Carousel Party Issue 1 August 2013

A Childhood Classic in the 100 Aker Woods

Let’s go Apple Picking!

Go Nuts for Donuts Issue 1 | August 2013

About the Magazine

Carousel Party is a baby and kids lifestyle magazine that focuses on life’s sweetest “celebrations”. We look to inspire with the latest trends in fashion and parties by featuring amazing parties, the newest trends in tabletop confections, and ideas for celebrating all the sweetest moments that happen in your child’s life.

Me e t S u z a n n e, E di to r- i n - C h eif My name is Suzanne and I am a mom to two beautiful girls who bring me the greatest joy as well as an event/party stylist for Fanciful Events!

I have always loved parties, it was when I was planning my oldest daughter’s 1st birthday, I couldn’t find exactly what I had in mind or envisioned, so I decided to create my own daughter’s theme. I fell in love with the party planning and all the details it involved. From the time you first have the idea of the theme to when it is executed.

I loved how creative you had to be in order to put an idea together.

It started as a fun hobby but since has developed into a serious passion for creating unique, one of a kind, and fun themed parties!

Me e t Rac h e l, C r eat i v e Dir e c to r Nice to meet you! My name is Rachel and I am the owner and designer at Printed Ink - a modern stationery boutique created out of my passion for design, fine stationery, and all things paper. I am thrilled to be a part of the Carousel Magazine team and I hope to bring you the best parties and inspiration in a way that is easy to read and fun to look at!

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34 what’s inside

En d of Summ e r

05 Donut Party 11 Little Squirrels Shower 15 Vintage Teddy Bear

Lillypaul Designs

Lauren Haddox Designs One Swell Studio 19 Carnival Birthday

Pure Bliss Creations

23

Pir at e Pa r t y M i mi ’s Do l l h o u se

29

Gir ly Pu p p y Pa rty B o t t l e Po p C o mp any

b ack to sc h ool 34 Back to School 39 Little Professor

Charming Touch Parties D&P Celebrations 49 Birthday Office Party

Dolce Designs 58 My Favorite Things

Miss Party Mom

55 Teacher ’s Gift Ideas

Sweet Peach Paperie

44 Painting Party

The Pear - Event Styling

& Planning

cover on th e

Visit 100

Akre Woo

ds - 77

Go nuts fo Go apple

r donuts

- 05

picking -

65 page no. 2

Fa ll Fes t i vi t i e s 65

Apple Picking Charming Touch Parties

71

Fall County Fair The Homespun Hostess

77

Wi n n i e T he Po o h G rey s o n De s i g n f or D i s n e y

8 3

Au s tra l ian Par t y Tr ends Co n f et t i Fa i r

8 8

Stor ybo o k Picnic Lu c & Li la h E v e n t s

65

Hallowe e n 95

The Great Pumpkin Party Making Life Whimsical

102 Wickedly Cute Witch

Itsy Belle 107 Circus Tea Party

Fanciful Events 114 Halloween Costume Ideas

Suzanne Olvey

122 Hallows Eve Tea Party

Flaired Affairs 128 Halloween Craft Tutorial

Pen N’ Paperflowers 130 Twilight Fair y Hollow Party

Soiree Event Design 134 Sweet Treats 136 Mummy Hand Tutorial

Design Dazzle 138 Birthday in a Book

Angie Morrissey page no. 3

95

Say g oodbye to

Summer

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Donut Party BY: La ure n Ha d dox Designs

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I

was so excited when one of my best

Hi! I’m Lauren... art teacher turned stay-at-home

girlfriends told me her three-year-old

mom turned nap-time party designer. I graduated

requested a donut theme for his birthday

in graphic design from LSU (Geaux Tigers!) and

party. Donuts... who doesn’t love donuts!

worked as an in-house designer before becoming

We decided on Lane’s donut shop with a vintage

an elementary art teacher. I love to create whether it

flair. As guests arrived Saturday morning, everyone

is on the computer, a canvas or transforming ga-

received their own apron and personalized donut

rage sale finds. After designing my little boy’s first

hat. Lane served up lots of donuts to his birthday

birthday in March 2011, I decided to open up shop…

guests... glazed, chocolate sprinkles, cinnamon

and I haven’t looked back! I have loved working with

twists, apple fritters and more. We had plenty of

clients to help create special and memorable parties

donut activities for all the little guests... donut toss

for their children. I would LOVE to work with you!!

with hand-made felt donuts, eat a donut on a string, personalized coloring sheets with donut crayons made by Whats Your Crayon and a donut cookie decorating station.

