Party finds from not-so party shops

As a mum of 2 little ones under 3…I don’t have the luxury of wandering the shopping centres or streets hunting down unique props and party accessories. I know there are bargains to be had out there….but for now, most of my shopping is done online!

So today I thought I would share a few finds from some stores which you can find in your shopping centres but also visit online – perfect for me because if I do get to visit a shopping centre alone I can run in and quickly to buy what I need after already seeing it online without browsing the whole store (ok I still browse the whole store anyway…!…)

Anyways the stores below (which I know most of you know and love anyway!)  while not being specifically party stores, often have lots of things you can use to style your table!

Nearly all the finds below are under $20 and some under $10. Lots more on their websites!

Most of you know TYPO has wooden letters but check out these new MAP letters…perfect for a travel theme/aeroplane theme/pirate theme:

 

Map letters - TYPO

 

Blackboards are always popping up these days at parties/dessert tables:

A4 chalkboard - TYPO

 

Also loving the cute canvas art at TYPO. Here is a cute one for a girl nautical theme!:

Cancas - TYPO

 

Homeware & linen shops like My House often have some unique home decorate items you can use for props at VERY affordable prices. This would be perfect for any girly party although you could style it specifically for a ballerina party or a french inspired do:

Mannequin- My House

Am LOVING these finds from Adairs Kids! Who knew they had they this stuff? Not me!:

Dinosaur paper chains - Adairs kids

 

Gorgeous playtent for a girly theme, but they also have BOYS ones too. These are perfect for kids in to play in during the party AND obviously to keep and play in for many days to come:

Cottage garden Play tent - Adairs Kids

 

Cute for a vintage style baby shower perhaps?:

Rocking horse - My House

 

Canopies like these make lovely backdrops & can be used in a bedroom after…& they are less than $30 !

Hiccups canopy - Pillow talk

 

A bit more expensive but you could use this many times over & use it for storage as well:

Teatime stand - My House

 

I know you all love Kikki.K. They have fantastic items you could use as party favours…like these notebooks for a rainbow party !

5pk notebook -Kikki.K

 

So there you go…a few more ideas of places to explore when planning your next party =)

Cake Toppers

A cake is truly one of the main features at any celebration but can also be quite a costly item! I am amazed constantly at the talent of many cake decorators and the works of art they produce.

However for the times where we either want to make our own cake, or cannot afford something too detailed – there are a variety of cute and unique items to top off a simple cake and make it look extra special!

Here are some I found available to purchase or order:

Tassel garlands seem to be all the rage right now, so why not use tassels for your cake bunting too?:

Tassel garland cake bunting - Red Elephant Creative

 

Tulle pom poms create such a soft and pretty effect and also make for a wonderful cake garland:

Tulle pom pom cake garland - Pom Pom Princess

Love this personalised cake garland with the name hanging down from the top!

Cake bunting - Hanging Pretty

 

A classic cake bunting such as this one really gives a beautiful finishing touch to any cake:

Little Boy Blue cake bunting - Pink Grapefruit

 

How about these flower pom toppers for something special? Bundled together for a gorgeous effect:

Cake toppers - Dunne with Style

 

These cake buntings come with optional name attachments as well – perfect for a personalised touch:

Shabby chic cake bunting & topper - Taffle Wishes

 

Washi tape is another new craze and you can find cake buntings pre-made using washi tape  if you don’t want to make it yourself:

Washi tape bunting - Inspiration Nest

 

These felt buntings are lovely and so easily reusable!

Birdy felt cake bunting - Sweet Tashie

 

Other options besides cake buntings & garlands is of course a cute cake topper such as a figurine that also make a nice keepsake after the party. Here are a few I found:

Nursery Rhyme cake topper - PassionArte

 

Personalised figurine topper - Cherry Red Toppers

 

Polymer clay toppers - Creations of clay

 

Peter Rabbit alphabet figurine - Peters of Kensington

Also available are acrylic cake toppers, and one such as this could be used many times over the years:

Acrylic cake topper - Creative by name

 

So many pretty, unique and fun options out there to offering simple ways to make a cake look extra special!

