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A destination for all things kids!
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mini mag Spring 2013
Some of the best party
stylists show you how.
Busy Little Kids gives
you some ideas
The most amazing party
venues overseas
It’s Spring and we seem to have birthday parties invites every weekend leading up to Christmas. This year we have planned two birthday parties with another one just around the corner. Most of us spend hours on end planning and preparing for a day that comes and goes in a flash. This issue we look at everything party and try and assist by taking out some of the hard work we all put in with some super ideas from our guest writers. I love kids parties and you don’t really know what’s available until you start looking into the options. We have found some great party products that would make any party wonderful however if you are on a budget check out Maraya Bell’s Ten Parties For under $100 article. You will also find in this issue dates for the diary, some cool , cute and quirky products available in the market and the cutest party frocks around.
Penny Price OWNER
Welcome to the Spring issue of the Alphabet Street mini mag !
Alphabet Street Privacy Statement: This issue of the Alphabet Street Mini Mag may contain offers or competitions that require you to provide information about yourself if you choose to take part in. If you provide information about yourself including email address, Alphabet Street will use this information to provide you will the products and services you have requested. We will not onsell you details to a third party and will used for our publication only.
Editorial: Penny Price All editorial and advertising enquiries
e:[email protected] ABN: 89826197104
Photography: Aver & Line Photography Melbourne
Aver & Line is the combined creation of Kathryn and Dimity:
We have been photographing over 20 years collectively and are still loving every minute! We were drawn together because we are both so passionate about the same things: capturing the beauty of childhood; and providing a real and transparent service. www.averandline.com.au
Kara Allen Kara Allen is a Creator, Party Designer, Blogger, Author, Dessert Stylist and Owner of Kara’s Party Ideas. Recently branded as the ‘new’ Martha Stewart of the party world, Kara is recognized for her incredible capacity to think outside the box. Kara recently released her own book, Kara’s Party Ideas.
Maraya Bell Little Party Love Maraya is a writer, publicist, mum and party enthusiast! To satisfy her passion for everything pretty she started Little Party Love- a blog and party directory that showcases party trends, themes, DIY ideas and runs a lot of party giveaways!
Neva Elliot Busy Little Kids Busy Little Kids - fun, easy and imaginative ideas to keep children busy. The activities are designed to encourage children's imaginations through play, exercise and craft. The Busy Little Kids I-Phone App launches in November with 100 ideas for both rainy and sunny days.
COVER: Model Gracie wears Tutu Du Monde Grapevine Tutu – Amethyst RRP $149
Dates for the Diary 8 Cool, Cute and Quirky 11 Top Spring Activities for kids 13 Best Party Ever! 21 Ten Party Ideas for Under $100 27 All Aboard the Party Train 34 Let’s Party! 39 Party Essentials 43 Style My Party 45 Party Abroad 61 Party Perfection 69
THIS HAS TO BE THE BUSIEST AND THE BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR EVENTS LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS. FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR CITY BELOW.
Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family provides a snapshot of
dinosaur life and shows how this group became the world’s top predators with their massive skulls, powerful jaws and bone-crunching teeth. From the 23rd November 2013 www.australianmuseum.net.au
Hairy Maclary and Friends After a sell-out international tour Hairy Maclary and Friends returns to the Sydney Opera House in this interactive stage adaptation of the much-loved Hairy Maclary children's books, by celebrated writer, Lynley Dodd . From 17th December 2013 www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Schools Spectacular 2013 2013 marks the 30th Anniversary of the extraordinary Schools Spectacular. The 30th birthday celebration will take place at Sydney Entertainment Centre on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November 2013. www.ticketmaster.com.au
Teddy Bears Picnic Steam Train Take your special teddy friend on a journey into the Queensland countryside when you journey from the Museum to Grandchester and back again to the Museum. Saturday 16th November 2013 www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au
What's New Pussycat Think you know the story of Puss in Boots? Think again! This brand new adaption combines the fun of the original story with contemporary pop songs from a range of eras. Featuring music from Tom Jones to Beyoncé, this fun-filled show will have toes tapping and hands clapping! 30 November - 18 January www.artstheatre.com.au
Cai Guo-Qiang for Kids The Children’s Art Centre presents an interactive artist project to coincide with ‘Cai Guo Qiang: Falling Back to Earth’, which invites children to engage with the artist’s ideas and art works through hands-on and multimedia activities. Young visitors can take part in Cai Guo-Qiang’s interactive children’s project by learning about and participating in the artists’ exciting working methods to create their own exhibition. 23 November 2013 – 11 May 2014 www.qagoma.qld.gov.au
Angelina Ballerina- The Mousical Everyone's favourite little star, Angelina Ballerina, pirouettes onto the stage in a brand new musical adaptation packed full of singing and dancing direct from London's West End. 15 – 19 January 2014 www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
Santa’s Magical Kingdom Touted as being the hottest event of the Christmas season, Santa’s Magical Kingdom brings all the wonder and joy of a traditional Christmas. This interactive walkthrough is an enchanting experience that includes everything that you love about Christmas. Get ready to be amazed as you see the magic of Christmas come to life! 15th November-23rd December 2013 www.santasmagicalkingdom.com.au
Come In Outside Interactive Exhibition This is your chance to decide what’s behind some wonderful wacky doors in the ArtPlay gallery. You might snuggle up inside one, discover a secret ladder, or look through their coloured windows to see the world in a new way. Created by Pocketfool, in collaboration with Melbourne artist Geoffrey Ricardo. www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/artplay
Sydney Melbourne Brisbane
8
Sand Sculpture Exhibition by Sandstorm Events Sandstorm
Events will be flying in from across the globe, their best and most talented artists including the current World Champion and 13 times team World Champion, to sculpt eight magnificent ‘Under the Sea’ themed sculptures. Carving of a spectacular feature sculpture will run from Monday 25 November to Friday 29 November (inclusive). The giant feature sculpture, with a seaside Christmas twist, will be on display for the pleasure of visitors on the final weekend of the exhibition. www.onkaparingacity.com Grug He's back by popular demand! Grug began his life as the top of a Burrawang tree that fell to the ground. Resembling a small, striped haystack with feet and a nose, Grug is fascinated by the world around him and solves everyday problems creatively and without fuss. 3 - 14 Dec 2013 www. adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au Nights on the Terrace State Library As part of the Splash Adelaide initiative, the State Library is again holding a free, outdoor movie night for families. Matilda is a 1996 fantasy-comedy based on the classic novel of the same name by multiple prize-winning children's author, Roald Dahl. 22nd November www.slsa.sa.gov.au
Hi-5 House Party Tour Hi-5 invites you to join in the party of the year at the Hi-5 House Party! You'll sing, dance and party along with your favourite friends this October/ November when Hi-5 return to the East Coast of Australia for a very special concert tour. Tuesday 12th November www.panthers.com.au
