McKenna’s 3rd Birthday: A Backyard Frozen-Inspired Celebration ❄️

As we head into spring and begin dreaming up ideas for McKenna’s 4th birthday, I can’t help but look back at her 3rd - a magical backyard celebration fit for a snow queen. The theme? Frozen, of course - complete with a visit from the royal sisters themselves, Princess Anna and Queen Elsa.

One thing I’ve learned while planning parties over the years is that when you find vendors you truly love, it’s worth booking them again and again. Working with people who are reliable, talented, and easy to collaborate with makes the planning process so much more enjoyable.

For this celebration, we were lucky to work with some of our longtime favorites. We’ve now booked Royal Princess Parties three times, and they never fail to make the day feel magical for the kids. The performers are incredibly engaging and truly bring the characters to life.

And when it comes to cake, The Muffin House has become our go-to. Between birthdays and celebrations, we’ve probably ordered eight to ten cakes from them over the years. They’re always beautiful, delicious, and such a crowd favorite.

Finding vendors you trust makes planning so much easier - and it allows you to focus on enjoying the celebration.

We transformed the backyard into a whimsical winter wonderland with icy blue hues, soft purple florals, and a sparkling iridescent backdrop that shimmered in the sunshine. Guests were greeted by balloon garlands, snowflake details, and a DIY chandelier that captured the light like falling snow.

The kids had a blast bouncing in the Frozen-themed inflatable, painting wooden Elsa crafts, and sitting at their own pint-sized tables covered in wintery linens. Every table was topped with fresh flowers in soft lavender and blush, adding a charming touch of elegance to the day.

Of course, no party is complete without a few special details - and this one was full of them. Personalized koozies, custom signage, and themed activity kits added the perfect personal flair. McKenna’s face lit up with every moment - from the singing princesses to the birthday song surrounded by family and friends.

Looking back, it was such a special day filled with magic, laughter, and a whole lot of love for our sweet girl. Celebrations like this always remind me how quickly these little years go by.

And now, as we start dreaming up ideas for her next birthday, it’s been fun revisiting all the details from this one.

If you’re planning a birthday celebration for your little one, start with a theme they love, layer in thoughtful décor, and don’t be afraid to mix DIY touches with professional help. Whether it’s in your backyard or a local venue, creating a magical and personal space will make the day unforgettable - for them and for you.

And if you’re looking for help bringing a celebration like this to life, The Nest Collective offers event planning and design services to help create thoughtful, joy-filled moments for families.

With love,
The Nest Collective

Creating beautiful, joy-filled moments for little ones (and their grownups).

Products Used: Elsa & Anna Balloons, Hadley’s Dress, Mckenna’s Dress, Chandelier, Favor Cups, Favor Bags, Ring Pops, Iridescent Snowflakes, Balloon Arch, Table Cloths, Cupcake Stand, Plastic Cutlery, Iridescent Backdrop, Snack Cups, Birthday Candle, Watercolor Paint Pages, Bubbles, Birthday Banner, Arch Covers

All Things Easter

A few simple traditions, favorite finds, and little things we’re doing to make Easter special this year.

This year we are officially hosting Easter, which means I’ve been slowly gathering ideas, decorations, basket fillers, and a few sweet traditions for the girls.

Easter has always been one of those holidays that feels simple and joyful - pastel colors, spring flowers, Easter books, and of course a little egg hunt.

I thought it would be fun to save everything here in one place so you can easily find all the ideas, products, and inspiration that I’ve been sharing on social media.

If you’re planning Easter baskets, decorating for spring, or hosting family this year, I hope this gives you a few fun ideas to try.

Spring Storytime Reads

One of our favorite little Easter traditions is bringing out seasonal books.

The girls love pulling out the same Easter stories each year, and it’s such a cozy way to get excited for the holiday.

These are a few of our favorite spring and Easter books.

Pre-Filled Easter Eggs

If you’re hosting an Easter egg hunt or helping with a classroom party, these pre-filled eggs are such an easy shortcut.

They’re already filled with toys or treats, which makes setting up an egg hunt so much easier.

Easter Decor

Since we’re hosting Easter this year, I added a few simple decorations around the house.

Nothing over the top - just a few seasonal touches to make the day feel festive.

Easter Basket Ideas by Age

If you’re putting together Easter baskets this year, here are a few ideas broken down by age.

