It seems the childhood favourite of slumber parties have become revamped and now there is a new trend of fun slumber party setups with cute individual tents (or even one jumbo giant tent!) and lots of details to make each little guest feel extra special!
If the thought of a slumber party complete with mid night snacks, movies and late night giggles…causes you stress…perhaps it’s time to embrace the crazy and give it a go. There’s plenty of ideas for mums to style up a storm for a sleep over party from our Life’s Little Celebration members! Simply CLICK on any image below to be taken to the relevant business:
Styling by Illume Partyware
Slumber Party Invitations
Sleep overs (in my book anyway) do mean smaller guest numbers, so why not splurge a little and send an invite which is personalised and customised to suit your child – particularly if it’s a first sleep over.
Sleep Over Party Invitations, Pink Pom Pom Kids
Sleep Over Party Invites, Emma Smith Stationery
Slumber Party Decorations
Sleep over parties are actually a thing – with or without the sleep over part! Decorate a room complete with pillows, rugs and sleepy themed accessories for the ultimate retreat. We found some great supplies from our LLC Vendors. You could incorporate stars, moons and clouds for a sweet sleepover feel:
star garland – Little Boo-teek
Cloud and star garland, Favorlane Party Boutique
Aqua cloud balloons, Little Bookteek
Stars and moon hanging decorations, Favorlane Party Boutique
Pink shimmer streamer backdrop, Party! She Said
Rose gold giant moon balloon, Ruby Rabbit Partyware
Giant cloud balloon kit, Ruby Rabbit Partyware
Star and moon pinatas, Party Pony Pinatas
Sleepy eyes balloons, Ruby Rabbit Partyware
Pink sleepy eyes balloons, Ruby Rabbit Partyware
Slumber Party Tableware
One of the most exciting parts of a sleep over has to be the midnight feast, right? Endless bowls of popcorn, movie snacks and DIY triple decker burgers. Whether you decide on a table set up or individual table trays, pretty it up with coordinated pastel tableware and sleepy themed accessories.
Gold confetti plates, The Party Parlour
Unicorn marble plates, The Little Event Company
Pink and gold hex plates, Party! She Said
Blushing hearts plates, Ruby Rabbit Partyware
Cloud party cups, Little Booteek
Cloud napkins, The Party Parlour
Slumber Party Hire Items
Gone are the days of guests sleeping on couches and the lounge room floor! Make it a special occasion with the addition of individual tee pee beds and trays, or set up a tent in the backyard (my personal favourite from a noise point of view!) with a styled interior they won’t want to leave! You can either hire teepees or use some wonderful vendors who specialise in setting up kids slumber parties:
Tee Pee hire, Tiny Tots Toy Hire, Sydney
Slumber party tee pee hire, Sweet Dreams and Goodnight, Perth and Melbourne
Tee Pee sleep over – tent hire, The Slumber Boutique, Brisbane
Tee Pee hire, Kings Party Hire, Melbourne
Slumber parties – The Sleepover Club (Sydney)
Slumber Party Cakes & Desserts
With so many movies to get through and late night chats, snacks are a must at any slumber party. So why not theme them with clouds, stars and tee pees too.
Glitter star cupcake toppers, The Party Parlour
Polka dot cupcake cases, Party! She Said
Star cake topper, Kiki Sprinkles
Cloud cookies, SweetP Cakes and Cookies
Gold star cookies, Sweetly Bakes, Perth
Sleeping cloud cookies, Sweet Eve, Melbourne
Tee pee cookies, Petite Cookies, Melbourne
Slumber party cookies, Cookie Queen Kitsch’n
Star themed cookies, Cookie Queen Kitsch’n
Moon and stars chocolate moulds, Confectionately Yours
Slumber Party Favours
Slumber parties with friends make great memories, so send the kids home with a themed special gift they’ll treasure for years to come (after catching up on sleep!).
