell-O Boats to my favorite, Rapunzel's Hazelnut Soup, which was actually Nutella mousse," Ashley says. "Guests could not stop raving about her yummy station. She even had the idea of making Flynn Rider satchel bags for each kid to take as their own treat bag! She used wood slabs as stands and a long yellow braid to tie it all together."

Cupcake Display

Cupcake Display

Cupcakes from of Ohh My Sweetness were displayed on a stand incorporating log cuttings and moss.

Tangled Cupcakes

Tangled Cupcakes

A closer look at the of Ohh My Sweetness cupcakes.

Rapunzel Paint Brushes

Rapunzel Paint Brushes

Rapunzel's paint brushes were actually Rice Krispies Treats dipped in various colors of frosting.

Hazelnut Soup

Hazelnut Soup

Nutella mousse was transformed into Rapunzel's favorite dish, hazelnut soup.

Flynn Rider's Boats

Flynn Rider's Boats

Jell-O cups with orange slices became Flynn Rider's Boats.

Tangled Painting

Tangled Painting

"When you have such a crafty and hands-on mom like Olivia, it makes my job that much easier," Ashley says. "Olivia went all out for her daughter, spending countless nights crafting up a storm. Olivia, who owns her own business, One Up Design, created all the special items for this event. She made the purple felt banner with sun cutouts, the princess wands, and even the painted canvas of Rapunzel!"

Rustic Royalty

Rustic Royalty

Ashley created centerpieces that were both rustic and a nod to Rapunzel's royal heritage.

DIY Centerpieces

DIY Centerpieces

Yet another rustic-royal Rapunzel centerpiece.

Craft Table

Craft Table

"The kids had their own little royal table set up with cute white mini Chiavari chairs, their own aprons, an activity set to paint, paint canisters filled with favors and goodies, princess wands, and their very own crown to get the full royal feel," Ashley says.

Crafting Aprons

Crafting Aprons

Each child received an apron featuring the royal sun design featured in Tangled.

Princess Bounce House

Princess Bounce House

"What fourth birthday isn't complete with a fun bounce house!?" Ashley says. "It was a royal and rustic affair that left everyone tangled up in fun!"

Golden Flower

Golden Flower

Birthday girl Emily's mom crafted the magic golden flower, yet another nod to Tangled, and displayed it in Rapunzel's paint box.