Coco Inspired Party

February 19, 2021

Over the summer Poppy definitely got way more screen time than we would care to admit but she quickly developed a love for Disney’s, Coco. So much that she would ask for it any time we entered the living room (which was often in 2020). From the bright colors, the beautiful music, and the rich culture it became a favorite of mine as well. I decided to throw a Coco inspired party that celebrated the themes and imagery from the movie.

pink and orange party
pink and orange halloween
dia de los muertos
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event stylist
party planner
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coco party
disney party
outdoor kids party
kids party — All photos by Billye Donya Photography

As you may know by now I try to include an element of giving back in most of my work and for this one Nosotros tequila was the winner. This company, started by two college students, gives back a portion of their proceeds to help provide countries with access to clean water. Not only do they have a lovely mission but the tequila was AMAZING.

Seriously, I can’t get over how smooth and almost caramel-y it was. It paired beautifully with the watermelon, lime, jalapeno cocktail I mixed up but could easily be enjoyed on its own. I added edible flowers and a slice of jalapeno for cocktail garnish and added tajin to the side of the glass with a salted rim. It was SO good!

I added agave to the bar cart and obviously for a Coco themed party we were going to need as many marigolds we could get our hands on. I found the garland here, and the bouquets my friend Dawn, purchased at the flower mart. Marigolds are incredibly affordable so we got as many as we could carry. She also did this arrangement for the centerpiece – with all of the bright pinks and oranges she used, she DEFINITELY nailed the Coco theme.

I love how the flowers play such an important role in Dia de Muertos. The flowers are placed on graves during the holiday. It is believed to lure souls back from the dead to the land of the living with its vibrant colors and powerful scents.

Some of my favorite details were the candles (this shot reminds me of the opening scene when Miguels grandma blows out the candle in the cemetary…. we watched this movie a lot).

Of course I had to have a guitar and lyrics to the music! This song was one of my favorites and even after the millionth time of watching Coco I STILL cry when this song comes on.

How perfect are these sugar skull plates from Meri Meri? The skeleton poppers were the icing on the cake for the Coco party decorations.

Speaking of cake, can we talk about how amazing this Ernesto De la Cruz guitar cake is?? When I called Butter Cake Shoppe and told them I wanted a guitar cake they were ALL about it. I sent a photo and they got every single detail. I am constantly blown away by their talent.