Tips to creating amazing party set ups on a budget!

Being in the party industry and a mum in general a common thing mentioned about kids parties is the cost, and how expensive they can be or perceived to be.

In today's society where we see a lot of party pictures on Facebook, Pinterest or the internet in general it can often be assumed that an amazing party set up has to cost the earth and such set ups may seem out of reach for a lot of families.  But it's not!  Parties can look amazing on any budget, all it takes is time, planning and effort and you can create a fabulous looking party even when you dont have a lot to spend.

Here are some simple tips to help you create a lovely party setting when you are planning on a budget.

1. Walk around your house and look for things that could be used as props or decorations. Fake plants, kids toys & pictures can all help set your scene.  If you were to look back through my kids party pictures you would see the same plants used in most, these are from my bathroom, kitchen & laundry!  You would also see circus and clown toys in Declan's bedroom - all used in our Circus party. Same with the dinosaur party we held last weekend for Declan (pictures to come soon),  his dinosaur toys made an appearance in our decorating.

This cabinet was from my cubby house as a child and it is now in my children's cubby house.  We painted it up, glued on some pink stripey straws to make pretty edges and used it for Paige's Christening morning tea set up. It looked gorgeous and only cost us about $5.00 for a sample pot of paint from Bunnings. 

2. Head to op shops, garage sales or swap meet markets to look for items that can be used as props or decorations.  You can often find great bargains that can be used as is or that can be easily vamped up with a little paint.  Shops such as the Reject Shop, discount stores, Kmart, Target etc are excellent for finding candy jars, cake stands, trays and other great items that can be used for your parties and then used around your home.

Items used for Ethan's 4th Birthday Table - Cupcake stand $15.00 Target, white plates $4.00 each The Reject Shop, Wooden Stands $2.00 each from a shop I happened across that was closing down and was selling all their display items, Plants $10.00 each Target, Little Jars $1.00 each The Reject Shop.  So around $60 - $65.00 worth of items that I use again and again! 

3. There are also many great party places that offer props and decorations for hire. Its as easy as a quick internet search to see what places offer hire.  One such place is Tiny Tots Toy Hire in Sydney.  Check out this amazing party using all products that they have available for hire, styled by Sophisticated Yum.  A brilliant looking party for a fraction of the cost of buying everything brand new.

Canopy, juke box, riser and all cake stands etc available for hire from Tiny Tots Toy Hire

(Photography by  Eclektic Photography & Design)

 "Corn & Candy Station" for hire by Tiny Tots Toy Hire

(Photography by  Eclektic Photography & Design)

4. Get crafty & DIY.  Make your own decorations.  It is so easy to find tutorials for various craft decorations on the internet or in craft books at your local library.

My sister did this Lego table for a friend recently and made all the decorations from coloured papers and old boxes to make this table look bright & fun whilst working to a strict budget. 

I hope some of these little tips help with making your next party fabulous!  Just remember that kids parties are about creating wonderful and everlasting memories, so #1 rule make sure you enjoy it, get the kids involved and have fun.  The planning and preparation can be just as much fun as the actual party day and is a great way to spend quality family time together.

Kate xx

Ultimate Birthday Party Prize Package Giveaway!

Would YOU like to win a PARTY PACK valued at over $500.00???

Well you simply must enter the Whats on 4 Kids Parties - Ultimate Birthday Party Prize Package Giveaway!

Amongst many other amazing party suppliers, my business Piece of Cake Parties & Celebrations are one of the sponsors and we are offering a $50.00 in store voucher amongst many other generous prizes such as Birthday Cake Kit, invitations, tableware, party bags, activity packs, pom poms & a copy of the new Donna Hay kids edition magazine. 

Entering is very easy - all you need to do is head over to the Whats on 4 Kids Parties website (here) and leave your best party planning tip and YOU may be selected as the winner!  Entries close end of July, so get in quick for your chance to win this amazing prize. 

Kate xx

Prizes from the following;

Whats on 4 Kids Parties

Piece of Cake Parties & Celebrations

Kids Party Bags

Activity Packs

Donna Hay

Fantasy Kids Parties

Pom Pom Princess

Cake 2 the Rescue

PIY Invites

Fun Themed Party Sandwiches

Looking for a fun and affordable way to incorporate a theme into your party? Why not give these themed sandwiches a go.  Easy to make & imagine the faces of your little ones as their sandwiches are served up in the shape of a Pirate, Elephant or Lion! A nice & healthy party food option as well and might help fussy eaters (like mine!) eat more fruit & veg.

