HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

So, I know Halloween is not such a big deal in Oz. But seeing all the super cute craft and decorating ideas coming out of the States at this time of year, it really makes me wish we did.

I love all of these treat bag ideas from MarthaStewart.com....

Here are some little lolly bags (albeit much less elaborate!) that I have made up for any teeny, tiny, scary visitors to our house!

HAPPY HIPPIE PARTY (NATURE OR ECO PARTY)

Well, it's virtually the end of the month, and I still have two party packs to feature...

Today we will take a close look at the Happy Hippie Party (so you will just have to hold your breath for the final profile in November).

If you child whittles away the hours talking to the animals and filling his or her face with dirt, then this might be the party pack for you...

Here are some tips and suggestions to compliment your I LOVE PARTIES Happy Hippie Party Pack:

• Ask your guests to dress in their best retro gear. How adorable are these retro inspired little dresses from Pink Chicken in New York??

Photo from celebrity-babies.com

• Use native seedlings as table decorations.

• Put some rustic pencils/crayons or natural wood necklaces/bracelets/toys in your I LOVE PARTIES favour bags.

Available from fairtradingfaerie.co.uk.

• Hit Ikea to find some funky Swedish food and tablewares.
  

All products found on Ikea.com - available in Australia.

• Create make-shift tents out of sheets and scatter some cushions on the floor, or buy one of the gorgeous I LOVE PARTIES cardboard cubby houses that the kids can decorate themselves.

Photos found on Sam's Notebook from Juju books.

• Decorate the party area with paper chains (use newspaper) and fabric strip banners (handmade and included in your I LOVE PARTIES party pack).

Photos from Sam's Notebook from Juju books

• Serve up some fresh smoothies, veggies and dip and fruit skewers. You can also create yummy edible “creatures” (there are lots of gorgeous kid-friendly recipes online). See, for example, the Creepy Caterpillar recipe at http://www.freshfoodkids.com.au/kids/eat/fun-food-recipes/creepy-caterpillar/
  
• Try activities like sack races, a scavenger hunt through the garden, or a craft activity such as decorating mini terracotta pots (send guests home with a seedling to plant in their creation).

Photo from www.the-picnic-site.com

AN I LOVE PARTIES VINTAGE CIRCUS PARTY

In May this year, my son and I had a combined Christening and 1st Birthday (him) and 30th Birthday (me...obviously). He and I share a Birthday which means double the party fun for the next couple of years (while I can still get away with it).

The theme was vintage circus - the perfect theme to cover all age groups.

The room was decorated with colourful banners, vintage circus posters and a "homemade" big top (long strips of calico and lots of red paint!).

The tables were decorated with red and white striped table runners, tin toys, circus megaphones and bunches of red, yellow, blue, green and white balloons.

Brown kraft paper favour bags were decorated with variety of ribbons and filled with old fashioned lollies (including large jaffas, sherbet bombs, bananas, bullseyes, conversation hearts and lollipops) and some red "Admit One" tickets.

We set up a fairy floss, peanut and popcorn stand for people to help themselves. The peanut and popcorn bags were from etsy.

We had the meal catered, and it was a lovely BBQ with fresh salads and bread. I printed signs for the "Big Top Bar" and "Big Top Buffet". The kids ate fairy bread, cheese sandwiches and cupcakes with clown toppers and drank ice cream sodas.

I found a beautiful vintage clown doll on eBay that I propped up on the cake table.

Almost all the supplies for this party are now available at I Love Parties (http://www.iloveparties.com.au/).

It was a brilliant day and I had a great time organising it. I just hope everyone had as nice time...

GARDEN TEA PARTY

Today we are looking at the garden tea party more closely - a beautiful and classic party, which suits ladies of all ages.

Here are some tips and suggestions to compliment you I LOVE PARTIES selections:

• Put your china collection (or your mum's!) on display (out of reach of little hands obviously). If you can't readily access a collection, you can hit charity stores (or eBay) to create a new collection relatively inexpensively.

• Vases of beautiful fresh flowers are a must. Scatter little bowls of sugar hearts or cubes and other old-fashioned lollies around the room.

• Serve up scones with jam and cream, tiny sandwiches cut into hearts, circles, etc. using a cookie cutter, raspberry tarts, chocolate covered strawberries, delicate cookies or petit fours, butterfly cupcakes, pink lemonade or flavored iced tea.

• Fill your I LOVE PARTIES favour bags with “silver” teaspoons, kids tea bags, conversation hearts, and bottles of bubbles.

• Act as “hostess” for the day by donning a frilly white apron and giving your guests short run-down of tea party etiquette.

• Host some age-appropriate “ladylike” activities like making some pretty dried flower baskets, or decorating a hat or doorknob hanger with fabric paint and silk flowers.