Hopscotch Sundays Market Grab your biggest market basket and head to the Hopscotch Sundays market for some early Christmas shopping. This is your chance to purchase something handmade or unique from the quality stallholders for Christmas. Sunday 24th November 9am-2pm www.hopscotchsundaysmarket.com
Christmas Pantomime "Aladdin & His Magic Lamp" With all the magic, fun and laughter of a traditional pantomime, children will love this classic tale as they are encouraged to boo the villain and cheer the hero, sing along and dance. The intricate costumes and set make this performance a truly special event for families. Sun, 15 Dec 2013 10:30am www.westsnewcastle.com.au
Children's fiesta Held in Samson Park, every year this is a much loved event for the under 12’s. The day features a host of hands on activities as well as heaps of fun things to do and see. The Festival is set in one of Fremantle’s most beautiful parks which is a last remnant of natural bush within the City’s boundaries. It is a great day out for families with children. Sunday 3rd November www.fremantle.wa.gov.au
Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show Abracadabra! It's Disney Live! presents Mickey's Magic Show! Mickey, Minnie and a host of Disney friends come together with world-class magicians to perform magic from legendary films right before your eyes. See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderalla's rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the spectacular levitation of Aladdin's Princess Jasmine; and the enchanted dancing brooms from Fantasia.Join Donald and Goofy, Alice and the Mad Hatter, and many more for a one-of-a-kind stafe show you'll never forget. www. ticketek.com.au
Little Red Riding Hood WASO brings Roald Dahl’s unique version of Little Red Riding Hood to life in a sparkling concert featuring three talented actors and a collection of puppets. The music entertains with colourful melodies and dazzling dramatic flourishes. Sun 3rd November www.waso.com.au
Adelaide Perth Newcastle
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Cool, Cute & Quirky
THERE ARE SO MANY COOL, CUTE OR QUIRKY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES FOR KIDS ON THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT. WE HAVE LISTED SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES
L’IL CREATURES Designed in Australia by mum of two boys, these unique and playful costumes are the perfect accessory that will make everyone goo and gaa over your little one. Available in three designs; koala, ladybird and reindeer. Available from L’il Creatures
QUUT BALLO The beach will be even more fun with this QUUT BALLO. It may not look like a bucket but it certainly acts like one. Carrying water from the sea to a sandcastle has never been this much fun. Tiger Tribe are proud to introduce this range to the Australian market. Quut Ballo comes in two colours - Calypso Pink and Lagoon Green . RRP $24.95
SPECKLED HOUSE GELATO DOTS If you have blank canvas and want to add a little colour to a room, the new Gelato Dots from Speckled House are just what you need. Dress up a wall, mirror, window , table top or tiles for a bit of colour. Pack contains 3 sheets of 72 dots in total. Available from Speckled House RRP $42.95
OOBI LADYBIRD TEE LILAC Give your little one their own set of wings with this gorgeous spotted tee this summer. The gorgeous little wings are a super soft jersey fabric that are comfy and east to wear. Comes in lilac, pink and red and is available from Oobi Baby and Kids RRP $39.95
CARAVAN CUBBIES Your little ones will be the most popular kids amongst their friends with this amazing retro caravan kids cubby. The cubby houses are retro inspired from the original Tear Drop caravan from the 50's and are manufactured locally in Melbourne. RRP $1,995 Available from Caravan Cubbies
SQUIRT BABY FOOD DISPENSING SPOON Feeding baby just got super easy and really mess-free!! The Squirt baby food dispensing spoon allows for convenient feeding, one bite at a time. Available from Lime Tree Kids RRP $13.95 11
CHARACTER PUZZLES Glottogonʼs brand new gift boxed puzzles are the perfect birthday or Christmas gift. Each puzzle features a quirky array of madcap characters that kids canʼt wait to meet! Character Puzzles come in six delightful designs featuring illustrations from an eclectic range of international artists; Fairy, Mermaid, Robot, Princess, Pirate and Dinosaur. Finished size 40cm x 30cm. Available from Glottogon. RRP $24.95
CHILL FACTOR™ SLUSHY MAKER In less than a minute, you can make a delicious frozen slushy treat. Just add your favourite chilled drink to the frozen Slushy Maker cup, put on the lid and squeeze! Available from The Chill Factor and selected retail outlets RRP $14.95
ATTIPAS PRE-WALKER SHOES Attipas functional toddler shoes were released in 2011 after 7 years of research and development at the Seoul University. Based on kinetic and physio-dynamic tests of toddlers walking, these unique non slip shoes ergonomically support infants first steps and thereafter. Available from ATTIPAS RRP From $14.95
GET BUSY WITH BUSY LITTLE KIDS’ TOP PICKS FOR
SOME HANDS ON FUN OVER SPRING
13
FOOTPATH ARTWORK All you need is a few sticks of chalk and a footpath or
sidewalk, patio, even a driveway. Making an artwork
on something this big is so much more fun than the old
blackboard, and children think it's wonderful. This is a great activity for hand-eye
co-ordination and fine motor skills in younger children
ICE CUBE PAINTING This one can get a little
messy but it’s lots of fun for kids. Add some drops of
different food colouring to water in an ice cube tray and
freeze. Once it's set you’ll have some ‘water crayons’ that are perfect for drawing
on paper as they melt. A wonderful summertime
activity.
MAGIC FLOWERS This one is truly magical for your little ones and makes a great science experiment for older kids. Fill a glass or vase with water and stir in a few
drops of food colouring. Then, take a fresh white flower
(carnations always work well), snip the end of the stem and
place it in the water. Wave your hands, wait a few hours and abracadabra! The flower will begin to change colour.
Magic!
BACKYARD DINOSAUR DIG Put on your overalls and
helmet because it’s time to go digging. Grab a bucket and a hammer and start
your search for dinosaurs! You can hide a few toy
dinosaurs around the yard, in the sandpit or at the
beach. Some chicken bones make great pretend dinosaur
bones too so your children will feel like real life
archaeologists.
GO ON A SOUND SAFARI Take a walk around your
neighbourhood, local park or your backyard and listen to all
the sounds. Close your eyes and be very still. What can you hear? The wind blowing, dogs
barking? Perhaps birds chirping, bees buzzing, or
leaves rustling? This is a lovely activity to teach children how
wonderful silence can be!
THE COLOUR MATCH GAME Here’s a creative way to use
old paint swatches. Give your child a selection of
colours and then help them search around the house and garden to find things that match. This is a great
way to help them learn about colours and shades
MAKE A LEMONADE STAND Grab some lemons, cold
water, sugar and crushed ice and make your own
homemade lemonade. Once it’s tasting perfect, host a
lemonade party for all your teddies or even set up a
lemonade stand.
MAKE FRUIT SHAPES Fruit is much more fun when it is cut into little shapes and, these days,
there’s a cookie cutter for every shape you can
imagine. This is a great idea to encourage fussy eaters to
try something new.
GIVE THE TOYS A BATH If you're ever stuck for
something to do, gather up a few teddy bears, dolls or
spacemen and give them a bath. Children love being the
one 'giving the bath' and if they're like most toys, they
have been dragged around the yard a few times and probably
need a good clean..
MAKE SHAPES IN THE CLOUDS
Pick a day when there are plenty of fluffy clouds
around and find a comfy place to lie. Point out all the shapes you see and watch
how they move and change with the wind. Can you spot a monkey, donut, or a fire-
breathing dragon? You could even make some pretend
fluffy ice-creams.
GET UP CLOSE Everything looks better when
it’s super-sized, so grab a magnifying glass and go
searching around the garden. You’ll be amazed at the bugs
and flowers when you’re looking at them up close! Then
using the new things your children have seen, encourage them to draw their favourite
thing from the garden.
