Little Old House of Make Believe Unlocks Imaginations

A little more than a year ago, Rachel Fullan found herself facing the decision of her lifetime. She could play it safe and take a new public relations job that would provide a steady, reliable paycheck but leave little room for a home life, or risk everything and follow her true dream of operating her own children's party-planning business around the corner from her home in Langhorne.

"The job offer came up the same week I had the opportunity to get this space," said Fullan. "And to top it off, I also found out I was pregnant. I talked it out with my husband, Chris, who knew that I wanted to stay close to home."

One look at Fullan as she held her baby son, Jase, while pointing out the bulletin board overflowing with thank you cards from children who had unforgettable birthday parties at the Little Old House of Make Believe, and it's clear that Fullan made the right decision.

"For a couple hours, I feel like I became part of these families," said Fullan. "It's just awesome to see the kids' faces and knowing they are going to have a party that they will always remember."

Growing up in the Oak Tree neighborhood of Levittown, Fullan's love of parties was undeniable as she spent months planning her own birthdays and preparing to go all out for Wizard of Oz or Little House on the Prairie-themed celebrations.

"I got more excited on my actual birthday because it meant I could start planning next year's," said Fullan. "It got to the point where my mother would try to force me to wait until after Christmas before I could start officially planning."

A Conwell-Egan alum, Fullan attended the Fashion Institute of Technology before transferring to Temple University, graduating from the public relations school in 2006. She worked for high-profile firms in New York and Philadelphia before finally deciding to turn her hobby into a true career and opening the Little Old House of Make Believe at 140 E. Richardson St. in Langhorne.

It did not take long for word-of-mouth to spread that Fullan goes beyond the extra mile to create unique birthday experiences that kids just won't be able to find at the usual haunts. Over the past year, she has used her own rose bushes to create a greenery tunnel that transported one birthday girl to an enchanted forest, had her husband build a half-pirate ship and installed a stage for karaoke and rock band parties.

"Some kids have a very specific idea of what they want for the party," said Fullan. "My challenge is to make it happen. I hate saying no or that it can't be done. I come up with some ideas and present them with price quotes to the parents."

Fullan also challenges herself to make sure each party is not a carbon copy of someone else's, a difficult task considering she can host up to seven occasions in a single weekend, between Friday and Sunday. She has collected shelves full of costumes, masks and decorations to help with some basic set-ups, but Fullan will find those aspects that will showcase the child's personality.

"There can be a princess party," said Fullan, "but is it a Snow White party, a fairy princess party, a Cinderella party? Each one has its separate feel."

Each party takes about two hours, including a half hour for the kids to just play, three or four games and activities geared toward the theme, such as a treasure dig for pirates or karaoke for wannabe rock stars and cake time, with dessert provided by the parents.

"They can bring whatever they want for meals, either pizza or homemade ziti," said Fullan. "We've helped set up french fry bars or create an ice cream mountain. For a carnival party, a girl brought in a cotton candy maker, corn dog maker and a funnel cake maker."

When she first opened the Little Old House of Make Believe, Fullan offered open play sessions Monday through Friday. The growing demand for her planning talents forced Fullan to reduce the open play to two days a week, giving her time to create the decorations.

The open play days vary week-to-week, depending on Fullan's availability. Those interested can check her website's calendar for an updated monthly schedule. The cost for the play sessions is $12 per child, half-price for siblings. Adults and non-walkers are complimentary, and juice, snacks and coffee & tea are also provided.

The Little Old House of Make Believe is located at 140 E. Richardson Ave., Langhorne. For more information on open play sessions or birthday parties, call (215) 630-5756 or visit www.believeinmakebelieve.com.