I am thrilled to be featuring an interview with THE Kara Allen of Kara’s Party Ideas today. I am sure I’m not alone in saying that the Kara’s Party Ideas blog was one of the first I discovered and loved for party inspiration. It is the number 1 party idea website on google USA/Europe and her site receives over 1 million unique visitors just in the past month and she has over 213,000 facebook followers!
So when the Kara’s Party Ideas tour of Australia was announced (Pssst…see the end of this blog post for a discount code!) I knew that that I, along with many others would enjoy and benefit from these one day workshops:
In this interview for the Life’s Little Celebrations blog Kara shares some party planning tips and ideas and lets us know what to expect at her upcoming tour!
How did Kara’s Party Ideas start?
I started KarasPartyIdeas.com four years ago when there were hardly any party sites or blogs out there. I would search all over the internet for party ideas and could never find a place that had it all when it came to party inspiration, descriptions, recipes, vendor lists, party supplies, tutorials and good party images (I’m very visual, so seeing the parties in front of me instead of just reading about them was really important to me).
Ice Cream social by Kara Allen
Can you share what types of tips and ideas you are hoping to share at the workshop?
I will guide you step by step through my top 10 party planning tips covering everything from guest lists, venue, catering, timing, pricing, entertainment, styling and my party secrets!
You will learn new dessert styling ideas from around the world and techniques on how to style a stunning dessert table including sweets, theming, planning composition, colour palettes and more.
I will showcase exclusive dessert tables designed especially for my Australian Tour.
Back to school vintage party by Kara Allen
You will also learn baking tips from some of Australia’s finest cake artisans. They will be sharing their trade secrets in their baking demonstrations. I will also share some of my top baking cheat ideas!
I also love a bit of DIY action, so sit back and relax as I teach you some of my favourite DIY ideas to make your party unique.
What will party planning lovers get from your workshops?
Learn how to plan & style the perfect party. Tons of dessert styling ideas as well as demonstrations. This workshop is for mums who throw parties for their kids, those who love events, wedding planners, professional event planners, bloggers/site admins wanting to learn how to take their site to the next level and more!
Circus train big top party by Kara Allen
How will your workshops assist business owners in the party industry?
I feel so fortunate about KarasPartyIdeas.com being one of the largest party inspiration blogs in the world.
I use social media as a key tool to build my business.
Find out how I have done all this in just four short years and how you can use this new knowledge to build your own small business.
There will also be a lot of networking opportunities with like-minded women.Through fun getting to know you activities and ‘Kara’s Cupcake Corner’, you will have excellent opportunities to meet people with the same passions and form great relationships that can help in your party journey.
Geologist rock themed party by Kara Allen
What are you looking forward to about coming to Australia?
Meeting all of you! I can’t wait to party it up down under! Australia has always been on my bucket list. Not only because it’s absolutely gorgeous with so many amazing locations and things to see, but because there are so many talented party stylists and artists there!
Colourful art party by Kara Allen
What is your number one party planning tip for mum’s?
Start planning ahead so you give yourself ample time to organise an amazing event. Planning ahead will save a lot of money, but it makes the process fun and enjoyable, cutting out a lot of the stress. Also, remember to have fun, because planning a party can be so rewarding.
It’s also very important to have a good attitude, especially on the day of the event. No matter how hard you have worked on the party, it seems that there’s always something that goes wrong or something that doesn’t quite turn out like you had planned.
This is okay. Know that these things happen and just roll with it!
Your party will be a huge success because of all the hard work you put into it!
Mickey Mouse party by Kara Allen
Thank you so much Kara for sharing your thoughts with us as well as what to expect during your upcoming Australian tour! If you want to book your tickets to this not to be missed event, please click here!
You can receive a 20% discount off your ticket by quoting:
the booking code: kara20percentdiscount.
In the ‘referral section’ put Life’s Little Celebrations
You know those stylists who when their parties/events come up in your facebook newsfeed you just cannot wait to see the photos? Well – that is me when I see an event by Leanne Ambrogio from Sweet Style! I just adore her style and cannot fault her dessert tables.
Not only is she an amazing stylist, but she also runs the beautiful Sweet Style online store as well as her online blog (again one of my favourites). She is a wife, mum to four girls, involved with the Stillbirth Foundation Australia…yes you can imagine she is one busy lady! I have had the pleasure to meet Leanne in person and she is just lovely, warm and down to earth.
In this interview she shares her thoughts and tips for styling a dessert table, managing a work/life balance and having an event styling business. All the gorgeous images I’ve included in this post are Leanne’s work and are a true testament to her talent.
1) Describe your style when it comes to party styling
I describe my style as clean, fuss free with a few special details. A number of people have said to me over the past year that they know when they see a dessert table I have put together – I love that I have a style that is mine.
2) How do you keep inspired to ensure your creativity keeps flowing?
I am constantly browsing blogs and online magazines for inspiration. I have also been taking part in loads of online and e-courses that just help you think outside the box and give you access to other talented peoples thought processes. They challenge you to try different things and recognise what you love best & making that creativity flow.