I always try to include a mix of things the girls will actually use - books, small toys, art supplies, and a couple fun surprises.

Easter Outfits

One of my favorite parts of the holiday is picking out Easter outfits for the girls (and myself).

Soft pastels, spring dresses, and little shoes always make the day feel extra special.

Easter Baskets Prepped & Ready

When putting together Easter baskets this year, I focused on keeping things practical, creative, and fun- filled with items the kids will actually use long after the holiday. Think everyday essentials, a few creative activities, and of course, a little chocolate to make it feel extra special.

For my niece and nephew that we’re shipping to, I kept the baskets smaller and easy to pack. I included simple, engaging items like an Easter Mr. Potato Head, Play-Doh, a pop toy, and a magnifying glass- things they can enjoy right away without taking up too much space.

For another set of my niece and nephew (ages one and three), I tailored each basket to their stage. The younger one received an interactive book, new bath toys, and a water bottle, while the three-year-old’s basket included an Easter painting kit, Play-Doh, and her own water bottle. Both got a little chocolate tucked in for a sweet touch.

For my girls, I built their baskets (and liners) around something they actually need this time of year- new swim gear for the beach and pool. I added fun pool toys (like Gabby’s Dollhouse and Barbie), new swimsuits (M1, M2, H1, H2), goggles, water bottles (Hadley/ Mckenna) and even treasure chests with diving toys. To balance it out, I included an Easter craft and Play-Doh for some creative play, plus a small amount of chocolate to finish things off.

I’ll be wrapping each basket and adding personalized tags, which I’ll be sharing soon!

Sweet Easter Crafts

One of my favorite ways to make holidays feel extra special (without overcomplicating things) is by building in a few simple, creative activities for the kids. These are the kinds of things that keep little hands busy, create sweet memories, and honestly slow everything down in the best way 🤍

This year, we kept it really simple with a few crafts and activities that the girls loved - and that were easy to set up and clean up (always a win).

What we’re doing this year:

Easter Aprons with Patches
We started by making the girls their own Easter aprons using iron-on patches- such a fun little project and something they’ll be able to reuse year after year. We’re planning to use these for baking, decorating, and all the Easter weekend fun.

Egg Decorating with EggMazing
This was such a hit. The girls loved being able to decorate their eggs in a fun, mess-free way- and I loved that they could do it pretty independently. It kept them entertained way longer than I expected and felt like a fun twist on traditional egg coloring.

Foam Easter Frames
A super easy craft that’s perfect for younger kids. The girls decorated their own frames, and we’ll add a photo after Easter- such a sweet little keepsake.

Paint-Your-Own Egg Kits (Target find!)
These were another favorite- simple, creative, and perfect for a quiet afternoon activity. I always love having something like this on hand for downtime or even a “sick day” activity.

Final Thoughts

Easter doesn’t have to be over the top to feel special.

A few small traditions, a basket filled with thoughtful things, and a fun egg hunt are really all it takes to make the day feel magical for kids.

I’ll keep adding any new finds here as we get closer to Easter, so feel free to check back if you’re still planning baskets or decorations.

Wishing you a beautiful Easter season 🌷

With love,
The Nest Collective
Creating beautiful, joy-filled Easter memories for little ones (and their grownups).

A New Chapter: Virtual Party Planning with The Nest Collective

There’s something magical about gathering people you love - the laughter, the shared stories, the way a room feels when it’s filled with connection. But if we’re being honest, getting to that magic can feel… a little overwhelming. Between managing the guest list, choosing the perfect theme, curating the menu, and trying to make everything look beautiful, hosting can quickly turn into a full-time job.

That’s why I’m so excited to share something brand new for The Nest Collective: Virtual Party Planning ✨

This idea has been on my heart for a while. As a busy mom, friend, and all-around celebration lover, I’ve seen firsthand how much time and energy it takes to pull together a meaningful event - and how often hosts end up so exhausted that they barely get to enjoy it. I wanted to create a service that takes the stress out of planning so you can show up as your best, happiest self for your own party.

How it works:
Virtual Party Planning is perfect for hosts who want the creativity and detail of professional event planning - without the logistics of meeting in person. Whether you’re hosting a milestone birthday, a baby shower, or a “just because” celebration, I’ll work with you over video to design a party that reflects your style and vision.