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Credits

C o ok ies: Silly Gilly Desserts D o n u t C rayons: Whats Your Crayon P h oto g r aphy: Lacey Rabalais Photography C a k e a n d C u pca kes: Ambrosia Bakery D onu t s: Mary Lee Donuts P r i n ta b les: Lauren Haddox Designs

want more? download printable favor tags

www. la u r e nhaddoxdesig n.com

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T h a n k H e av en for

Li t t le Squ i r r els BY: One Swell S tud io

W

hen thinking of fall, the first things that pop into my mind are cozy sweaters & watching the leaves turn gorgeous colors.

This "Thank Heaven for Little Squirrels" baby shower would be absolutely ideal for a fall shower for a mom expecting a baby girl. It incorporates pink & girly elements, but still ties in the cozy & warm feelings of autumn with rustic touches such as wood grain, jute twine, galvanized buckets, & mason jars.

For the dessert table, I created printables that can be used in a wide variety ways such for mason jars, parfait cups, and for cupcakes of course! The mason jars were first adorned with a miniature doily and then a party circle was placed on top of it. At a fall shower, guests could enjoy spiced apple cider or hot cocoa inside their mugs.

Coordinating buffet labels allow guests to easily identify the treats and goodies, while also giving the table a little more thematic flair. Candy displayed in galvanized buckets would be perfect for take-home treat bags or to enjoy during the shower.

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Small die cut squirrels made the perfect toppers for the cinnamon rolls on the dessert table and also as embellishments on the mason jar mugs. They can be ordered from the link below on Etsy.

I wanted to make the table a little cozier (& perfect for chilly fall weather), so I incorporated felt & yarn elements.

I wrapped a few of the decorations with soft pink felt and created an easy tassel garland from coordinating yarn.

Tassel garlands are such a huge party trend lately, & I wanted to take a different spin on them.

I created the "sweets" banner using 5" circles from the printable set and coffee filters. I folded the filters in thirds and then hot-glued them in a circle to create an inexpensive (and very simple!) ruffled rosette. Ruffles are the perfect touch for a baby girl shower. I strung the banner over the dessert table using jute twine for an added rustic look.

I used an antique cradle to display the "baby" banner. I also added a sweet little plush squirrel. The cradle would be the perfect spot for shower guests to drop off their gifts for the momma-to-be.

I used wood grain shelf paper as wraps for the silverware & also used it around solid pink paper cups. I created the scalloped design on the cup wraps by using a paper punch. A very simple step, but it definitely added a girly touch to the otherwise plain paper cups.

To coordinate with the shower theme, I have designed two sweet 5x7" signs that can be displayed during the event & then later used in the baby's nursery. The first reads, "Thank Heaven for Little Squirrels" and the second says, "Baby Girl, We are Nuts about You Already." These signs can be downloaded for free via my blog www. oneswellstudio.com.

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Credits Printab les, St y l in g & Photograp hy One Swell Studio Squ irrel Di e C uts Below Blink

want more? download little squirrel party signs

Teddy Bear

Picnic

BY: Lilly Paul De signs

L

ately I have had a serious crush on burlap, lace, and all things vintage. For this party I centered the design around just that along with hints of gingham in red and pink. Rachel of Printed Ink did an amazing job of creating the printables to match my vision and incorporated the textures of burlap and lace in the printables.

Gingham blankets, picnic baskets, and vintage teddy bears set the stage for this picnic in the park. I added in layers of burlap and lace, some old coffee tins filled with baby’s breath, and vintage inspired finds to create a simple and soft summertime picnic.

