According to local lore, there is a boulder in the woods of Phoenicia, in upstate New York, that's home to thousands of fairies. When a friend introduced 5-year-old Anna to the spot, Fairy Rock, she instantly fell under its spell. She and her friends began leaving small gifts made of pinecones and twigs there for the pixies (who, of course, are visible only to children). By the time Anna's sixth birthday rolled around, her parents knew that a fairy fete was the only way to go. In the family's backyard and its adjoining woods, partygoers spent the afternoon making flower crowns, searching for tiny treasures, and casting spells with magic wands. The ethereal theme tapped into the girls' sense of wonder, while also encouraging a respect for nature—since legend has it that disturbing the environment can ruin the chances of spotting a sprite. Have your own young Tinkerbell at home? Follow the links at the right for a guide to fashioning a birthday fairyland.
Into the Woods
For her daughter's sixth birthday, one mom transforms her wooded backyard into an enchanted forest for fairies to frolic in.
By Rebecca Miller Ffrench
- Setting the Scene
- A guide for fashioning a birthday fairyland
- Treats and Eats
- Recipes for a fairy fete
- Archive
- Heritage Turkey Directory
- Black Cod with Miso
- Pasta e Fagioli
- Pasta with Yogurt and Caramelized Onions
- Pork Chops with Apples and Gnocchi
- Sweet Salmon
- Zucchini and Parmesan Risotto
- Thanksgiving Recipe: Baked Yams with Walnuts and Marshmallows
- Thanksgiving Recipe: Potato and Parsnip Puree
- Thanksgiving Recipe: Parmesan-Crusted Potatoes Chantilly
- View All
Read Image Credits
Photographs by Ulla Nyeman
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