SET UP A BACKYARD KITCHEN
Using sand, water, shells, straw or herbs from the garden, set up your own
little outdoor kitchen. You can use anything you have
available - children love playing with all the different
textures. Add a few cups, spoons and a saucepan and
you can look forward to some delicious mud pie or
leaf soup for dinner.
MAKE A PET ROCK Time Magazine named it one of the ‘top 10 toy crazes’ of all time. Pet rocks originated back
in the 1970's but they’re still just as fun today! Simply find a rock, give it a name and draw on a face and, voila, you have your very own pet. Better yet,
it doesn't need walking or feeding. If you want to get really creative you can use stick on eyes, felt ears and
glitter pens, your child's imagination is the limit.
Did you have a childhood party that you will always
remember? Some of our Alphabet Street friends
remember some of their best parties they had as a child.
y how times have
changed since having a
children’s party in the 60’s,
70’s or 80’s.
Dessert and lolly buffets
didn’t exist and party
venues weren’t as plentiful
as they are for the
children celebrating
birthdays these days.
Birthdays were more
simplistic and the
expectations weren’t as
high. Parents could serve
party pies and sausage
rolls and everything could
be put on the table in
bowls or plates without
particular themed decor.
Games were simple and
party entertainers were
the parents who
organised the party.
These days, are we
making it all too hard for
ourselves and is the
pressure to provide an
amazing party for your
‘none the wiser’ 3 year old
too great?
I have to admit that I am
guilty of going over board
with entertainment,, party
favours and elaborate
food for my kids parties
but I guess I want them to
look back with fond
memories of the parties
that were held for them
and the love that was put
into the parties from their
mother. Although parties
were limited when I grew
up I have fond memories
of one of my early
birthday parties from the
late 70’s.
If you were a child of the
70’s or 80’s you have to
know that having a party at
McDonalds was THE party
venue of that era so when
my 7th birthday party was
at McDonalds, it was the
Best Party Ever!
There was no party room
built so tables were just
reserved in the restaurant,
party hats were issued and
baskets of fries,
hamburgers and soft drink
were supplied.
After the food, we were
back home for games,
dancing and cake. A disco
downstairs proved a hit
with the guests who twirled
around to current hits
being played on the tape
deck. This was also great
for a game of musical
statues.
Before it was time for the
guests to go home a
simple cake was cut and
everyone was content
when saying their
goodbyes.
This party may not have
been the most elaborate
but not many were in the
70’s. It was simple yet fun
and I can guarantee the
cost would have been
more affordable than the
parties of today....but it was
FUN and a party I
remember well.
Penny Price Alphabet Street-Owner 22
y best party ever was when I was
turning 6 years old. I have fond
memories of playing games such as
pass the parcel around a circle of my
little friends and pin the tail on the
donkey.
I always used to love frankfurts
dipped in tomato sauce, as parties
were the only time we had them as
kids.
It’s funny what you think is special
when you’re a child, because there is
no way I would eat a frankfurt now.”
Amanda Evans My Munchkin
Home
Penny Price Alphabet Street-Owner
ack in the ‘Olden Days’ (OK, it was the
seventies but the photos were black and
white and we wore ribbons in our hair
and handmade dresses) a party for us
was all about family, the local
neighbourhood kids and the CAKE. Not
much of a cook, my mum says she
always used to make a simple slab cake
(like in this picture) or a ‘J’ because ‘it was
easy’ - part of a circle cake added to a
bar cake, then iced!
If we were lucky, our Nanna would be
around for the big event which meant
we got a ‘fancy cake’, straight from the
pages of The Women’s Weekly
Cookbook. Two that I distinctly
remember were the Hedgehog, and the
Mouse on a Grandfather Clock. I have
tried to recreate them for my own kids
but never with the same success as
Nanna.
Julia Whitney Rudy and the Dodo
23
irthday parties were filled with
excitement and like Christmas night I
rarely slept the night before. Everyone
dressed up in their favourite party dress
and ready for a sugar overload. We
played party games such as pass the
parcel, musical statues and pin the tail
on the donkey. Mum baked up a storm
with lots of yummy food, my favourite
were the birthday candles (Tic-Toc
biscuit with a Life-Saver stuck on it, a
Fag lolly sticking out of it and a second
Life-Saver as the handle). Birthday cakes
usually had a theme I had a trampoline
cake, pool cake, dolly-varden etc. At the
end we loaded everyone up with a bit
more sugar and sent home lolly bags
full of sugary goodness. The parties were simple, but we always had fun.
Tanya Burgess Baby Hints and Tips
Penny Price Alphabet Street-Owner
his is a pic of me at my 6th birthday
party, my memories were of a fun day,
games such as three-legged and egg
and spoon races in the backyard and
pass the parcel with only one present
wrapped inside! My mum made the
teddy bear cake from the Australian
Women's weekly cookbook.I wish my
mum would have kept the dress I am
wearing, it was one of my favourites,
floor length with flowers and butterflies
all over it – just fabulous! Nanna.
Sura Bolt Red Plum Linen
24
est party ever – as a child it was when I
was 3 – my first real BIG girl party! I
remember it as a haze of fun,
excitement, noise and CAKE – really the
best day ever, ever for a 3 year old! As
you can see from the pic – I am most
certainly a 70s child so there was a lot
of fun running about, party games and
simple stuff. My grandma baked the
cake, mum made fancy sandwiches and
our little home was filled with under 5s ,
laughter and mess – I still smile when I
think of it, Fabulous! were simple, but we always had fun.
Karen Mennie Glottogon
Penny Price Alphabet Street-Owner
here were no “themes” or elaborate
decorations, no jumping castles, paid
performers or candy buffet tables.
Childhood parties for us meant love, family
and friends oh and OODLES of traditional
Greek food & desserts! Nothing was
“planned” – impromptu games of tiggy,
backyard cricket and of course the all time
squealing fave once the street lights came
on – murder in the dark! Singing, dancing
and putting together dance performances
for the parents… parties started mid
afternoon and went well past midnight
with most of us collapsing together and
falling asleep watching a movie whilst we
could hear the sound of our parents
chatting and laughing away in an adjoining
room!
Tina Coves Little Boo-Teek
25
TEN party ideas for under $100
NOT ALL KIDS PARTIES HAVE TO COST A FORTUNE. MARAYA FROM LITTLE PARTY LOVE SHOWS YOU HOW PROVIDE A WONDERFUL PARTY ON AN
AFFORDABLE BUDGET.
xtravagant kid’s parties are becoming very popular lately, but not everyone can afford to spend hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on their child’s party. So, with this in mind, we have put together the top 5 boy’s and girl’s parties with a budget of about $100.
1. Fairy Party Decorations To create a pretty fairy table all you need is a pink plastic tablecloth and lots of sparkles! To give it an extravagant feel buy some tulle from Spotlight and use it as a table skirt, or even make bunting out of it. Your local bargain shop will have everything you need to dress the table, including plates, cups and bags to coordinate your theme. You can also find plastic wands that you can use for a number of purposes including; gift bags, activities or even to dress up your food! If you are looking for a more ‘woodland fairies’ theme, why not try covering your table with artificial grass to give your little guests the feeling of being in a real wood? You can coordinate with red and white tableware.
E
Shmick Bunting available from Hot Dollar or Base Warehouse from $2.