Here’s what you get:

1.  A personalized planning session: We’ll chat about your ideas, your guests, and the vibe you’re going for.

2. Theme, décor, and menu recommendations: From color palettes to signature cocktails, I’ll share ideas that bring your theme to life.

3. A complete prep checklist: No more “Did I forget something?” moments - you’ll know exactly what to do and when to do it.

My goal? To make you feel confident, organized, and genuinely excited to welcome your guests- whether you’re hosting in your living room, backyard, or a rented space.

If you’ve been dreaming of hosting something special but feel overwhelmed by all the moving parts, this service was made for you. Let’s create something beautiful together - and give you the freedom to actually enjoy the moment you’ve worked so hard to create.

📅 Now booking virtual party planning sessions.
📲 Click here to book your session and let’s start planning.

Here’s to more parties, more joy, and a whole lot less stress.

With love,
The Nest Collective

Creating beautiful, joy-filled moments for every season of life.

Welcome to The Nest Collective - A Place for Gathered Moments

📷:KK Clicks Photography

Hi, I’m Devin- founder of The Nest Collective, Medfield-based mama of two, planner by nature, and a firm believer in celebrating life’s little (and big!) moments.

The Nest Collective began as a dream - the kind you daydream about during nap time, scribble in notebooks, and build piece by piece after bedtime. I wanted to create something that makes gathering easier, more meaningful, and - let’s be honest - a whole lot prettier.

Whether you’re a busy parent planning a birthday party, a host dreaming up your next girls’ night, or someone who just wants help making the holidays less stressful and more joyful - you’re in the right place.

At its heart, The Nest Collective is about community and convenience with style. We’re starting with thoughtfully designed event planning tools, seasonal printables, and a series of product launches - the biggest being a curated Greeting Card Box, created to make life’s celebrations easier all year long.

But that’s just the beginning.

My hope? That The Nest becomes your go-to place for beautiful celebrations, creative inspiration, and those “how did you make this look so easy?” moments…because we all deserve to enjoy the fun without the overwhelm.

Thank you for being here at the very beginning. I can’t wait to build something meaningful together.

With love,
The Nest Collective

Creating beautiful, joy-filled moments for every season of life.

All Things Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has always been one of my favorite little holidays - after the rush of the end-of-year season, I love keeping things simple while still finding new ways to create meaningful moments for the people I love. This year, I’ve been sharing a mix of easy ideas, traditions, and small touches we’re doing with the girls to make the season feel special without overcomplicating it.

I created this page as a home for all of my Valentine’s Day content in one place - videos, stories, links, and ideas I’ve shared (and will continue to share) on social media. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute idea, something to save for next year, or just a little inspiration, I hope this makes it easy to find everything in one spot.

Scroll through the sections below to see each idea broken out with photos, videos, and links ✨

A new tradition….

Supplies: Craft Paper, Pre-Cut Hearts, Mini Clothespins, Ribbon, Tape Runner, Craft Scissors

As seen on Instagram

Decor: Ranunculus, Tulips, Candlestick Holder, Candle Sticks, Wooden Conversation Hearts, XOXO Garland, Glass Jars, 6 Pack of Bows, Heart Pillows

Clothing & Accessories: Conversation Heart Headband, Sprinkle Headband, Conversation Heart Claw Clip, Lover Boy Sweatshirt, Stud Muffin Sweatshirt, Be Mine Sweatshirt, Girls Heart Sweatshirt, Women’s Pink Heart Sweater, Women’s XOXO Sweatshirt

Class Party Supplies: XOXO Balloons, Heart Shaped Cups, Heart Paper Plates, Red & Pink Paper Cups, Conversation Heart Balloons, Red Fringe Backdrop, Valentines Day Coloring

Galentine’s Party Supplies: Heart Shaped Ice Tray, Pink Plastic Plates, Pink & Gold Plastic Flatware, Heart Shaped Straws, Pink Napkins, Heart Shaped Glasses, Pink Fringe Backdrop, Red & Pink Balloon Arch

Gifts for Her: Salt & Stone Set, Kindle, Pink PJ Set, Kendra Scott Heart Earrings, Mackenzie Childs Vase, Barefoot Dreams Robe, Sock Set, Sol de Janeero set, Eye Masks, Elf Lip Gloss