3) With a party styling business, online store, young family, husband as well as your work with the Stillbirth Foundation- how do you manage your time to ensure your priorities stay in order & you achieve all you want to? Do you have any advice to other working mums on achieving this?
I am a big list writer – I am constantly writing new lists to make sure I keep on top if it all. I also have had to get realistic about how much I can achieve in a day, asking for help and learning to say no. Over the past 2 years I really feel as though I have grown so much as a person and I have become comfortable with saying no to jobs that really do not fit with my style.
4) What are your golden rules when it comes to styling a dessert table?
For me I like things to be balanced. This doesn’t need to mean it is symmetrical (although I do love a symmetrically balanced table), it just means that you need to balance the various components of the table – jar heights, cake stands and flat items need to all work well together to make the table flow well. The other thing to remember is that you don’t need to put too much on a table – or every piece of food you want to serve on the table – keep some in the fridge or cupboard so you can fill the gaps later in the party.
5) What are some tips you have for the day of your child’s party to ensure it all runs smoothly?
Tip 1 is get a great party entertainer – a good party entertainer will make a party run so smoothly. I would also send them an email explaining when you would like the kids to eat and cut the cake prior to the day, that way they can arrive and now exactly what is expected of them.
Tip 2 is make sure you order all of your party goodies a few weeks in advance so that it has plenty of time to arrive and allow for that change of mind if you don’t think the item is exactly right.
Tip 3 If you are putting together a dessert table, set up it up and ready to go as far in advance as possible (without the food of course). I usually put my table together with all my cake stands and bowls at least a week in advance so I can play around with it. On the day of the party put all the food out on the table early and take your photos and then put everything back in the fridge or away from little people and then get it all back out just before your guests arrive – it is far too stressful to try and take photos of a dessert table when other people are around.
6) Is there a party theme you would love to style for that you haven’t done as yet?
There are lots of themes I would love to try although a lot of what I want to do is currently based around my favourite colour combinations.
7) You have such gorgeous products in your store. What are your favourite and “must have” items?
My favourite must have item will always be the milk glass cake stand – they just set off any cake in any situation. They look good by themselves or group or stacked with others. I also love all the drinks dispensers in the store! They can be dressed up for a fancy wedding or dressed down for a casual bbq – guests just love them!
Milk glass cake stand in blue - Sweet Style
8. There are so many new party styling businesses starting up – what advice could you share that has helped you with your own success
My advice to new people is don’t underestimate the time it will take to plan and execute a beautiful table. I know that new businesses are desperate to get the job so they will give a cheaper price – in the long run it does not help your business as your next client is usually a referral from the previous client and they will want the same price. Work out how long you think it will take to plan, put together and importantly pack up, take home, clean and put away.
9) What do you hope your daughters learn from you as they see you run a successful business from home?
I would like to think that they are learning that having a passion for something is a fantastic way to ensure your work is enjoyable. My dad was a huge inspiration to me as he left school very young and by 18 had started his own business and never looked back – he was an entrepreneur that just got out there and tried new things – some worked and some didn’t but he gave everything a go – he was my hero so I would love to think my girls realise that they just need to get out there and give everything their best.
10) What is your own favourite dessert ?
It is so hard to pick my favourite dessert as I have such a sweet tooth – it is either something with chocolate or a lemon meringue tart! Mmmm
Thank you so much Leanne for all your tips and advice!
You can view Leanne’s work, her online store as well as her blog all from the
Sweet Style site.
Tassel Garlands seem to be one of the latest trends in party decor and Bianca from Blush Loves Mint is where you can order them in any colour combination you need! Along with the balloon frills that Bianca makes, tassel garlands add a unique and fun decoration to your kids party and I’m sure they would love them hanging in their room afterwards!
Read on to find out a bit more about Blush Loves Mint and how to win a $30 voucher to use towards your order!
1) Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start Blush Loves Mint and where did the name of your business come from?
I am a stay at home mum , my daughter Ruby is now 16 months old. I live in Melbourne and absolutely mixing colours.
I always thought i would return back to work after i had Ruby but that did not happen at all , while i was just at home i slowly had a growing obsession for the party/ event industry world.
That then lead to me wanting to decorate every occasion and i found these things called pom poms! i decided to start making them and selling them to people i knew personally.
Then they slowly started to get bought by party stylists around Australia but sadly i was finding that i couldn’t be to creative with them , i spotted some tassel garlands floating around the internet
and i knew they were what i wanted to make. I worked on my name trust me this is never an easy process “blush loves mint” was just something that i made up in my head and i thought it popped!
2) Tell us more about your tassel garlands and why you think they make a great party decoration?
All the tassel garlands are handmade , so the paper is hand folded and hand cut they are very time consuming and i love it. I find them easy to adapt to any occasion as you can have as many or little colour combinations. They are also great to have around the house after the party has finished. I think they are a wonderfully happy decoration.
3) What colour combination do you find are popular for your tassel garlands? Do you forsee any particular colour trends in the upcoming months?