Tee Pee themed favours, Glitter and Glue Designs
Pink pillow box, Party! She Said
Favour bags with stars – Little Boo-teek
These personalised sleeping masks make a wonderful gift idea:
Customised eye mask, Red Pebble Design
This could be a fun party activity or a craft kit to take home:
Dream catcher kits, Free Range Living
A slumber party really is such a fun childhood memory – it’s only one night of broken sleep! Enjoy it whilst you can make it extra special for a birthday.
Choosing a custom cake
While nothing beats a birthday cake lovingly made by mum or dad, many busy parents are happy to hand over to the professionals. A custom cake is an investment but well worth it. A spectacular cake that captures the spirit of the party and the guest of honour will not only be the centrepiece of the event, it is likely to be the thing your child remembers about the party as the years go by or that will feature in the photos when they cut the cake.
So, what are the things to consider when making this important decision? Genevieve from Cake Chemistry by Genevieve in Sydney shares her expert tips here!
Budget
Before the design ideas start flowing and emails go back and forth, it’s important to decide how much you want to spend. This is likely to be influenced by the significance of the occasion and the scale of the celebration. Or, you might want something extra special just because!
A custom cake will generally cost more than a design you choose directly from the decorator’s website/portfolio. The additional cost of a custom cake is due to the time taken to communicate about and to design the cake. If a custom cake isn’t in your budget, most cake decorators also have a range of pre-designed cakes which are less expensive if no alterations or additional communication is required.
Other factors that impact cake cost are:
The number and size of serves you require
- -There are price differences with additional tiers. This is because the process of creating each individual tier and then assembling the cake correctly to ensure it remains stable is time consuming and time is generally the main influence on cost.
- -Price differences for different width single tiers may be less significant depending upon the cake design as the time taken to create say an 8 inch diameter cake vs a 10 inch diameter cake of the same design is similar in many cases.
The style of cake e.g.:
- -Fondant cake
- -Semi naked cake
- -Naked cake
- -Buttercream cake
- -Sculpted (3D) cake
The price differences are in part due to the cost of ingredients but are mainly due to the time taken to construct each different cake style.
For example, a single tier fondant cake needs to be baked, ganache or buttercream prepared, the cake trimmed and filled with ganache or buttercream then covered in a perfectly smoothed coat of ganache/buttercream.
Any sculpting required is done before this process. Once the cakes are covered in fondant, they are smoothed and edges worked on. Then decorations which may themselves have taken many hours to create, are applied. This is the process that may take from hours to days (generally days!).
The type of decorations also influences the cost:
- -Handmade decorations (e.g. sugar flowers, fondant characters )
- -Pre made toppers (e.g. plastic figurines, ‘Happy Birthday’ )
- -Fresh flowers
- -Hand panted cake
- -Stencilled cake
- -Hand piping
- -Drips
- -Meringues, macarons, fresh fruit, candy
- -Edible gold or silver leaf
Cake flavour also influences the final price:
- -Cost of ingredients
- -Time to prepare
Other things to consider when choosing a cake
Some design factors to consider are:
- -Party theme. There are thousands of themes but most decorators are up with the main trends and themes pretty quickly
- –Colour scheme of the party
- –Flavour/s
- -Cake style (see above…fondant, semi naked etc…)
- –Age range. For example, kids tend not to want fruitcake and may prefer a buttercream cake to a fondant cake.
- –Weather. A buttercream cake for an outside party in the middle of summer may not be a great idea.
- -What the guest of honour wants of course!
- –Allergies and food intolerances. Always let your cake decorator know before selecting flavour/s.
Choosing a cake decorator:
- -It’s easy to get a feel for the kind of designer you like just by flicking through a stylish party or cake magazine.
- -Choosing a decorator often comes down to location but may also be influenced by whether they deliver.
- -Word of mouth. Friends and family may be able to recommend someone who has made them an amazing, delicious cake!
- -Does the decorator also do coordinated cookies, cupcakes etc?
Other tips:
Make sure you provide your decorator with some ideas, images and any other items of inspiration where possible. A few images of cakes you like will always be very helpful. A copy of the party invitation, tableware etc may also help create a cake that fits perfectly with your style and theme.