Guests enjoyed their picnic lunches in kraft gable boxes and sipped on pink lemonade and oldfashioned root “bear”. The dessert table included more “bear” inspired goodies including “Bearies and Cream” cupcakes from HaleyBelle’s Cupcakes, “Beary” Fruit Cups, “Bear” tails, Straw”Beary” Shortcakes, and cookies.

Guests were given DIY Teddy Bear headbands, mini Teddy Bear jars filled with honey courtesy of Cool Party Favors, and took home their own “build-a-bear.”

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page no. 1 | www.carouse lmag.com

Hi! I am Candace, owner of Lillypaul Designs, a Tinley Park-based custom party styling service that creates customized events for all life’s special celebrations. At lillypaul designs we aim to make your special celebration personal, unique, fun, and affordable. We work closely with our clients to create an event based on their needs, ideas and budget. Started in 2011, lillypaul designs has styled various birthday celebrations, wedding showers and weddings. We are excited to have been featured on party inspiration sites including, Spaceships and Laserbeams, The Party Press, We Heart Parties, Catch My Party, Celebrations at Home, AtoZebra Celebrations, Double the Fun Parties, and The Party Wagon. We have also been a DIY Party Décor contributor on I’m With Cupcake.

Aside from being a party stylist, I am mom to three energetic and imaginative children and wife to my loving and supportive husband. I love a good book, SMORES and could not live with my Diet Coke!

Credits

S ty l i ng: Lillypaul Designs

P h oto g r ap h e r: Photography by Laura Beatriz P r i n tab les: Printed Ink C u pca k e s a n d C ake: HaleyBelle’s Cupcakes T e d dy B e ar Jars: Cool Party Favors G a b l e B ox e s, C a n d y C u ps, St rip ed St raws: Shop Sweet Lulu

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Magica l C a r n i va l Spectacular BY: Pure Bliss C re ations

W

hen my son Jack was turning 4, we decided to create a “Magical Carnival Spectacular� party to incorporate his love of clowns and magic! The main elements we wanted to include were

the rabbit in the hat representing the wonderful world of magic, and the fun and bright colors of the clown.

Rather than using stripes, I opted for a bold polka dot patterned fabric to base the color scheme on. The polka dot fabric selected was used as the table runner for the cake table, the backdrop for the carnival dress-up and games area, and as part of the material bunting hung throughout the party.

The cake table included rabbit in hat cookies placed in a black magician’s top hat, mini cupcakes covered in confetti polka dots and balloon macaroon pops, clown face cookies and bright cake pops and cake balls with clown heads. The cake placed centre stage incorporated the bright polka dots in the design as well as the rabbit in hat and a playful clown.

The kids enjoyed the wigs, glasses and props provided in the dress-up area and role playing behind the bright colored carnival stalls. The games included the can toss and pass the parcel, face painting and a magic show by Buzz the Clown.

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Credits Event desig n, concept & st y ling ( inclu ding ja rs, props su ch as carnival stalls, ca ndy ): Pure Bliss Creations C ook ies: MaR-Valicious BiteS Maca roon Pops: Sweets for Me C ake Pops & C lown C ake Ba lls: Creative Cakepops Australia C ake b y A Part y C ake: Assunta Bac k drop desig n: Sweet Scarlett Designs Polk adot b u nt ing and tab le ru nners: Handmade by Kahli Wooden C ake Stands: Bon Bon Boutique

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Pirate Party by: Mimi D e sign s

page no. 32 | www.carouselmag.com

A

argh, matey! The theme for this fun fourth birthday party is Pirates and we had a swashbuckling good time. What’s more fun than

searching for pirates gold and walking the plank?

Perhaps having a stink eye contest and watching pirate clothed four-years-olds sword fight for the title of Captain. For Mason’s fourth birthday, we broke out the pirate gear. Hope you enjoy!

The best part about decorating this party, was all the fabric ripping. I wanted the table to have a haphazard, asymmetrical feel, because pirates are not tidy...They don’t measure, they don’t match. I loved mixing the pirate patterns and being able to mix up the textures. We included plenty of wood and burlap and even some sand (brown sugar) and water (blue ruffled fabric). My favorite piece of the decor was the pirate ship we built from cardboard and covered with the wood grain patterned paper. I used a wooden ship steering wheel and anchor as well.

