8 Magical Ways to Celebrate International Fairy Day

Pixie dust optional, but strongly suggested.

By: Chelsea Faulkner

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Mythical, magical and the subject of some of our favorite stories, fairies have captured our imaginations for centuries. And today we celebrate them! International Fairy Day falls during the week of Midsummer — a week-long event centered around the Summer Solstice — when it's believed that the veil between our world and Tír na nÓg, the fairy land of eternal youth, is temporarily lifted. Be on the lookout at dawn and dusk, when fairies are the most active, to catch a glimpse of one of these magical creatures!

Little Fairy

Fairy Princess in a sea of Bluebells deep in the woods. Floral headdress and backlit by sunlight.

Photo by: iStock

iStock

Celebrate this enchanted time with some of our favorite fairy-friendly garden projects, recipes and costumes.

Build a Fairy Garden

Photo by: Chelsea Faulkner

Chelsea Faulkner

Make Your Own: How to Plant a Miniature Fairy Garden

Play Dress Up

Fairy Princess Halloween Costume

Make a standard tutu skirt (very easy) long enough to serve as a dress. Add a halter ribbon, a set of wings, adorn it with a floral belt and a pretty halo. Design by Jess Abbott.

Photo by: Jessica Abbott

Jessica Abbott

The Pups Can Play Too!

Make This: DIY Pet Fairy Costume

Adorable Dog in Fairy Halloween Costume

From: H. Camille Smith

Photo by: H. Camille Smith

H. Camille Smith

Make a Flower Crown

Make This: DIY Wildflower Crown

Flowers in Hair for a Wedding Look

A halo of vines complements the casual style of this dress

Photo by: Image courtesy of Jeremy Harwell

Image courtesy of Jeremy Harwell

Eat Some Fairy Bread

This sweet Australian treat is a combo of white bread, butter and TONS of sprinkles. When you've had your fill, be sure to leave out a few slices overnight with a glass of milk for the fairies to enjoy.

Fairy Bread

Bread with butter and sprinkles.

Photo by: iStock

iStock

Make This: Fairy Bread Recipe

Or Whip Up Some Pixie Dust Gelatin Shots

Just sprinkle a little edible glitter over your favorite gelatin shots for a boozy treat any fairy would love.

Photo by: Daniel Collopy

Daniel Collopy

Read a Fairy Tale

Or watch a fairy movie!

Spot a Fairy

Reading Princess

Photo by: iStock

iStock

Fairies are most visible outside during the "'tween" times - dawn, dusk and midnight - especially near water or after a rainstorm. While looking for fairies, keep your eyes unfocused, directing your gaze just to the left or right of places that fairies like to frequent — thick tree roots, moss-covered rocks, shorelines and underneath large, green leaves.

How will you know if you've spotted a fairy? Watch for glowing orbs of light, listen for strange, melodic music and, if you see a dragonfly, unfocus your eyes. The fae often disguise themselves as dragonflies when they suspect they're being watched!

Hydrangeas in Fairy Gardens

At just 30 to 36 inches tall, dwarf hydrangeas like 'Bobo' are a great choice for fairy gardens. Grow them in a secluded nook, so visitors will feel as if they've discovered an enchanted spot. Add low-growing plants and ground covers, or let moss make a natural carpet in a wooded garden.

Photo by: Courtesy of Proven Winners

Courtesy of Proven Winners