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.

RETRO SURF PARTY

I have to say, the I LOVE PARTIES retro surf party pack is super cool.


My husband is a surf nut and he recently acquired a retro board which, in turn, provided inspiration for this party theme.


It is a fantastic party theme for young and old, girls and boys.

Here are some tips and suggestions to compliment your I LOVE PARTIES gear:

• Serve up some summery treats, like hamburgers with pineapple, coleslaw, fruit kebabs, homemade lemonade and make a surfboard shaped cake. Serve up some of your food in old fashioned beach pails. Adult guests might enjoy a pina-colada or two! Cocktail umbrellas are a must. Consider hiring a snow cone machine for the day.

• Display your retro surfboards and other retro surfing paraphernalia around the room.

• Put a retro surf movie on the TV or computer to create a bit of atmosphere.

• Put on some retro surf tunes - a great excuse to buy the Best of the Beach Boys (if you don't have it already)!

• Use beach towels with groovy old prints or solid stripes as table cloths. Blow up some beach balls and hang or place them around the party area.

• Ask your guests to come along in their best hibiscus print!

• Why not put some coloured zinc and cheap sunglasses in your I LOVE PARTIES favour bags.