Food Food doesn’t have to be costly. Fairy bread pinwheels are cheap, easy to make and look fantastic. Butterfly cupcakes are also popular with little girls. If you are a confident baker try cake pops covered in edible glitter. Even pink doughnuts, stacked on top of each other and held together with a star wand in the middle, look great and don’t use a lot of time or money. Image Source: Exclusively Food
Activities It’s important to keep little hands busy so how about painting their own fairy house? Spotlight sells small birdhouses in unpainted wood so set up some paint and brushes and have them create their own fairy houses. Another great activity is creating their own wings. Use two wire coat hangers covered in stockings and twist the hooks together to create wings. Have the girls decorate them with glitter and sparkly stickers.
2. Arty Party Decorations To give the party table an arty feel cover it in butchers paper. You could even get your kids to decorate it with textas before the party. Another eye-catching idea is to buy cheap paint brushes, paint them bright colours then string them up like bunting. Your guests will be amazed! Buy multicoloured plastic plates and cups and alternate them on the table for best effect. You can even use paint cards from the hardware shop as place cards.
Food Go bright and colourful, with fruit on skewers, cupcakes with icing in primary colours, bowls or jars of Smarties and Skittles.
28
Food Sticking with your pastel theme you can get coloured macarons from Woolworths for a very reasonable price. Coloured fairy floss in a jar also looks sweet and you can make some sparkly cake pops and tiny cupcakes. You could even serve ‘pink champagne’, carbonated water with pink cordial.
Activities Set up some pamper stations. Use some large plastic containers as foot spas and have some sparkly nail polish and stickers ready to use for a mani/pedi. You can buy super cheap nail polishes at bargain stores and a lot of chemists. Facials are fun too! Use a facial scrub or mask and a light moisturizer and cut up some cucumbers of the authentic spa experience!
4. High Tea Decorations Who doesn’t like a high tea? They are so popular these days but they don’t have to cost a fortune! Decorate your table with a crisp white cloth, or lace tablecloth if you have one. Check the bargain bin at Spotlight to find scraps of sweet floral and pastel fabrics and cut them into strips and tie them to string for a cute bunting idea. You can find tiered cake stands in op shops and online for a reasonable price. You can also hire them from local vendors (or maybe Grandma even has some!) Use them to set the table with as they epitomize the high tea experience.
Food It’s all about the small and delicate at high tea- cucumber sandwiches (or something more exciting!), tiny cupcakes, macarons, mini sausage rolls and quiches, the options are endless as long as you keep them small.
Group your cupcakes in colours and display them on a piece of board cut in the shape of an artist’s palette- they will look like paint! Use a vanilla cake mix and divide it into sections- colouring each section differently. Use this to make coloured cake pops- no need to even dip them in anything!
Activities Art parties are so easy to entertain the kids. Your local bargain shop will sell everything you need. They are full of cheap art supplies and canvasses and you can set up an art table for children to create their own masterpieces. You could even put together art packs as a sugar free take home gift.
3. Pamper Party Decorations Little girls love a pamper party! To decorate choose a colour theme- soft pastels are good. Hang up some tissue paper pompoms these are super easy to make but if you aren’t the crafty type you can buy packs at your local bargain shop), and make some pastel bunting to string across your table. Use a white or soft pink tablecloth.
Image Source: Pinterest
29
or in a large popcorn maker if you have access to one. Create a concession stand with pick and mix sized chocolate bars, hot dogs, popcorn and lollies in jars with lolly bags for the guests to fill. You can even buy authentic popcorn boxes and cups from your local cinema for about 20c per item.
Activities Put together a photo booth for the paparazzi to photograph the stars. Have dress ups, hats, sunglasses and props and let the kids go crazy! You can also show a movie in the lounge (or the garden) for the kids while they eat their food. They’ll love it!
1. Dinosaur Party Decorations You can have so much fun with dinosaur decorations! Get some calico and paint dinosaur footprints on it to use as a tablecloth. Bunch together brown, green and orange balloons for an earthy feel and make bunting from dinosaurs cut out of coloured paper. Just buy a cheap dinosaur colouring book and trace the dinosaurs onto brown, green and orange paper and stick string across the back.
Food Make Pterodactyl nests by mixing melted chocolate with shredded coconut. Shape into nests and refrigerate. Add peanut M&Ms or chocolate eggs to the nest for instant fun! Fill plastic cups with jelly and when half way set, drop a dinosaur lolly in. The kids will love digging them out. Cups filled with veggie sticks make a great Herbivore’s garden and watermelon slices can be stegosaurus spikes. Ice cupcakes with green icing and top with mini dinosaurs or dinosaur lollies. You can get big bags of dinosaurs at Kmart or your local bargain store.
Activities Get into the high tea spirit with some old fashioned garden games. Try quoits, croquet and boules to keep the kids entertained and burn off some sugar. The novelty of these garden games will keep them entertained for hours. You could also have a dress up box and have the girls take part in a fashion parade of silly dress ups.
5. At the Movies/ Red Carpet Decorations A movie/red carpet party is all about red, white and black! Some red fabric from spotlight will make a great red carpet for the guests to arrive on and then set your table out with a red table cloth to match. Use black streamers curled and laid on the table to look like a film reel and hang some red, white and black pompoms above your table.
Food A movie needs popcorn! Popcorn is one of the cheapest foods you can serve and is also one of the most popular! You can display it in big glass bowls Image Source: Pinterest
31
Activities Collect cardboard boxes and have the kids create their own trucks. They can paint them, add wheels and play games wearing them once they are done. You could even build an obstacle course they have to navigate. Get a pile of play dough and some mini trucks and let them build mountains and drive their trucks everywhere.
3. LEGO Party Decorations The decorations for a Lego party are definitely primary colours! Lots of red, blue and yellow and throw in some green too. You can download the Lego font to create your own signs. Make Lego bunting by buying sheets of paper and sticking six circles on them to look like Lego pieces then string them up like bunting. Use a red or yellow tablecloth and red, yellow, green and blue balloons. You can also use Lego to build containers to hold knives and forks etc.
Food You can make lots of things look like Lego bricks. Ice milk coffee biscuits in different colours and add six coordinating M&Ms to look like Lego blocks. Cut sandwiches into rectangles with extra bread dots on top and fill bowls with red, yellow, blue and green M&Ms. Cut cheese slices in the shape of Lego men heads and serve on crackers or build Lego food cups and fill with fruit in matching colours.
Activities Have a Lego building competition or pin the hat on the Lego man. Colour in a Lego character or fill a jar with Lego bricks and have a guessing game!
Activities Fill a shell pool with sand and bury lots of little dinosaurs. Digging for dinos will keep them entertained for hours! Hard boil some eggs and give them some markers to create their own dinosaur eggs!
2. Truck Party Decorations Get out your Hi-Vis colours for a truck party! The decorations are all about orange and yellow for this theme. Print out some road signs, cut them out and stick them up. Yellow and orange balloons and streamers work well and your little boy’s truck collection can earn its keep- looking great on the table filled with food.
Food We can really have some fun with this. Chocolate covered doughnuts become spare tyres; cover milk coffee biscuits with chocolate icing and add a red, orange and green Smartie and you have traffic light biscuits; ice cupcakes and cover with chocolate biscuit crumbs to look like dirt; fill your trucks with chips or popcorn and serve up meat pies and sausage rolls.