The little pirates feasted on cannon ball cake pops, pirate cake pops, red velvet cupcakes with cute pirate fondant toppers, chocolate cake, gang planks (blueberry yogurt, graham crackers), pirate sugar cookies, gold doubloon sugar cookies, crunchy bones (white frosted pretzels), lollipops and black spot whoopie pies.

To drink, our little pirates had Pirate’s (root) Beer, Pirate’s (ginger) Ale, and Bilge Water. I used old wine and liquor bottles to serve

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the root beer and ginger ale to give it that authentic feel.

The kids enjoyed climbing on a giant playset with rope ladders and ship steering wheels. They had sword fighting contests, and a cannon ball water balloon battle. When it was time to cool off, they enjoyed using their pirate activity pages.

“we had a swashbuckling good time.�

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Credits

Pa r ty S ty l i ng & Printab les: Mimi’s Dollhouse F o n d a n t C u pcake Toppers: Edible Designs by Letty C u pcakes: The Cupcakery C ake Pops: Cupkates C o ok ies: Sweet Art Sweets Wh o opi e Pies: Layers Bakery P i r at e Shirt s: Little Pitter Pat P i r at e Hat s: Pixie and Penelope

want more? page no. 27

download printable pirate activity sheets

Girly

puppy party BY: Bot t le Pop Company

S

hannon Wellington is the lady in charge at Bottle Pop Party Company, an event planning & design firm located outside of Philadelphia. She loves thinking out of the box and creating organic, creative events of all kinds. Shannon gets positively giddy when designing crazy detailed dessert tables, decorations that don’t quit and events that exceed your expectations.

You want an awesome party that will wow, she can make it happen...and make it cute!

If there’s something little girls love, no matter what, it’s puppies. Their scruffy ears, their soft paws and especially their wet noses...all squeal-worthy. So there’s nothing better than an entire Puppy Paw-ty birthday!

For this adorable party, we started with the sweet pink and brown Puppy Pawty collection from Paige Simple. We used her designs everywhere on the dessert table, from the cupcake toppers to the treat labels to the “toilet water” bottles. The birthday girl especially loved the signs telling her guests to “Dig In” and “Bone Appetit”. It coordinated perfectly with our handmade dog house with dog bone backdrop and puppy themed (human) desserts. We mixed pretzels with peanut butter cereal for Kibbles & Bits, dipped doughnut holes in chocolate for Chocolate Covered Tennis Balls and displayed amazing desserts like cookies from Auntie Bea’s Bakery and candy cabobs from Curlicue’s and Confections.

Before digging in however, the guests picked out their very own puppy favor and took them to the Puppy Primping Parlor! There they found paw print soaps from The Scented Retreat, doggie shampoo from Moodylicious and the cutest dog collars from Dog & Bow. Then it was time for a dip in the soapy, sudsy bath!

A new dog toy and they’re set to party with their new little friends!

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“After putting my marketing career on hold when I had my son, I decided that I just wasn’t flexing my creative muscles as much I wanted to. I started planning these over the top, themed parties for friends and family and having tons of fun doing so. With all of their support, I launched Bottle Pop Party Co. and have been knee deep in sprinkles and streamers ever since!�

Credits Printab les: Paige Simple Paw Print Soaps: The Scented Retreat C andy C ab ob s: Curlicues & Confections Dog C ollars: Dog & Bow C ookies: Auntie Bea’s Bakery Bling St icks: Talia’s Creative Printing Shamp oo: Moodylicious Children’s Spa G ab le Boxes & Paper Shred: Katerina’s Paperie Bot t le s, Ba lloons & Straws: Bloom Designs Dog Bone Fram e: Print My Picture Online

want more? download printable puppy certificate

Photograp hy: Greg Obierek Photography

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Back to

School

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It’s hard to believe, but it’s time for our kids to go BACK TO SCHOOL! Summer always

Bac k to School b re akfast

BY: C harmi ng Touch pa rtie s

seems to fly by. My kids have lived at the pool, picnic’d at the park, played outside until dark and soaked in the ease of summer. It’s been marvelous! If you’re like me, this time of year is a little bitter sweet. On one hand, a little routine (and a quiet house) doesn’t sound half bad, but the ease and simplicity of summer just cannot be beat.