When you initially contact a cake decorator for availability and a quote, be as specific as possible. “Could you make a cake for my daughter’s birthday and how much will it cost?” is difficult to accurately answer. As already discussed, there are many different types of cakes with different prices ranges and most decorators will need to know the date to check availability.
Satisfaction guaranteed!!
Feel assured that the greatest reward for a cake decorator is seeing the reaction of a client to their cake. We’re always after a big WOW!! We are almost all perfectionists and a little bit obsessive about smooth sides, sharp edges and precise detail. Your cake will be amazing!!
Thanks Cake Chemistry by Genevieve for sharing these must know tips when ordering your kids party cake. As you can see, her work is stunning – so if you’re looking for a Sydney based cake decorator for your kids party – ensure you contact Genevieve!
Come one! Come all!
Carnival party – Paper Face Party Sydney
Thanks to a certain recent hit movie, the carnival is popular once more and it’s revived the classic party theme we haven’t seen in a long time!
A carnival party can be so easily adapted for any age group or occasion, simply by changing up the characters from cute circus animals to something a little more Greatest Showman inspired for older children who loved the musical.
So ROLL UP as we’ve found a fantastic range of carnival and circus inspired party supplies from our LLC Vendors to help pull it all together for you. Just CLICK on any image below to be taken to that business!
Carnival Party Invitations
Set the tone for your occasion with a great invitations depicting elements of the carnival like a Big Top tent, animals, popcorn, a carousel or fun bright colours.
Pop up carnival invitations, The Party Parlour
Custom Carnival Party Invitations, Giggles & Grace
Carnival party invitations, Kids Prints
This is perfect for a more girly Carousel take on a Carnival theme!:
Carousel themed invitations, Pink Pom Pom Kids
Carnival Party Decorations
Decorating for your kids carnival party is super easy – just use plenty of colour or just red and white, adding fun elements you’d find at the greatest show. Prop hire is another great way to bring the show alive with ticket booths, signs and animals amongst some of our favourites.
Popcorn foil balloon, Favor Lane Party Boutique
Hotdog foil balloon Favor Lane Party Boutique
Lion balloon, Little Boo-Teek
Confetti balloons, The Party Parlour
Circus signs, Little Boo-Teek
Carnival party backdrop, Giggles & Grace
Carnival banner, Paperface Party
High chair banner, Theme It
Coloured balloons, Instant Party Packs
Carnival table centrepieces, Little Boo-Teek
Carnival theme table pom pom decorations, Theme It
Carnival themed props for hire, Tiny Tots Toy Hire, Sydney
Ticket booth prop hire, Tiny Tots Toy Hire, Sydney
Carnival themed prop hire, Enchanted Party Hire, Brisbane
Carnival Party Tableware
Admittedly you wouldn’t be seated at a table at the carnival, but a party table for little guests to enjoy their party treats is always a welcome rest and adds another element of decoration. There’s plenty of themed coordinated carnival tableware to choose from, or mix and match bold colours for a fun and bright carnival theme.
Popcorn table cover, Party! She Said
Carnival themed plates, Little Boo-Teek
Carnival plates, Party! She Said
Carnival coloured plates, The Party Parlour
Red coloured cups, Instant Party Packs
Red plates, Instant party packs
Carnival themed kit, Party Kit Co
Carnival Party Cakes, Desserts and Accessories
A trip to the carnival wouldn’t be the same without a treat! Popcorn, hotdogs, cakes and clever character cookies are not only YUM, but they make great carnival props on your dessert table.
Carnival themed baking cups, The Party Parlour
Striped baking cups, Instant Party Packs
Chocolate wrapper, Kids Prints
Clown cookies, Cookie Queen Kitsch’n, Sydney
Carnival cupcakes, Delleicious by Elle, Sydney
Carnival cookies on sticks, Petite Cookies, Melbourne
Carnival cake, Sweetest Jubilee, Melbourne
Carnival cookies, SweetP Cakes and Cookies, Noosa
Carnival cookies, The Cookie Star, Sydney
Vivalicious Sweets, Melbourne
Carnival ice creams, Vivalicious Sweets, Melbourne
Flyaway Pineapple
Delleicious by Elle, Sydney
Carnival Party Favours and extras
Consider your party favours the show bags of your carnival! Fill treat boxes or bags with left over treats, fun games and souvenirs – but not before playing some carnival inspired games and pulling a funny face in the photo booth!