Image Source: The Crafty Crow
Image Source: Pinterest
Image Source: Pinterest 32
5. Surfing Party Decorations Get into a beach mood with blue, green and orange decorations. Buy paper lanterns from your local bargain shop to string up and make some colourful flag bunting. Use the family surfboards for backdrop at the table and use a blue or orange tablecloth for a genuine beach feel.
Food Beach food is fun! Ice cupcakes with blue icing and cut out shark fins from grey card to place on top. Put lolly fish in cups of blue jelly and serve ice cream in small baking cups with wooden spoons. These can all be found in sets at most bargain shops. Put gumballs in a jar and label them ‘beach balls’; ‘lolly worms can be bait’. Cut sandwiches in the shape of surfboards and serve lots of fresh, tropical fruit.
Activities If you cant actually take your guests surfing or swimming then how about water games in an inflatable pool? They can play with water bombs, have water balloon races, and you can even set up a water slide. Find an old surfboard, paint it white and have the kids decorate it for the birthday boy. They will have a lot of fun and it’s a nice keepsake. For more great party ideas, tips and tricks, DIY, expert advice and a party directory visit www.littlepartylove.com.au or www.facebook.com/littlepartylove123
4 Sports Party Decorations Use sports trophies and balls from around the house to dress up your table. You can cut out footballs from brown paper and string them up as bunting and put a chalkboard up, drawn up like a scoreboard. You can use white balloons drawn up as soccer balls and make food labels shaped as balls.
Food Serve up meat pies, sausage rolls and hot dogs for a genuine sporting experience. You could set up part of the table like the cart at a football stadium- with ice creams, chocolate and drinks to keep your sports stars happy!
Activities Sports mad kids need games to occupy them! Play traditional playground games like Kanga Cricket, Bin Ball, T Ball and Frisbee. You could even make up some trophies or ribbons to award to the winners.
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One of the world’s hottest party stylists and creator of blog sensation www.karaspartyideas.com, Kara Allen is touring Australia in February and March 2014. Based in UTAH with her husband and three boys, Kara had an early interest for party planning taking every opportunity to plan parties for family and friends from a very young age. Kara started Kara's Party Ideas in January of 2009, as a creative outlet & place to post all of her many events. Since then her following has grown to over
180K facebook fans, she has been featured on numerous USA morning shows and magazines and has launched her very own book , ‘Kara’s Party Ideas’ which gives you the inspiration you need to turn your special moments into unforgettable memories. Kara Allen is bringing her knowledge and experience to Australia where she will be sharing DIY tips and styling knowledge at a number of fun and informative workshops in Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Kara’s self-confessed #1 fan,
WORLD REKNOWNED PARTY STYLIST KARA ALLEN IS HEADING ‘DOWN UNDER’ TO SHARE HER TIPS ON PARTY PLANNING AND STYLING.
Australian Party Stylist Sarah Osmotherly from Sugar Coated Mama www.sugarcoatedmama.com saw an opportunity to bring Kara to Australia after realising just how popular Kara was down under. Sugar Coated Mama has partnered with Australia’s biggest party planning fair Confetti Fair, brainchild of Sydney mother Claire Cassey to bring Kara out from the United States. Confetti Fair is a one‐day
event that brings together over 60 amazing exhibitors in the categories of styling, sweets, décor, stationery, flowers, 34
cakes, products, planning and dessert tables. It will be held in the same venues as Kara’s Workshops in Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland New Zealand. Whether you are a budding party planner, party business owner or just love to plan amazing parties, Kara’s Aussie tour will cater for all her fans. For those who want the rare opportunity to spend the day with Kara and learn the tricks of the trade they can attend Kara’s intensive workshops. Or for fans wanting to meet Kara, get their book signed and visit her shop, Confetti Fair is the place to be!
Tickets for Kara’s Party Ideas Workshops are available NOW at: www.sugarcoatedmama.com Tickets for Confetti Fair will go on sale in November 2013 at: www.confettifair.com.au
&Newcastle
Newcastle City Hall Saturday 15.02.14 Kara’s Workshop 8am - 12pm
Saturday 15.02.14 Confetti Fair 1pm - 5pm Sydney
Byron Kennedy Hall, Fox Studios
Friday 21.02.14 Kara’s Workshop 9am – 5pm Saturday 22.02.14 Confetti Fair, 10am – 4pm
Melbourne Williamstown Town Hall
Friday 28.02.14 Kara’s Workshop, 9am – 5pm Saturday 01.03.14 Confetti Fair, 10am – 4pm
Brisbane RNA Showgrounds,
Bowen Hills Friday 07.03.14 Kara’s Workshop, 9am – 5pm Saturday 08.03.14 Confetti Fair, 10am – 4pm
Perth Perth Zoo
Wednesday 12.03.14 Kara’s Workshop, 9am - 5pm Adelaide
Latvian Hall, Wayville Friday 14.03.14 Kara’s Workshop 10am - 3pm Saturday 15.03.14 Confetti Fair 1pm - 5pm
Full day workshop - $495 Half day workshop (Newcastle & Adelaide) - $295
Part payment plan available 35
1 The invitation is what sets the tone of the party. You want it to be fun and inviting. Kids will be so excited to come to your party if you have a good invite!
2 You need something to immediately get the kids attention. You could have a fun craft for them to put together, a jumbo party themed colouring art to go at and more.
3
& These are perfect because they won’t break! You get the nice awesome chic look and don’t have to worry about broken glass. Paper straws are also a must have. Not only do they prevent spills, but are biodegradable and come in all colours to match any theme.
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These add perfect flair to your event! Save on the clean up work and add something completely adorable to your spread. Much better than the regular old plastic utensils.
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Kids go crazy over candy. You don’t have to go overboard here. A few jars full of different candies will be plenty. Smiles all around!
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6 Keep the kids engaged with a fun party activity that will bring laughter and smiles!
7 An inexpensive yet perfect way to decorate. Hanging up a banner or two will add so much to your party. They are super easy to make, too!
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The saying goes that every party has to have balloons! But if you don’t want to run to the store to get helium filled balloons right before your party then you aren’t at a loss! Adorable tissue balls and lanterns are a great balloon alternative!
9 Super easy to make, or very inexpensive to purchase; cupcakes are a must at a children’s party. Often times kids don’t finish their piece of cake, so cupcake are perfect because they are just the right size. Plus, cupcakes are the most adorable party dessert ever!
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You want to say thank you to your guests for coming! Send them home with something that will remind them of the party and how much fun they had! A little party favor goes a long way
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WANT TO CREATE A SPECIAL PARTY FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE BUT NOT TOO SURE WHERE TO LOOK? CHECK OUR FEATURED PARTY VENUES AND SERVICES FOR A MEMORABLE CELEBRATION.