Gifts for Kids: Magnetic Tiles, Bath Bomb, Polly Pockets, Rattle Ball, NeeDoh, Toy Remote, Unicorn Camera, Initial Purse, Lego Roses, Lego Flowers

Gifts for Him: Oura Ring, Neck Fan, Speaker, Whiskey Smoker Kit, Golf Kit, Golf Pullover, Date Night Ideas, Beats Headphones

Patchwork Bags: Tote Bags, Letter Patches, Heart Patches, Conversation Heart Patches, Valentine’s Day Patches

Class Valentines

Valentines in the Nest

For Valentine’s Day this year, I kept the girls’ gift baskets simple, practical, and full of things they’ll actually use. I reused the same baskets and tags we’ve had for the past few years. While ours are older, I’ve linked similar items and kept the focus on a few thoughtful additions instead of lots of extras. Each basket included a dance-themed book (Tallulah’s Tap Shoes and Tallulah’s Tutu), a K-Pop Demon Hunters coloring book with new markers and crayons, cozy pajamas, a new outfit for their dolls (Hadley/Mckenna), and a kid-friendly microscope. I may add a small candy treat, but otherwise this felt like the perfect mix of fun, creative, and useful.

Last-Minute Valentine’s (Grocery Store Edition)

If Valentine’s Day snuck up on you, these classroom ideas can all be picked up during a regular grocery store run. No extra stops, no special orders -just simple, kid-friendly options that still feel festive and thoughtful. While these aren’t my original ideas, they’re inspired by Valentine’s classroom ideas I found on Pinterest and loved for their simplicity and ease, especially for last-minute class parties.

If you try any of these ideas, I’d love to see them - feel free to tag me on Instagram or send me a message. I’ll continue updating this page with any new Valentine’s Day ideas I share, so be sure to check back, and don’t forget to save this page to come back to next year 🤍

With love,
The Nest Collective
Creating beautiful, joy-filled Valentine moments for little ones (and their grownups).

Teacher Gift Ideas We Loved This Year

Every year, I like to put together teacher gifts that feel thoughtful, practical, and easy to personalize. This year, we had a few different groups to gift - the girls’ classroom teachers, the school front office staff, and their dance teachers - so I created slightly different versions for each group while keeping the overall feel cohesive.

For the classroom teachers, I focused on everyday items they could keep in their classroom or toss into a purse or desk drawer. Simple self-care pieces, small treats, and gift cards paired with a handwritten note made these feel special without being over the top.

For the school front office, I kept the gifts just as practical, with the same self-care touches included in the teachers’ baskets - a small way to say thank you to the people who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

And for the dance teachers, I wanted gifts that felt useful for long days at the studio - small self-care items, treats, and things that could easily fit into a dance bag or be enjoyed after rehearsals.

All of the gifts this year were built around simple containers and reusable packaging, making it easy to mix and match items depending on budget or group size. I’ve linked everything I used throughout this post so you can recreate these gifts exactly or swap in items you already have at home.

Scroll through for photos and links, and feel free to save this for later if teacher gifting is still on your to-do list.

Items used: Hot Chocolate Bomb, Candle, Hand Lotion, Face Masks, Hand Sanitizer, Hair Clips, Rudolph Trail Mix, Lip Gloss, Chocolate

Items Used: Target Basket, Socks, Eye Masks, Rudolph Trail Mix, Vaseline, Chocolate

Items Used: Pink & Red Pouches, Christmas Patches, Eye Mask, Face Mask, Peppermint Cookie Dough Bites, Vaseline, Hair Clip, Socks and Chocolate

Hadley’s 5th Birthday – A Beauty & the Beast Celebration

When your little one turns five on the 5th, it calls for an extra-special celebration. For Hadley, that meant a golden birthday filled with sparkle, joy, and a touch of fairytale magic. Although we had to pivot the morning of the party and move everything inside because of the rain, the day still transformed into a Beauty & the Beast–inspired celebration - complete with enchanted roses, shimmering gold details, and a princess visit she’ll never forget.

Setting the Scene

Guests were welcomed into a golden glow, with shimmering balloon garlands and backdrops that set the tone for an enchanted afternoon. The “Be Our Guest” banner and twinkling lights made every corner feel like a fairytale. Of course, no Beauty & the Beast party would be complete without the iconic enchanted rose lit centerpieces on each table brought the story to life and made the kids (and grown-ups!) feel like they’d stepped into the castle ballroom.