Carnival Bit Top treat box, Party! She Said
Carnival loot bags, Party! She Said
Carnival blow outs, Little Boo-Teek
Admit One stickers, Party! She Said
Clown game, Party! She Said
Carnival photo booth props, Party! She Said
Carnival tickets, Ruby Rabbit Partyware
Carnival themed favours, Glitter & Glue Designs
Carnival party favour bags, Kids Print
Clowning Around favours, The Loot Lab
Circus party favour box – The Loot Lab
A carnival party theme is so much fun for all ages! And guess what…? You now have an amazing soundtrack to use too!
A party inspired by the majestic and graceful swan is the ultimate in whimsical and girly themes.
Swan ballet party, Dream a Little Dream Events, Perth
Perfect for birthday’s, christenings or baby showers, you can let your girly alter ego loose with this theme with plenty of glitter, feathers, pinks, white and gold to create a fantasy tale for your little princess.
Despite it’s delicacies, a swan party is surprisingly easy to pull together too! Pull inspiration from the Swan Lake ballet or Swan Princess fairy tales to create a magical party, and below you’ll find lots of swan party supplies we’ve found from our LLC Vendors.
Swan princess party, My Petite sweets, Perth
Swan themed Christening dessert table – Life’s Little Celebrations
Swan Party Invitations
Pinks, white and a touch of gold make a great colour palette for a swan party, and your invitations make a great base for the rest of your styling. Here are some pretty swan party invitations and stationery to get your swan party planning happening!:
Swan themed invitations – Pink Pom Pom Kids
Swan Princess Invitations, Emma Smith Stationery
Swan Party Printables, Joyful Invitations
Swan Party Decorations
Continue your colour palette through to your decorations and add a touch of feathers and swan themed supplies. We’ve selected a range of white and gold decorations as well to work in with a swan theme:
Swan garland, The Party Parlour
Small white swan foil balloon, Ruby Rabbit Partyware
Gold foil curtain, Little Boo-Teek
Swan themed backdrop, Dream a Little Party
Swan backdrop, Joyful Invitations
Gold foil balloons – Party! She Said
Swan inspired slumber party setup – Sweet Dreams and Goodnight, Perth & Melbourne
Table hire, Sweet Heavenly Events, Sydney
Swan Party Tableware
Create a whimsical table setting with coordinated swan tableware and plenty of fresh flowers as centrepieces. With the popularity of this theme lately,there has been an abundance of gorgeous swan partyware and tableware hitting the online party boutiques…so we’ve found the best for you mixed in with some others to match in with the colour scheme:
Swan paper plates, The Party Parlour
Gold and pink plates, Little Boo-Teek
Pastel pink plates, Party! She Said
Princess swan plates, Party! She Said
Swan napkins, The Party Parlour
Gold and white plates, The Little Event Company
Swan party plates – Party for Stella
Pink iridescent swan plates, Ruby Rabbit Partyware
Swan Party Cakes, desserts and accessories
Delicate sweets speckled with gold, crowns and swan shaped accessories completes the perfect swan party dessert table.