Thankfully, my kids are young enough to still be thoroughly excited about school resuming.

Every year, I try to greet this excitement with a little fanfare. A fun Back To School breakfast is a great way to send the kids off to school with a healthy breakfast and some good family fun.

I try to keep the breakfast food simple and the decor and prep something I can do the night

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before. This year, I created a fun little cereal bar with my kid’s favorites. It was a hit. At each kid’s place setting, I used an inexpensive pencil box and filled it with a fruit cup, a pop tart (you could use a cereal bar instead) and a little “Smarties” candy treat. My kids were in heaven.

Homework, fall sports and parent/teacher conferences will be a reality before we know it. For now, I will treasure our back-to-school excitement and look forward to all the fun that awaits us this fall!

Free printable download for the lunch box tags, compliments of Beth Kruse Custom Creations.

Credits E v e n t St yling and Desig n: Charming Touch Parties Photography: Jennifer Kaye Photography Printab les: Beth Kruse Custom Creations

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want more? download the printable word wall letters

Little

Professor

By: D & P Ce le brati o n s

F

lasks, beakers, test tubes and maybe a little green slime, what could be more fun? Our “Little Professors� enjoyed celebrating in their coordinating white shirts and handmade bow ties. Surrounded by sweet treats and lots of brightly colored decorations, these kiddos had a scientifically terrific time!

The main table and wall were both draped in white linens to make the goodies on the table and the decorations really POP! Green slime made from poster boards hung from the ceiling, which looked as though the wall was oozing from a science experiment. We added our own labels to fun jars of candy we found on clearance at Target. The shorter glass jars were found at the dollar store and looked like they belonged in a laboratory. We served an amazing fondant covered and decorated cake, both acid (Pop Rocks Candy) and vanilla cake pops, cherry pipette lemonade cupcakes and fun sugar cookies.

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“Surrounded by sweet treats and lots of brightly colored decorations, these kiddos had a scientifically terrific time!�

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The kid’s table was also draped in white linens. At each place setting there was a mini favor box with “flask” shaped place card. They used the favor boxes to carry home their flask bottles of blowing bubbles as well as the candy of their choice from the main table. Drink bottles were adorned with hazardous labels and served with fun striped paper straws. The centerpiece was a simple arrangement of flask shaped vanilla cake pops.

The kids and behind the scenes adults had an amazing time. We all agreed that this was not only a great gender neutral birthday party but, it would also be a fun “non scary” Halloween party theme.

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Credits Photograp hy Sarah and Brad Photography St yling, “ Lit t le Profess o r �

Favor Boxes and Party Printab les D & P Celebrations C ake, cake pops, cu pcakes and su ga r cookies Astonishing Cakes

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Painting party

BY: The Pe ar - Eve nt S tyling & Plannin g

D

eciding on a painting party for Hayden’s second birthday was the easy part, trying to make it “boyish� was hard. I came across a fabric on Pinterest and I fell in love. It was a chevron rainbow pattern with more blues and greens, and no purple and pink. It was perfect.

I sent Crystal from A Sign of my Love a picture of the fabric and she made a matching invite with coordinating printables that were just what I was looking for. After coming across an adorable shop on Etsy, I was able to contact the seller to make a custom shirt for Hayden using the same fabric.

Desserts A few weeks before the party I decided to make a saw horse table as the dessert table. After a few trips to Home Depot and some paint it was done. It was exactly what I had envisioned for the dessert table. I wanted to keep the desserts on the simple side. I ordered the tastiest sugar cookies from A Cookie Jar that were in the shape of a painters palette with the same colors as our chevron fabric. Maria from Love & Sugar Kisses made chocolate covered oreos to match the fabric and theme. I was able to find rainbow colored popcorn from Oh Goodie Designs that everyone enjoyed. The cake was a cookie and cream flavor that Janderyn from Earth and Sugar made and tasted out of this world. She designed a cake with the most beautiful fondant touches. The paintbrush was my favorite. A tassel garland from The Flair Exchange was the perfect touch to the front of the table.

