HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY

In honour of our nation's birthday, over the coming few days, I've decided to look at a few Australian childrens' literary classics (Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, Ginger Meggs, Blinky Bill and the Magic Pudding) in the hope of inspiring you all to throw a similarly themed parties.

I found very little inspiration for these themed parties online which means that (a) not nearly enough people are being inspired by these gorgeous old books, and/or (b) people are shy about sharing their ideas online. If you fall into the latter category PLEASE send me your photos and ideas - I'd love to see what you have done.

First, up....SNUGGLEPOT AND CUDDLEPIE. My favourite childrens' books of all time, penned and illustrated by the wonderful May Gibbs.

This theme would make for a magical first birthday or baby shower...

- Ask guests to dress up as their favourite characters from the books (boys will no doubt enjoy dressing up as the evil Banksia men!). Alternatively, make each of your guests a skirt from gum leaves threaded on twine and make or buy some simply green or brown beanies as party favours.

- Decorate the tables with Australian wild flowers and gumnuts. Use vintage table cloths or cloths with a wildflower print.

- Buy party invitations from the Nutcote shop, http://www.maygibbs.com.au/. If you live in Sydney, you can even hold the party at Nutcote (May Gibbs' old home, and where she wrote the books).

- Make a banner of gum leaves strung with twine.

Alternatively, you can download "printable" gumleaves, such as the images above, from http://www.treeproject.abavic.org.au/pdf-articles/Australian-Gumleaves.pdf

- Use eco friendly plates, cups (we stock these in the I LOVE PARTIES shop) and wooden cutlery.

- Serve up some cupcakes decorated with wild flowers and/or berries.

- Have jugs or bottles with labels: "Wattle Nectar", "Blossom Juice" and "Gumnut Soda".

- This is an ideal party to hold a little treasure hunt in the garden. Make a little map and hide some little creatures for them to find along the way. Go for other old-fashioned games, like sack races (sacks available from I LOVE PARTIES) and egg and spoon races.

- Send guests away with some wooden pencils or crayons, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie stickers and a pressed leaf bookmark (or use the printable download above) all in a brown kraft paper bag (available from I LOVE PARTIES).

- Alternatively, send your guests away with their own native seedling.

Photo from blog.idoityourself.com.au

REAL PARTY PICS

We spent the best part of today at a Pirates and Princesses birthday party. Lots of fun.

Two little princesses deep in discussion...

Following my post earlier this week, I was delighted to see jelly organges on the menu, and I always look forward to a chocolate crackle.

Princesses and Pirates isn't really my thing, but I made some favour/lolly bags that I was actually really happy with.

If you are interested in the bags, you can always email me for a custom order.

AS FEATURED IN....

We are VERY excited to be featured in this month's ESSENTIAL BABY Editor's Picks....

Check us out at:

www.essentialbaby.com.au/editor_pick.html

Until next time...

Kate

VINTAGE RACING PARTY

Because we are new, I thought I might take some time out in October to individually profile each of our party themes and offer a few party tips and ideas .

Because my baby boy is completely obsessed with cars, I am going to kick things off with our vintage racing car party, which I happen to think is totally adorable.

Here are some extra bits and pieces (to add to your I LOVE PARTIES party pack obviously!) to create a fantastic party:

• Make badges / t-shirts / old-fashioned driver hats for each guest with their name and a number on it. Dress yourself as a “Race Marshall”.

• Create or purchase a black and white balloon arch to display at the entrance.





• Create a “PIT STOP” sign for your food tables/area. Cut sandwiches with car shaped cookie cutters. Make some “Stop/Go” jelly moulds and a cake in the shape of a race car or racing track (you will find lots of images and inspiration online).

• Use matchbox cars and/or vintage looking keys rings at a discount shop to fill your favour bags. We also recommend plastic trophies or ribbons as favours and/or awards.

• Hold a "Grand Prix" in your backyard! Pre-make two "race cars" using cardboard boxes big enough for your guests to step into or break guests up into two teams to decorate their own team cars, setting one team up with a green kit and the other with a red kit (each containing supplies like aluminium foil, black plates for wheels, red/green wrapping paper, etc). Start and end the race with a black and white checkered flag. Each guest takes their turn to be the “driver”. Use cones to define the race track. For older children, you might want introduce some “PIT STOPS” like “change the tire”, “wash the windscreen” or “pump the gas”

Until next time...

Kate

WELCOME TO I LOVE PARTIES!

[Click photos for larger view]

WELCOME TO I LOVE PARTIES!

We are so glad to finally be online at http://www.iloveparties.com.au/...

I LOVE PARTIES offers handmade and vintage inspired party supplies. We sell complete party packs, but you can also make your own themed party by purchasing individual products from our range.

Our products are mostly reuseable and /or biodegradable. You can add personal touches to your I LOVE PARTIES selection to create a fabulous event.

Themes currently offered are:

Happy Hippie Party

Garden Tea Party

Vintage Circus Party

Pink Carousel Party

Vintage Racing Car Party

Retro Surf Party

1950s-inspired Baby Party

If you would like to suggest a theme for I LOVE PARTIES, or if if there are any beautiful (but affordable) products that you think would make great additions to our existing party themes, please let us know here.

I LOVE PARTIES was born out of our eternal struggle to find anything other than "factory" party supplies for our kids' parties. We love homemade parties and would love to hear about your own homemade parties, particularly the creative ways that you incorporate I LOVE PARTIES products. Send us your photos to share with the world (wide web) and party makers looking for inspiration online.

Until next time...

I LOVE PARTIES xx oo

PS A big thanks to Jill from http://www.shutterbubs.com/ for all the beautiful photos.