Glitter swan cake topper, Favor Lane Party Boutique
Gold baking cups, Little Boo-Teek
Gold foil cupcake wrappers, Party! She Said
Swan cake toppers, The Party Parlour
Swan cake topper, Ruby Rabbit Partyware
Swan cake topper – Tiny Tutu Cake Couture
Swan cake toppers, Sugarlicious Parties
White and gold desserts mixed in with Swan themed delicacies will lead to a scrumptious swan feast!:
Ice creams, Cakes by Sarah, Perth
Swan cookies, Cookie Queen Kitsch’n, Sydney
Copper and Cocoa, Sydney
Dellecious by Elle, Sydney
Dome’s Strawberries Delights, Sydney
Swan cookies, Frosted by Nicci, Melbourne
Swan cookies, Little Biskut, Sydney
Swan party desserts, My Petitie Sweets, Perth
Swan cupcakes, My Petite Sweets, Perth
Swan choc pops, Suck at Parties, Melbourne
Swan cookies, Sweet Avenue, Sydney
Swan cookies, Sweet Eve, Melbourne
White and gold donuts – Sweetly Baked, Perth
Swan cake, Vivalicious Sweets, Melbourne
Swan Party Favours and added extras
The added extras are what set this theme apart, with feathered crowns for guests, bespoke favours and keepsakes from this special occasion such as a gorgeous pair of swan inspired wings for the birthday girl:
Arabella’s Vintage Wardrobe, Perth
A gorgeous feather crown would also be totally fitting for your little swan princess to wear for her birthday!:
Feather crown – Kirei Handmade
No one can ever say no to this fairy floss! We think it’s so delicious and fluffy and soft it totally works in for a Swan themed party favour!
Gourmet fairy floss, Fluffy Crunch, Sydney
And no one can resist a bit of chocolate either! These are perfect especially for adult guests for example at a Christening or Baby Shower:
Swan themed chocolate bar wrappers – Joyful Invitations
For the kids, some swan themed lollipop holders or crayon holders like these are perfect and so pretty!:
Swan favour box, Glitter and Glue Designs
So if it’s a whimsical, feminine and modern theme you’re after for your next special occasion, a swan party theme ticks all the boxes with these finds!
Balloons have well and truly taken over the party scene and Balloon Garlands are the perfect way to create that wow factor at your celebration and kids party. Whether you are wanting to create a party backdrop or dress up a dessert or cake table, a garland is certainly the way to go and Favor Lane have a gorgeous range of balloon decor to choose from that we’re pleased to give you a sneak peek of tonight!
Now thanks to the One Styling Party DIY Balloon Garland Kits, you can easily create your own beautiful garland in under an hour.
The DIY Balloon Garland kits from Favor Lane are available in 14 colourways, each of which includes all you need to make a 2 metre garland.
They have recently introduced matching Balloon Bouquets which include 12 x 30cm balloons which can be filled with helium. Half of the balloons included in the kits are double layered (one balloon inside another) to create a unique and appealing colour.
Inside each the kit, you will receive:
12 x 30cm balloons (including a minimum of 3 confetti filled)
36 x Mini 12cm balloons
A Hand (air) pump
A balloon decorating strip
Step by step instructions for assembly
If you are wanting to add other colours to your garland, they sell individual 12cm Mini Balloons and 30cm Standard Size balloons in a broad range of colours from just 0.40c each.
STYLING TIP: The addition of 2-3 of their Jumbo (60, 75 or 90cm) Balloons will really take the garland to the next level. A touch of foliage will also add a beautiful finishing touch.
(Styled Shoot Image Credits: Snow White DIY Balloon Garland Kit on Dessert Table. Styling by Opulenticity Party & Buffet Styling. Image by Love Her Photography.)
Favor Lane suggest inflating your balloons the day/evening before your event. This will take approximately 20 minutes. When you are ready to start assembling the garland, lay out the balloon decorating strip and begin inserting the tied balloons into the pre punched holes. It is best to alternate the direction of which you push the balloons through however our packaged instructions will explain this further. Allow at least 30 minutes to assemble the garland.
(Styled Shoot Image Credits: Rose Gold DIY Balloon Garland Kit on Drinks Cart. Styling by Opulenticity Party & Buffet Styling. Image by Lifa Wall Photography.)
So if you’re wanting to add some fun balloons and balloon garlands to your next kids party and enjoy the process of a bit of DIY then I encourage you to head over to Favor Lane and browse their full range of balloon decor and balloon garlands and try them! They certainly add a huge element of style and ‘wow’ to any party!