STONZ CAFE 200-202 Buckley Street, Essendon Celebrate your child’s birthday with one of Stonz themed craft parties. Children can create an exciting take home masterpiece inspired by their chosen theme and overseen by a Craft instructor. Stonz will take care of everything Venue Hire, Food, Craft Assistant and Party Staff all you need to do is choose a date! Party Themes: Space Party, Princesses, Dinosaurs and Butterflies & Flowers. Party Times: Fridays 4pm –5:30pm Saturday & Sunday 3pm – 4:30pm www. stonz.com.au
JIMMI JAMZ 175-177 Lygon St East Brunswick The large , open, pram friendly space is perfect for kids parties at Jimmi Jamz in East Brunswick. The sunny courtyard is equipped with turf, umbrellas, little stools for little legs, and plenty of pram space for tiny ones. Upon arrival each child will receive a goody bag with balloons, party hats, a lolly bag and a colouring pack to keep them busy. Parties are available for booking Mon-Fri between 9am-4pm. Cost is $15 per child and included delicious pizza. www.jimmijamz.com
WILD ACTION-THE ZOO COMES TO YOU! PH: 0419 385 245 Chris Humfrey started Wild Action in 1994. Wild Action was the first Company in Victoria to pioneer interactive wildlife birthday parties. Your child and guests will be absolutely mesmerised. Imagine having a live baby salt-water crocodile, giant insects, baby hand-reared kangaroo, green-tree frog, goanna-lizard, bearded dragon, stumpy-tailed lizard, giant (non-venomous) python snakes and vibrantly coloured parrots inhabiting your house or venue. The animals brought along are dependant on the package you book. There are FIVE ‘Hands on’ educational shows to choose from including; Australian Animals, Insect-A-Mania and Mini Beasts, Rockpool Discovery, Endangered Species and Backyard Biodiversity. Wildlife parties are priced from $400 + GST for the 1 hour show. The birthday child gets a copy of their TV show and every guest receives cool stickers and bookmarks to celebrate their WILD EXPERIENCE www.wildaction.com.au
LUNA PARK 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda Luna Park Melbourne is passionate about providing a fun experience to all, so it's only natural that we go the extra length to ensure your birthday party is jam packed full of fun from start to finish! Hours of unlimited rides, loads of delicious party food and a unique themed Party Tram for you and your friends. Choose between an unlimited ride party package or a three single ticket ride package. Both packages include party food, rides, fun party hat and novelty gift, seating and birthday card. www.lunapark.com.au
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THE PARTY ROOM FOR KIDS 70 Dow Street, South Melbourne The Party Room for Kids is the perfect party venue for Toddlers to Teens. Choose from four party themes – fairy princess, disco, galaxy and dinosaur jungle. At The Party Room for Kids, you can hire the venue with all the lovely party inclusions and choose to bring your own food and cake or select from the menus on offer. Venue hire is $675 inclusive of GST for 1.5 hours for up to 25 children. Inclusions are Venue hire, Party Host, Invites, Candy Bar, Kids Drinks and Parents Drinks. Additional cost per head for catering. www.thepartyroomforkids.com.au
JITTERBUGS DANCE PARTIES Phone: 0415 438 990 Jitterbugs Dance Parties provide an opportunity for all children to dance, smile, move and groove and most of all have lots of fun on their special day of the year. All Jitterbugs Dance Party entertainers have dance experience, an understanding of children, lots of enthusiasm and a passion for entertainment and FUN! Our party entertainers ensure that your birthday child feels special and the Jitterbugs Dance Party is filled with fun, games, glamour and dancing. Parties start from $230 for up to 12 guests for an hour and a half of entertainment and fun. See inclusions here. www.jitterbugs.net.au
THE FAIRIES BITHDAY PARTY! 30 Essington Street Grovedale Every little girl wants to be a fairy and now she can with a birthday party at The Fairies Geelong. With 7 different parties to choose from, there is something for every little fairy or wizard. Rainbow Magic Party with Rainbow the birthday fairy, Wizard party with Blizzard the birthday wizard, Fairy Craft Party, Best Fairy Friends party with Rainbow and Blizzard, Fan-Fairy-Tastic Upgrade party, and a deluxe party-Fairy Princess Perfect. Recently added to the mix is a Disco Diva Party where you can dance in the dance in the Disco Garden to hit songs and includes invites, cool games, disco food, prizes and loot bags. Parties are priced from $325 for 12 children for the Fairy Magic Party and go up to $495 for the Deluxe party. The Kids disco diva party is $350 for 15 children. www.thefairies.com
BOUNCE INC 2 Weir Street, Glen Iris BOUNCE INC is the perfect venue for children with lots of energy to expel. Fully catered with a private party room for kids, each party has a dedicated ‘host’ that will be with you from “welcome to BOUNCE” through to Happy Birthday and all the jumping and activities in between. Parties are priced from $28 per person (minimum 10) and include a dedicated party host, 1 hr jump time, 30 mins in private party room, Hot food and cold drinks and Official Bounce True Grip socks. Optional extras include lolly bags, ice-cream cake and if you want to bring you own cake there is an $8 fee. www.bouncinc.com.au
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ARTEA 5/36 MILLS ST ALBERT PARK If your child loves to get creative, then a birthday party at Artea is guaranteed to put a smile on their face. From choosing the overall theme of the party, to hand painting the invitations before they go out, your budding artist will just love to get involved! There’s loads of arts and craft activities to choose from for the party too suitable for all ages! Whether it be painting canvases, fabric animals, clay sculptures, decorating bears, skateboards and masks, or designing appliqués for T-shirts, aprons and bags; your child and their little buddies will have tonnes of fun perfecting their masterpieces! And, because Artea is run by professional artists, they’ll have the chance to ask questions and learn while they create, making the whole experience educational too! Yummy gourmet treats and refreshments including an unique designed organic birthday cake will keep everyone’s creative juices flowing. Then, once the individual creations are complete, everyone will work together to decorate a large mural as an extra special gift for the birthday child to take home! Musical statues and pass the parcel finish the party on an exciting high, and everyone leaves with adorable handmade thank you bags filled with all sorts of exciting art goodies! www.facebook.com/Artea.Studio.Cafe
teeny tiny rainbow garland Invite Me RRP $38.95
Sambelliina Ice Cream Cups Sambellina RRP $6.95 for 12
PLANNING A PARTY FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE? CHECK OUT OUR MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL PARTY ITEMS TO MAKE YOUR PARTY A SUCCESS.
Icecream! Printable Invitation - Blue Style Me Gorgeous
RRP $20
Confetti Bomb LARK RRP $10.95
wooden spoons confetti spots Invite Me RRP $9.95 for 20
Striped Paper Pinwheel on wooden stick The Little Big Company RRP $19.99
Pretty Princess Cake Stand Castle LARK RRP $19.95
Apple Green Polka Paper Cups Little Big Company RRP $4.95 for 8
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Chevron Pastels Large Plate Illume Design RRP $7.99 for 12
Circus Party Photo Prop Pink Frosting RRP $17.50
Rainbow tape bunting The Party Studio RRP 19.95 for 2.5m
Sambellina Scallop Favour Box Rainbow Stripe The Party Parlour RRP $4.95 for 6
ZZTotz Party Box Pirate ZZ Totz RRP $63.00
Cupcake Cookie Cutter Sweet Themes
RRP $3.95
Need some party inspiration for your little one? Check
out the gorgeous parties planned by the professionals.
