Planning a small soiree?

We have recently welcomed into the world our second daughter and for her Baptism celebration I am keeping it very small with only immediate family. However I still want to do something special for this occasion and for her.

I know my family won’t care how nice the cake looks, whether there is any decorations etc and I really don’t NEED to organise anything that special! However my view is that the occasion is special, my daughter is precious and therefore deserves something lovely to celebrate this day! Not to mention the fact that I enjoy doing things like this when I get the chance =)

I won’t be having a full dessert table and I know that extra candy and sweets will go to waste if I order them. So I’ve been thinking about how to style something sweet and small when there won’t be many desserts. I think it is more enjoyable sometimes to create something small as you need to be more creative in how to decorate and style and present things since the table won’t be overflowing with a lot of sweet items.

Props and memorabilia can fill a table nicely and make it meaningful. Items such as a photo of the little girl/boy, their candle from the ceremony, fresh flowers and candy jars filled with decorative items rather than sweets are all some simple ideas of dressing up the table.

The other point to think about is where to set up the sweets/dessert. A small celebration means you may be able to be more creative with how you display the cake and desserts as you don’t need as much room as a trestle table/dining table provides. You may have a small occasional table in your home that would be perfect for a small occasion:

Dessert table - Somewhere Splendid blog

 

Wedding dessert table - Lee Mae Marie blog

Another wonderful example of something gorgeous but small is this setup by Bianca from A Little Delightful who put together a tea party for 2, for her 2 children:

Tea party for 2 - A Little Delightful blog

Here is some more inspiration of small dessert tables which use lovely props to style the table:

Easter dessert table - The White Library

 

Pirate princess mini dessert table - Cake ink events blog

 

Table by Imbue Weddings - Polkadot Bride blog

I am looking forward to styling something small and special.

What about you? What is the smallest number of people at a celebration you have organised? Do you prefer to style something for a small or a large celebration?

 

Hello, it’s me again =)

It’s time to get back to blogging…perhaps a bit ambitious after only 6 weeks since the birth of my second daughter I know! My blog has been neglected for a while now due to busyness and tiredness with my pregnancy and moving house. I lost some of my inspiration and motivation for blogging during that time with all the other things going on.

However despite being sleep deprived I now feel excited about getting back into the Life’s Little Celebrations blog and providing you with party ideas and where to find items to match your themes =)

I won’t be posting as detailed and long posts as previously which contained sometimes over 100 products and would take a few hours to prepare! I do have 2 kids now under 2 years of age and they are my priority =)

However I will still be showcasing some great ideas and products for various themes and parties in general. I will also again be offering my Party Inspiration board service for those of you who want more detailed ideas and sources for decorations, printables, favours, tableware, etc.

Along with this I hope to write other blog posts on topics relating to parties generally – all written from the perspective of an average mum. I am not a stylist or party planner and I don’t have an unlimited party budget or a never ending stock of party items – I am a mum, like most of you, wanting to celebrate my little one’s with a lovely celebration!

So thank you all for patiently bearing with me and I hope you will join me once again!

 

 

 

Meet Dalia from Tiny Tots Toy Hire

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

Party Pretties – May 2012

There seems to be an endless supply of lovely new products appearing for parties these days. They are all so tempting so here are just a few party pretties I’ve spotted lately which I wanted to share with you all! Maybe you’ll find something to add to your collection or next celebration:

 

Nolan drink dispenser - Leo & Bella

 

Cupcake shaped jar - Sweet Little Birdy

 

Mini cupcake stands - Piece of Cake Parties & Celebrations

 

Milk glass cake stand - Sweet Style

 

Wooden cake stands in various colours - Leo and Bella

 

Chalk cake bunting - Chalk It

 

Floral paper cup with lid - The Little Big Company

 

Robert Gordon paper windmills - Occasion by Design

 

Ruffled tablecloths in various colours - Saffy & May

 

Paper garlands - Red Elephant Creative

 

Tissue garlands in various colours - Emerald and Ella

 

Sixlets - Sweet Style

 

Pink and white candy hearts - Sweet Style

 

Rock candy stars - Occasion by Design

 

Backdrop Tutorials

One of the first things I notice when I see all the amazing dessert tables being styled is the backdrop. It was also one of those parts of planning a dessert table which troubled me the most for my daughter’s party as there are so many ideas out there for backdrops!

So today I decided to compile some links of tutorials available on the internet of some DIY backdrop ideas.

If you want a collapsable stand that you can set up anywhere to attach a backdrop to, follow this tutorial to make your own!

Backdrop stand tutorial - Anders Ruff Blog

 

A backdrop of paper rosettes can create a stunning effect and allows you to mix and match various colours and patterns of paper:

Paper rosette backdrop tutorial - Catch My Party blog

A ribbon backdrop is such a pretty and interesting way to create a backdrop and the wonderful Leanne from Sweet Style created this easy tutorial for creating this style of backdrop:

Ribbon backdrop tutorial - Sweet Style blog

 

Follow this link for the tutorial on how to create this stunning painted lattice design backdrop!

Painted backdrop tutorial - Celebrations at Home Blog

I was lucky enough to work with Pauline from Sophisticated Yum last year who created this amazing Mermaid theme dessert table. She created a netted backdrop which you could use for any sea related theme:

Netted backdrop tutorial - The Party Studio/Sophisticated Yum

If you are up for a bit of a challenge then this paper flower backdrop is just gorgeous!

Paper flower backdrop tutorial - Tradewind Tiaras

 

Tassel Garlands are becoming more popular in backdrops – follow this link for an easy tutorial on how to make your own:

 

Tassel Garland tutorial - The Sweetest Occasion

A circle garland is an easy way to dress up a dessert table:

Circle garland tutorial - Tickled Peach Studio

I hope these links will help when creating your next backdrop!

Enjoy the creating and crafting!