The Sweetest Details

Hadley’s party was filled with thoughtful touches that tied into the theme:

• Themed Snacks – Guests snacked on Lumière’s Popcorn, Chip’s Chips, Cogsworth’s Pretzels, Belle’s Apple Slices, Enchanted Grapes, and Rose Petal Fruit Cups. Each treat had its own custom label featuring a beloved character.

• Creative Activity – Kids decorated pastel mini photo frames with beads and stars before sliding in instant party photos. A perfect keepsake to take home and remember the day.

• Party Favors – Guests left with Nest Collective tote bags and custom “Tale as Old as Time” koozies, blending the fairytale theme with a little grown-up fun for the parents.

A Royal Guest Appearance

The highlight of the afternoon was a visit from Princess Belle herself. Dressed in her golden gown, she joined Hadley and her friends for songs, photos, and sweet birthday wishes. The look on Hadley’s face was pure magic - exactly what every parent hopes for when planning a celebration.

✨ If you’re local to the Medfield, MA area, we truly cannot recommend Regal Princesses enough - this was our third time booking with them, and each experience has been even better than the last.

The Cake

No party is complete without cake! Hadley’s yellow rose-adorned birthday cake was as beautiful as it was delicious, serving as the perfect centerpiece before everyone sang “Happy Birthday.”

🎂 Muffin House is always a fan favorite for cakes - they never miss on taste and consistently deliver on design.

A Day to Remember

From the twinkling roses to the joyful laughter, Hadley’s 5th birthday was everything we dreamed it would be: a celebration of love, friendship, and a little princess magic. We’re so grateful to our family and friends who joined us and helped make the day extra special.

✨ Check out Pinterest for more photos and links (below), and follow along on TikTok and Instagram as we share all the behind-the-scenes DIY projects that went into creating this Beauty & the Beast celebration.

With love,
The Nest Collective
Creating beautiful, joy-filled moments for little ones (and their grownups) everywhere.

Links:

Acrylic Risers, Mini Picture Frames , Balloon Arch, Table Coverings, Plastic Domes, 4 pack Table Cloths, Red Arch Covers, Beads 1, Beads 2, Beads 3, Bead 4, Glue, Favor Bags, Writing Tablet, Water Bottles, Instacam, Plastic Silverware, Snack Cup

Four Ever a Princess

I can’t believe a year ago, we celebrated Hadley turning 4 with a magical “Four Ever a Princess” party fit for royalty. From the pastel balloon arches to the colorful princess-themed snack table, every detail was made to make her and her guests feel like they stepped into a fairytale.

The backyard transformed into a whimsical wonderland with kid-sized tables covered in lavender, pink, and blue linens, fresh flower centerpieces, and a dreamy backdrop complete with balloons and a “Forever a Princess” sign. Our entrance was flanked by rainbow balloon towers and a custom welcome sign that greeted guests as they arrived.

One of the biggest highlights of the day? A special appearance from Princess Rapunzel herself!

She spent time with the kids singing, playing games, and making Hadley feel like the birthday princess she is. Their joy and awe were truly unforgettable.

Each little guest went home with pastel-colored favor bags, personalized thank-you tags, and sweet treats from the princess snack bar—complete with popcorn, candy jewels, and dipped Rice Krispies on a stick.

It was a magical day celebrating our sweet Hadley, who couldn’t stop twirling and smiling all afternoon.

✨ And just like that… her 5th birthday party was last weekend! We had the best time celebrating, and I’m busy pulling together all the photos and details to share soon. Stay tuned - princess dreams (and a few sweet surprises) are on the way! 💫

In the meantime, check out our Pinterest page where I’ve linked all the products and party finds we used to bring the celebration to life.

With love,
The Nest Collective
Creating beautiful, joy-filled moments for little ones (and their grownups) everywhere.

Coming Soon…

We’re gathering something lovely! Soon, this will be your go-to spot for celebration ideas, party tips, seasonal magic, and behind-the-scenes peeks at life inside The Nest Collective.

The first posts are in the works—think of it as the pre-party before the big reveal. 🎉
✨ Want a front-row seat? Join our email list and you’ll be the first to know when we hit publish.