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Hootabelle
Character parties don't have to be about using all licensed products, so when Adriana's mum contacted me to style a Hootabelle themed event for first birthday I knew I could immediately count on graphic designer Nicole from Pretty and Print to create something beautiful and girly which would tie subtle elements from Hootabelle to form the basis on the invitation and event paperie. Pastel pinks, purples and peaches macarons and cake pops with button and butterfly details and sweet heart patch cupcakes were used to create a very feminine event which still echoed the Hootabelle theme with the use of Hootabelle's buttons, sewed patches and of course the sweet hootabelle cake from Cake-a-lishious. Guests were given hand tied ribbon noodle boxes to fill with a selection of candy with a favour thank you tag from the birthday girl and an accompanied matching wrapped chocolate bar.
RED WAGON EVENTS
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For the love Of marshmallows and sprinkles
When it came to theming this little three year old's party, it was a no brainer. Marshmallows are her favourite treat she practically swallows them whole, and then when asked what she would like for her birthday, her response was "lots and lots of sprinkles". So here formed... 'for the love of marshmallows and sprinkles'. We opted for a bright colour palette with yellow and bright pink being the primary colours. august children will almost never enjoy a warm and sunny birthday so we thought to bring it to her. With 20 of her best buddies to help her celebrate, we made sure there would be lots for them to keep them busy. From a babyccino station, a marshmallow pop making station, to drawing cards as placemats on their table and a game of pass the parcel. The main cake table was filled with all things marshmallow or sprinkles. The super sprinkled covered chocolate birthday cake to the mini marshmallow cakes, choc coated oreo pops, cookies to marshmallow frosted cupcakes. The party wouldn’t be complete without our DIY touches. Details such as the sprinkled filled balloons, sprinkle edged frames, the marshmallow ceiling garland, hand-painted (dotted) party bags, pom pom flowers and sprinkle rimmed drink bottles. All in all the birthday girl was in her element and so were her little guests and there was no such thing as a sugar overdose...surprisingly.
LETTUCE & CO
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Lah Lah’s Big Live Band party
With my daughter’s love for Lah-Lah's big live band I was ecstatic to discover they now held birthday parties and booked them the second I found out. Upon Lah-Lah and Buzz's arrival, Lah-Lah entertained the children with face painting whilst Buzz set up. Lah-Lah and Buzz kept the children dancing, singing, partying for every. I'd made red and white ribbons with bells attached to red hair bands so they could easily slip them over their wrists and dance along with them. I was also able to pick up a bunch of toy microphones. I had focused on a red and white theme which was perfect being just after Christmas there seemed to be so many red and white (oh and also green) party supplies on sale. The cake, my daughter wanted a Lah-Lah cake. So out on the hunt I found a doll, gave her a bob haircut and added a headband. Then made up they Dolly Varden cake (we already had the tin from a previous year Belle themed cake) For the party food, I had purchased carriages and car meal boxes and added red and white themed food. It consisted of red and white fairy bread, red and white striped jelly, strawberries, home made sausage (and vegie sshh ) rolls, nuggets, a small treat and water or juice depending on the child’s request. The party bags were simple. I'd given Lah-Lah and Buzz the names of the children and they signed and personalised CDs for each child and I added a little musical recorder to it.
SAMANTHA YEP-Alphabet Street Reader
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Pastel Butterfly 1st B’day Party
Lots of tulle, butterflies, ruffles, ribbons, boutique backdrop custom made by Style Me Gorgeous, pastel pretties and the most exquisite flowers by Cheryl at Rosehip Flowers made this party the lovely pastel beauty that it was. The amazing ruffle cake by Jodie at Get Frosted was the feature of the dessert table, along with vanilla and lemon push pops, strawberry & white chocolate mousse, raspberry macarons, butterfly cookies, chocolate coated oreos, oreo truffles, peanut butter balls, vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, mini lemon meringue pies and pastel meringues. The drinks table featured fresh lemonade and pink grapefruit juice with individual milk bottles and butterfly accents. The savoury table featured vegie stick cups, cucumber and salmon bites, fresh sandwiches, and lots of other yummies.
SUGAR COATED MAMA
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Archie’s 3rd Birthday Alphabet Party
The party was for my little boy's 3rd Birthday ( Archie). He had just started pre school, and was enjoying learning new things, so we decided to do an alphabet/pre school party. The backdrop was by Sarah from Style Me Gorgeous. It gave that classroom feel and set the tone for the rest of the elements in the party, also not having his age on it, meant that I could use it in his bedroom afterwards. The Cupcakes and Cookies were by the very talented Donna from Sweet Table. Her work is so perfection, and she is always so accommodating and open to suggestions with designs and ideas. She did letters cookies, and blackboard style cookies, and then for the cupcakes, she had little pencils, books, and apples on top. I made the birthday cake ( don't look too closely!!), and did the DIY on the lolly jars, and number. We also had colourful jelly with personalised spoons by Louisa at Bespoke Party Products. Louisa from Bespoke Party Products, also did the labels for the favours. The favours were little plastic Apple containers ( from Louisa The Little Big Company) as was the apple drinks Dispenser, and I filled these with some treats for boys and girls.
RUBY MAY DESIGNS
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Carnival Theme Party
Tiny Tots Toy Hire was asked to style a circus/carnival theme for a five year old boy birthday party. The room was decorated with bright colours giving it a carnival feel. The balloon arch and cakes added to the wow factor for both adults and kids and the photo booth with all the props was a big hit. The star of the show was the life sized TICKET BOOTH available for hire and can double up as a photo booth too. Children were entertained playing carnival games such as duck game, ring toss, pin the nose on the clown, can toss, temporary tattoos and more! Food included mini burgers, corn cobs, mini pizzas, toffee apples and hot dogs which were served from the hot dog stand, lemonade stand plus a cake and dessert table full of yummy treats. All props are available to hire from Tiny Tots Toy Hire.
TINY TOTS TOY HIRE
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Adam’s 1st Birthday Nautical Theme
Styled By Belle created a nautical themed birthday party for 1 year old little Adam. The birthday was held at a Bayside events venue, so the nautical theme suited the setting perfectly by the water. Adam's mother wanted to incorporate the traditional nautical red, white & blue with a touch of gold. Lots of nautical props were used such as fish netting draped over the dessert table, red& white striped oars, as well as a life buoy which was attached to the front of the table. Nautical inspired cord was tied around the candy jars, brown sugar covered the cake stands to imitate sand, and lots of nautical inspired desserts such as: •Raspberry macarons made as life buoys •Anchor cupcakes displayed on sand (i.e. brown sugar) •Nautical anchor cookies •Navy cake pops with jute twine tied to sticks •Layered jelly pots •Chocolate bars in custom wrappers (displayed on mini sun deck chairs)
STYLED BY BELLE
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PARTY ABROAD EVER WONDERED HOW KIDS PARTIES ARE CELEBRATED INTERNATIONALLY?
WE HAVE FOUND SOME OF THES BEST KIDS PARTY VENUES ACROSS THE WORLD.
Kids parties in Australia seem
to be becoming bigger and bigger but it seems that internationally they can be a major production depending on the budget you have in mind. We have found some of the best party venues across the globe that make children’s parties a memorable occasion.
Eloise Party at
the Plaza NYC
Many of you would be familiar with the ‘ELOISE’ books which are a series of children's books written in the 1950s by Kay Thompson. Eloise is a six-year-old girl who lives in the "room on the tippy-top floor" of the Plaza Hotel in New York City with her Nanny, her pug dog Weenie, and her turtle Skipperdee. Not only do the Plaza have an Eloise Suite which is located on the 18th floor and decked out in an Eloise-approved palette of pink and black, there is an equally splendid Tea Party room that is dedicated to Rawther Fancy Teas and birthday parties.