How awesome do these look ?

Elephant, Pirate & Rocket Ship Sandwiches

Images via ZiggityZoom

For full instructions to make these follow the link 

Owl Sandwiches

Images via Meet the Dubiens

For full instructions to make these follow the link 

Even plain sandwiches or fairy bread can easily be fancied up by cutting out fun shapes with cookie cutters.  

Fairybread Butterflies

Images & Instructions via Enchanted Kitchen

Mickey Mouse Sandwiches

Image via Cakes Likes a Party

Simple and affordable but still super effective and fun for little ones!  (and probably grown ups as well :) )

Kate xx

Giggle & Hoot Inspired Party Ideas & Inspiration!

Giggle and Hoot have become an Aussie household favourite for many families with young children, I know we are big fans in our house :)  I have also had countless emails via my store with customers asking for Giggle & Hoot Party products.  Unfortunately there isnt a licensed party range yet (wish there was, id make a fortune haha) but that doesn't mean there isn't lots of ways to throw an awesome Giggle & Hoot inspired party!

Giggle & Hoot Party Ideas & Inspiration

Tableware & Decorations ~ Tableware and decorations can be plain, though choose matching colours such as Blue, Orange, Purple and you can even throw in a splash of Pink after the introduction of Hootabelle.

Party Printables ~ Party Printables are an excellent way to tie in your party theme!  You can find invitations, food labels, banners, cupcake toppers & more!

Here is a gorgeous printable set and better yet, its a free file!  Big thanks to the team at Marabous for that! 

To download these printables click here 

Here are some more printables available from Marabous that are available for purchase.

Image via Marabours and to find out how to purchase click here. 

I want to do a Hoot party just to use these, they are beyond cute!! Party printables from Tweet Designs Party Boutique.  They also have a combined Hoot & Hootabelle pack that is also super gorgeous and can also be found by following the link below. 

Image via Tweet Designs Party Boutique and purchase details available here.

Party Cakes ~ 

Making your own ?  Here are some simple but gorgeous home made cakes;

Hoot Cake by Oh Gorgeous Baby, easy to follow 'how to' instructions available here.

I thought these cupcakes were absolutely adorable, found over at K & Co 

There is also an abundance of extremely talented cake makers & decorators available who could whip you up a masterpiece.  Check these works of art! Hoot Cakes by Simply Cakes Melbourne, fab or what ?

And to finish off here is a gorgeous Giggle & Hoot party, what a gorgeous effort!

Stunning 1st Birthday Party for Jack by I Heart Table Art to see more pics of this sweet party click on the link. 

So that's how to have a Hoot-tastic party!! (hehe corny i know!)

Kate xx

Hiring a Party Entertainer!

Home birthday parties are lots of fun to plan and give you complete control over your food, cake and decorations, however the thought of keeping lots of children entertained for the duration can be quite daunting, BUT it doesn't have to be ~ Enter the world of Party Entertainers!!  


A Children's Party Entertainer is someone who offers a mobile entertainment service by way of an act, show or activity at children's parties.  Kids Party Entertainers will be used to interacting with young children and can provide a fun and memorable experience for all. 


The possibilities for entertainers are endless and just a few exciting options available are - Clowns, Magicians, Reptile shows, Spa & Pamper parties, Face Painters, Balloon Animal Artists, Bubble shows, Fairies, Superheros & loads more!


Some important tips when considering and/or booking a Party Entertainer;


1. Set a budget for your entertainment.  We all have different budgets, so look at what works for you.  Take into consideration all your party costs - invites, food, cake, decorations, party bags, any games/prizes and then determine what you can spend on entertainment. 


2. Decide on what type of entertainer & is it age appropriate for your guests ?


3. Book WELL in advance.  Party Entertainers can book very quickly so to avoid disappointment book well in advance of your party date.  


