A woman's birthday tribute to her mother has reminded people on the internet not to take their parents for granted.
To celebrate her mother's 60th birthday, Belle, who uses the handle @belleslife_ on social media, organized a birthday bash—transforming her dining room into a spectacle of gold and silver, complete with floating balloons and personalized touches that honored her mother's life.
A video of the display, posted on February 23, quickly became a viral sensation, receiving more than 2.3 million views and 545,000 likes to date.
In the video, Belle gave viewers a tour of the venue she meticulously decorated for her beloved mom, demonstrating the creative flair she no doubt puts to use in her day job as an event planner and stylist.
She adorned the space with shimmering balloons that hovered near the ceiling, with balloons of the digits "6" and "0" announcing her mother's milestone year. Adding a personal touch, Belle used Polaroid photos to showcase her mother's life and loved ones. In the video's caption, she wrote, "POV: its your mums first time living life too."
Speaking to Newsweek, Belle, who would prefer not to use her surname, shared her feelings about the way social media users have responded to the video.
"There has been such a heartwarming response to this video. It's been amazing to see," she said.
The spectacle is not only a testament to Belle's expertise in event planning and styling— which she exercises in London and Manchester, England—but also underscores the emotional impact of thoughtfully curated celebrations. Her display highlights how personalized details can transform standard gatherings into memorable, heartfelt experiences.
How Can You Host a Great Party?
Tina Priestly, the chief executive officer of Ready, Set, Refresh, a home decluttering and design firm in Virginia, told Newsweek how budding hosts could make their next gathering as much of a hit as Belle's without breaking the bank.
"Keep the menu simple and budget-friendly by using seasonal ingredients," Priestly said.
"Think about crowd-pleasers like pasta salads, sliders, or tacos. For drinks, you can make a signature cocktail in large batches and set up a self-serve drink station to keep things running smoothly," she continued. "Throwing a great party doesn't have to cost a lot. Start by using things you already have at home in new ways. Mix and match your plates and glasses for a fun table setup, and use cheap fabric as a tablecloth."
"Try using string lights or candles to make the place feel cozy without spending too much. When decorating as the host, consider the key places in your home where everyone will gather—like the by-the-door, dining area, and the main area where they will be hanging out," she added.
Priestly advised channeling "your inner 8-year-old" and DIY-ing decorations to save money and add customized creative flair.
She added: "Try paper party streamers, homemade centerpieces with fresh flowers, plants, or faux ones, and repurposed glass jars for holding candles. It's all about adding a personal and refreshing touch without spending a lot."
If you have a family dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Melissa Fleur Afshar is a Newsweek Life and Trends Reporter based in London, United Kingdom.
Her current focus is on trending ... Read more