Depending on your budget or specific requirements you can secure a party at The Plaza from $700 to $1,150+ for a minimum of 8 children. The room rental for the cheapest party is one hour only and three hours for the more expensive party. Most of the themed parties include Tea Party rental, themed decorations, invitations and thank you notes, a keepsake favor bag for each guest and Kay Thompson’s Eloise Book for the birthday girl, arts and craft activity, cupcake tower and a selection of delicious treats to dine on. As the parties get more expensive there are more
inclusions for your little one and her guests including, children’s entertainers and face painters, Warren-Tricomi beauty service (includes either hair, make-up, or nails), dress up and fashion show plus a more upmarket menu that caters for both children and adults. You also have the opportunity to upgrade your favor bags and your party with additional options to make your little one’s day even extra special. For more information go to www.theplazany.com “What a marvelous idea, you will have such fond memories! Charge it please, thank you very much!” –Eloise
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FAO Schwarz
Toy Store NYC
I think for many of us, our first introduction to the FAO Schwarz Toy Store and the “Big Piano” was during that memorable scene in the movie ‘BIG” of Tom Hanks playing Heart and Soul and Chopsticks as everyone looked on. FAO Schwarz is not only the oldest toy store in the United States, but one of the oldest retail establishments of any kind. It has been trading for more than 150 years and draws thousands of visitors each year who come to witness the magic and wonder of FAO Schwarz. Many children in New York are given the opportunity each year to celebrate their birthday at this iconic toy store. Parents can book the private party room which is located on the second floor just near the ‘Big Piano’. The fun begins as your guests are greeted by an FAO Toy Soldier and are personally escorted to the Party Room.
The party room is decorated beautifully with balloons, along with items from the store that follow your particular theme! The party room can be booked on weekends or weekdays with weekend parties priced at $1500 for 1.5 hours and $1250 for 1.5 hours and $750 for 1 hour. Themed decorations, party games, FAO Scwartz toys in the party room to play with, pizzas and beverages are all inclusive in the price but on weekend parties, guests will be treated to a special piano dance show by FAO Schwarz staff.
Parents are also invited to upgrade their children’s party with a selection of craft and entertainment options including Disney Tiara making, magician or musicians, face painter, balloon sculptors and the famous Muppet Whatnot Workshop at an additional cost. For more information on parties at FAO Schwarz go to www.fao.com
FAO Schwarz Party Room
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Maggie and
Rose London
UK
Maggie & Rose is a private members club for toddlers. The exclusive club accepts day old members and offers organic gardening, and cooking lessons, flamenco dancing, Jackson Pollock inspired art classes, a soft play area, playroom and cafe. A membership will cost families £585 a year or you can pay by term. In addition to the daily membership activities that are planned, Maggie and Rose offer parties at their Kensington and Chiswick locations. Maggie and Rose have the most extensive range of party offerings which is categorized by age groups. Party packages are offered for 1-10 year olds and a range of organic food is offered for both children and adults. A party at this exclusive club starts at £225 for member and £375 for non members for venue hire . You can then choose to add on other items such as entertainment £195- £450, food £8.50- £9 per child, goodie bags £5.50- £6.50 per child and photographers, decorations, birthday cake and party invites all at an additional cost. The entertainment component include a number of themed activities from cooking to craft to more active parties like cheerleading parties. The themes are all age dependant and offer a wide range of activities for the birthday child
and their guests. The Maggie and Rose Boogie Bus is a double decker bus where party goers can dance to their hearts content. Guests will also be able to show off their party skills with kiddie karaoke and when they get hungry they can head downstairs to the dinkie diner for some organic hot dogs, perfect popcorn , crispy crudites, magnificent milkshakes and seasonal fresh fruit. www. maggieandrose.com
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Red Carpet
Kids
New York USA
One of Manhattan’s most unique and exciting experiences for children’s birthday parties, family events and other social occasions is Red Carpet Kids. Located at 231 East 62nd Street inside one of the grandest townhouses on the Upper East Side, Red Carpet Kids provides a once-in-a-lifetime, interactive, Old Hollywood inspired event experience and venue concept, where the party host and guests are led by working actors to get styled, walk the red carpet, star in an original film, and attend a premiere party with an awards ceremony. Leaving no conceptual detail spared, the 5,000 square foot space is outfitted with a film studio, red carpet patio, art deco lounge, and luxurious screening room with a concession stand. Guests are guided through a simulated VIP check-in, red carpet interview and paparazzi shoot, hair, makeup and wardrobe, green-screen film shoot, wrap party, film screening, and miniature Oscar hand-out. For the actual film, clips from the green-screen shoot are dropped into one of several different 7-minute, pre-shot films created by Shure, Saslow and the Red Carpet Kids staff, who are all working actors and assume the roles of directors, producers, cameramen, stylists, reporters, and assorted butlers to fuel the adventure. Several different all inclusive experience packages are
available and include invitation and RSVP management, refreshments, cakes, gift bags, and a take home DVD for the host. Parents can choose from four all inclusive packages including Royalty on the Red Carpet Party, The Hollywood Improv Bash, The Movie Buff Party, The World Premiere Party and The Academy Awards Gala. All packages start from US$2500. www.redcarpetkidsnyc.com
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Hamleys
London
What better place to hold a children’s birthday party than one of the biggest toy stores in the world. Hamleys gives parents the choice of five different party packages, each containing various inclusions. Parties start from £150 for the basic Hamleys party. The Official Hamleys Tour caters for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) and includes and official Hamleys Tour Guide, birthday cake and refreshments served in the Hamleys Party Room and 2 x Hamleys goody bags. If you were looking inviting more guests, there are four other packages to choose from.
The Weekday Party £350 , The Themed Party £650, The Exclusive Sunday Morning Party £1800, and the Hamleys Dream Sleepover £4500. Each of the parties include party entertainers, party food and goody bags but depending on the cost of the party, there are additional inclusions in each party. The most elaborate party on offer is the Hamleys Dream Sleepover. For £4500, you will have Hamleys all to yourself and your guests for a weekend sleepover. Walk the red carpet for a sparkling OJ on arrival, smile at the cameras for your very own photo shoot with your friends, enjoy your movies at midnight and choose from a delicious menu including late night snacks. www. hamleys.com
Fabrik Prima Ballerina Milk Dress $118 Fabrik Soiree Dress Milk $89.95 Fabrik Betty Dress Milk $89.95 68
A PARTY IS JUST NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT THE PERFECT PARTY FROCK. WE HAVE FOUND SOME OF THE MOST GORGEOUS MUST
HAVE PARTY DRESSES THIS SEASON.
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1. Hide and Seek Summer Dress-Ocean RRP $44.95 2. Tutu Du Monde Upperclass Tutu – Apricot RRP $179 3. Rock Your Baby Blue Floral Dress RRP $39.95 4. Coco & Ginger Maya Dress RRP $121 5. Fred Bare Muslin Frill Dress RRP $64.90 6. Country Road Embroidered Dress RRP $59.95 7. OOBI Isabella Pink Dress RRP $69.95
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