4.  Shop around and ask Questions, Questions, Questions!


Remember the entertainer you choose will be coming in to your home and will be around your children and others so make sure you do your homework, ask lots of questions and shop around.  Great party entertainers who are committed to offering an awesome service will be more than happy to answer your questions & discuss what they can do for you. A friendly and helpful disposition on the phone will generally mean the same service and demeanor on the day. Some questions to ask; 

• Pricing and what services do they include for the price ?
• The duration of the show/service?
• Do they have a current Working with Children Check/Police Clearance and public liability insurance ?
• Do they come in costume ?
• What sort of area do they need - inside/outside ? Do they require a certain amount of space ?
• If an outside show what happens in the case of rain/ extreme heat etc ?
• Information on deposits, cancellation and refund policies

5. Once you have decided on an entertainer book in and confirm all your details.  Where possible ask for written confirmation of your booking so you have a copy of all the important details and can confirm dates and times etc.  Always do a quick follow up phone call with your entertainer the week before your booking just to ensure everything is on schedule for the special day. 

Once you have booked in your entertainer, make a rough plan of how your party schedule will run - will your entertainer be before or after food etc. A party plan will ensure your party runs as smooth as possible on the day.   Also ensure that you have adult helpers available during the performance to supervise, help with any children who may feel a little nervous to join in and also to take photos. 


Where can I find a Party Entertainer?


To find party entertainers in your local area visit our What's on 4 Kids Parties website and search our directory.  You can also look in your local newspaper, parenting magazines, yellow pages or by searching online to find what services are available. 


Also if you use a Party Entertainer and they provide an excellent service be sure to let them know or post a review about the service, this is not only appreciated by your entertainer but is also extremely helpful for other mums & dads looking for great service & value! 


Happy Planning :)


Kate xx

Lalaloopsy Baptism Morning Tea

(Post from 17 April 2012)

Hello :)

Just wanted to share some pics of my daughters Lalaloopsy morning tea that we held after her baptism a few weeks ago.

Being the first time we got to hold a ‘girly’ celebration, we decided to theme the morning tea and decided on ‘Lalaloopsy’ as I think they are super sweet & I’m a little obsessed with them. I hope Paige will be too, once she gets a little bit older. All the Lalaloopsy dolls have their own personalities, so rather than just do an overall Lalaloopsy theme, we decided to theme a couple of little sections according to a doll’s personality.  We had so much fun putting this together and whilst little Miss is only 6 months old, I would show her all the pretties and she would smile & kick her little legs in excitement!  I dont think a girl is ever too young to appreciate gorgeousness haha!

Welcome to the Magical World of Lalaloopsy!

“The Lalaloopsy were once rag dolls who magically came to life when their last stitch was sewn.  Each doll has their own personality that comes from the fabrics used to make them”

‘Suzette La Sweet was sewn from pieces of a duchess’ dress. She’s royally pampered, and perfectly primped. Her favorite hobbies are lounging about, eating fancy pastries, and strolling in the garden.’

‘Crumbs Sugar Cookie was made from pieces of a baking apron. She is super-sweet, has perfect manners, and loves inviting friends over for tea and treats.’

‘Rosy Bumps ‘N’ Bruises was sewn from bits of a nurse’s uniform. She’s super-careful and always puts safety first. She loves orange juice and putting on bandages…whether they’re needed or not.’

We had such a wonderful day celebrating our little Miss :)

If you would like to see more pictures from our party or see vendor credits then please head over to my Piece of Cake Parties blog for the full post or my Facebook page for the full photo album.

Piece of Cake Parties & Celebrations Blog ~ Lalaloopsy Morning Tea 

Piece of Cake Parties & Celebrations Facebook Page ~ Lalaloopsy Morning Tea Album 

Photography by Lightbox Photography

Kate xx

Our Easter Table & New Family Tradition ~ Styled by Ethan

(Post from 10 April 2012)

Hello :)

I hope you all had a fabulous Easter!!

Ours was lovely and quiet and as I mentioned in my last post after my little Ethan was so keen on helping me style Paige’s christening, we decided that this year he could set up his very own Easter table.

Ethan was given free reign to decide what food he wanted to put on his little table and was able to choose what decorations & plates etc he wanted to use from Mummy’s stash of party goodies!   This is what he came up with :)  He was so excited and we were so proud of him, it was really special so we have decided that we will make a new family tradition of letting the kids do the Easter table each year.

As you can see ‘Woody’ and also one of his little hippo toys also made an appearance hehe!

Was so cute and special seeing him have so much fun and im really excited about our new little tradition that I hope will carry on for many years.

Definitely my favourite party set up so far :)

Kate xx