Of course right now its all about pastel pastel & more pastels! This is also the trend within retail/shopping stores.
I have a feeling alot of corals , tangerines , golds and mint are going to be a big thing in the coming months & anything neon.
4) Tell us more about your balloon frills.
The balloon frills were just an extension of the garlands , i love the giant balloons and as i already had the tassels i thought they fitted perfectly with blush loves mint. They are also a great / affordable thing for anyone to buy who don’t want to spend the money on the garlands but still want the tassels.
5) What helps you stay inspired and motivated in running your own business?
Making wonderful connections with the same industry you are working in! I have made some business relationships with people and i now like to call them my friends. I love to support their work and share everything they do
6) What are your future hopes for Blush Loves Mint?
I would love to open a little retail space in the near future. I think the darling husband is a little over me taking over the house!
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Thanks Bianca it was lovely to hear more about you and your wonderful business!
GIVEAWAY…
If you want to win a $30 voucher to use towards your next order with Blush Loves Mint(valid for orders from November 2012 onwards) simply:
1) Write a comment on this blog post saying what colour combination you would order for a tassel garland
2) Write on the Blush Loves Mint facebook page saying that Life’s Little Celebrations sent you!
The winner will be chosen through a random draw from the comments on this blog post
Entries close Monday October 1st at 8:00pm (EST) & is only open to Australian residents.
Good luck!
I have the pleasure in this blog post of introducing Dalia of Tiny Tots Toy Hire, one of our lovely sponsers based in Sydney. Over the last 12 months I’ve seen so many unique, fun and fantastic party hire products being added to their range and there is truly no better kids party hire business in Sydney – they offer not only toys, but props, dessert table accessories, kids tables/chairs and more! Having personally used them myself I can also vouch for their excellent service!
Read on to find out more about the amazing and lovely Dalia behind this wonderful business and see some of the products they offer!
1) Tell us about yourself and why you are passionate about Tiny Tots Toy Hire?
I’m a mum to two gorgeous kids (yes I am slightly biased) aged two and four… they have the power to drive me insane and melt my heart all within a 30 second time frame! Actually… same goes for my husband – except in a longer time frame lol
I am absolutely passionate about this business and definitely don’t see it as “job”. It’s an all-consuming way of life! I strongly believe that to be successful at something, you need passion – regardless of what it is. I love being able to use a combination of my event management, psychology and business skills in what I do. But mostly, I love dealing with our customers (and others in the industry)… it gets me excited!
2) What are some of the exciting new products you have made available for hire?
There are new products being added weekly! Our new custom made vintage inspired Phone Booth prop has got to be the coolest item we’ve added in a while. Absolutely perfect for a Superhero party! We’ve also added very suave Ferrari ride-on cars and a black and white checkered floor perfect for a racing car party. Then there’s the multitude of pretty cake stands and fuschia outdoor garden setting… I could go on all day! Actually one more I must mention… our new Mickey Mouse, Mini Mouse, and Donald Duck wooden life size props – so cute in photos!
3) What are your most popular items and why do you think they are such a hit at parties?
When it comes to toys, the rollercoaster and the ball pit! Something about kids and balls… couldn’t put my finger on it… until I jumped into the ball pit with my kids one day and it all made sense! (We don’t recommend you try this at home by the way) The rollercoaster is great for all ages and it gives them an addictive thrill – they can’t get enough of it! As for props, the Lolly Stand Canopy Display is a hit and the kids Bubble Chairs – we have them in five different colours and we just can’t keep up.
4) Any great decorating ideas you have seen?
I love the idea of incorporating the theme into all aspects of the party (not just the dessert table for example). The ideas are endless… you just need to browse our Real Parties albums on Facebook to get some inspiration. Think themed lunchboxes for the kids, themed take home favours, even toys to match the theme!
5) What is your personal favourite party theme and why?
I have too many… there is no way I can narrow it down to one. When you’re in the industry we’re in, you fall in love every day! I love anything vintage (think My Little Jedi), I also love colour themes which are perfect for things like Christenings (think grey and lemon or chocolate brown and blue) and I have to say the unisex superhero party we just did with Sophisticated Yum was so much fun to style.
6) How far in advance do I need to book my party?
Some simple advice here… the earlier you book the better. We do get booked out and if you are particular about which toy or cake stand you’re after, or if your event is being held at a venue and you need specific delivery and pick up times then you need to get in early to avoid disappointment. Having said that, we have a very large range and there is usually always something available for those last minute requests.
7) What is your vision for Tiny Tots Toy Hire for the future?
It depends… can dreams become a reality? We have so much planned. We want to be the first place anyone thinks of when they’re organising a children’s party whether it be for toys, props or party hire (e.g. popcorn and fairy floss machines). We are constantly getting enquiries from around NSW and Australia… so franchising is definitely on the cards. All I can say is… watch this space!
To find out about Tiny Tots Toy Hire’s full range, please contact them using the details below:
Email: info@tinytotstoyhire.com.au
Website: www.tinytotstoyhire.com.au
Phone: 0410 660 121
Facebook: www.facebook.com/toyhire