 

 

Delightful Drink Dispensers!

A drink dispenser is a wonderful way to serve a special refreshment at your party and can be used at both kids and adult celebrations.

I’ve noticed a lot of new styles being available lately so here is a run down of some beverage dispenser options if you are on the lookout for your next party! Just click on the image below to take you to where you can buy these from and in some cases – to view more beverage dispensers for sale at those online stores. There are so many different styles available – this is just a sample =)

 

Apothecary plain glass dispenser - Little Dance Invitations

 

Drink Dispenser - Alfresco Emporium

The touch of gold on this dispenser is just gorgeous!

Gold beverage dispenser - The Little Big Company

 

Elegant beverage dispenser with mercury lid - The Little Big Company

 

This two part drink dispenser has a lovely unique look and allows you to store ice or fruit down the bottom – looks great!

Two part glass drink dispenser - Occasion by Design

 

Love the wicker basket base to this dispenser:

Blairgowrie drink dispenser with wicker basket- Sweet Style

 

Nolan fleur drink dispenser - Sweet Style

 

Minnie ribbed glass beverage dispenser - Leo & Bella

 

Yorkshire mason jar beverage dispenser - Leo & Bella

A unique shaped dispenser – love the cute tap

Eco glass drink dispenser - Mai Style Party Boutique

 

Montauk recycled glass beverage dispenser - Dunlin

 

I’m loving the crown emblem on this dispenser:

Chateau La Belle Drink Dispenser - Crown Emblem - Lifestyle Home and Living

Enjoy your drink dispenser shopping!

 

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

 

New party finds – Feb 2012

There seems to be a lot of new party items coming up in all the online party stores! Here are a few which have caught my eye which I thought may interest you. I may do “new find” posts more often so feel free to e-mail me if you have a great new party product coming out! I have a feeling there will be lots of new products coming out in the next month or so after all the trade fairs finish up =)

These cake stands (available in pink, blue and white) are great child-proof options for your cake or other desserts and easily stored away too:

Cake stand - {P} is for Party

Also love these child-proof bright cake stands!

Coloured cake stands - coming soon to The Little Big Company

It’s always great to have more lovely disposable tableware options. Here is one new range which would be perfect for a Paris theme, Minnie Mouse theme, a Glam party theme or other girly theme with this colour scheme:

Tableware - Piece of Cake Parties & Celebrations

 

This is such an ultra-sweet party range by Belle and Boo which you could use to create a stylish and cute party without having a specific theme. There is everything from matching party bags to buntings and more!

Belle and Boo Party range - {P} is for Party

 

How gorgeous are these? Perfect for the nursery/bedroom and then can be used for all sorts of pretty party occasions!

Fabric Lanterns - The Little Big Company

 

Continuing the prettiness with this gorgeous teapot!

Rambling rose pink teapot - The Little Big Company

Blackboard signs are great on a party table or to welcome party guests or even to hold up with a message in a photo area!

Wooden blackboard sign - Occasion by Design

Cakes in a jar have become quite popular lately and here are new jars available which are perfect to serve these in:

Ball glass jar and lid - Sweet Style

These boxes are great to use as ‘risers’ to give different heights on your party table. One of the many great party props available from Shoppe with Lily!

Wooden cube boxes, set of 3 - Shoppe with Lily

 

A beautiful way to decorate a cake or cupcake – edible rose petals! Gorgeous!

Edible rose petals - Shoppe with Lily

Another lovely tableware range coming out soon:

New lace tableware range - Invite Me

Love these authentic vintage milk bottles for a different milk bottle look:

Vintage glass milk bottles - Leo & Bella

An alternative to party printables are ‘ready to go’ party packs and a new range has been introduced by Saffy & May with a range of items included. Here is one of the themes available:

New stationary range - Saffy & May

Love the idea of a chandelier decoration at a party – this cardboard one can be painted to look so pretty and obviously a lot more affordable option than a genuine chandelier!

Cardboard chandelier - Little Sooti

So they are a few of the recent party items I’ve spotted. Have you spotted anything new for parties which has stood out for you? Please share if you have!