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Kids Tables and Arts & Crafts The kid tables were my favorite detail of the party. I made iron on monogram aprons for each child to wear as they painted. The girls also received a headband that matched their monogrammed apron. Each place seating consisted of an 8x10 canvas for them to paint along with their own paint set. Mini easels were put in front of each child with their name on it. I found bright color water bottles on clearance at Hobby Lobby and decided to get one for each child. Stacey from Shes Kinda Crafty made me the vinyl names for each bottle.

Clear paint cans with crinkle paper were put in the middle of each table along with Hayden’s name, the number two, and paintbrushes.

The sand art station was the kids’ favorite. They were able to fill up small plastic containers with different color sand to bring home. My boys love to put their sippy cups into coozies so when I came across bright colored foam coozies at Hobby Lobby I knew they would have fun making their own. Since Father’s Day was the day after the party, most kids made them for their dad, and surprised them with a new coozie.

Décor As people pulled up to our house they followed a “Painting Party” arrow sign along with rainbow colored balloons leading them to the back yard. They were greeted by four 36” balloons from The Tomkat Studio where the children’s aprons were hung along our hedge for the kids to grab as they entered the party. Our tent was set up in the back yard on the grass with bright rainbow lanterns hanging from the inside. I made chair sashes and table runners with the fabric I ordered online. I bought silver paint cans and dripped paint down the side for the centerpieces. We filled those with hydrangeas and paintbrushes.

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Food & Drinks Since it’s always hot in the summer I decided on cold food.

We had Italian and America submarine sandwiches, Greek salad, pasta salad, a rainbow fruit platter, and Chik-fil-A tenders for the kids. Ice cold lemonade in mason jars tied with rainbow twine and a striped straws was the drink of choice.

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Credits E v e n t S ty l i n g & P lanning: The Pear, Event Styling & Planning P h oto grap hy: Enduring Impressions I n v i t e a n d c o o r d inat ing printab les: A Sign of My Love T r e at bags, t win e, candy cu ps, chevron st raws, 3 6 � ba lloons: The Tomkat Studio Rai n bo w Popc orn: Oh Goodie Designs C ake: Earth and Sugar C h o c o lat e C o vered Oreos: Love & Sugar Kisses S u gar C ook ies: A Cookie Jar Tass e l G arland: The Flair Exchange Bir t h d ay Boy Shirt: Chartreuse Giraffe Vi n y l Nam e s for Kids C u ps: Stacey Haycock Nam e C e n terpi eces: Let’s Get This Party Started Pap e r Lant erns: Paper Lantern Store page no. 47

fi rs t b i r t h day

Office Party

M

y little man’s 1st birthday was soon approaching, so I started looking online

for inspiration, but wasn’t finding anything I really loved. I kept seeing a lot of mustache parties, and even though I think it’s an adorable theme, I wanted to do something new and different. That’s when I came across a 1st birthday Office Party! Jessica from Modern Moments designed an adorable Office Party for her son’s 1st birthday and I immediately knew that was the theme I wanted to use for Lucas’ 1st birthday. So I got to work! The first person I contacted was Christa from Anista Designs. She makes the most gorgeous invitations and I just had to have her! She was inspired by the theme and created something way beyond anything I could dream up. She truly went above and beyond with the details. Christa also made the gorgeous sign hanging on the front of the table that says “Lucas’ 1st Birthday”.

I was also very lucky to have Amanda from Strictly Sweets (Marble Falls, TX), design and create the beautiful masterpiece that was the cake. She

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BY: Dolce De signs

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“I immediately knew that was the theme I wanted to use for Lucas’ 1st birthday. “

incorporated every aspect of my theme to perfection! We had a tie, newspaper print, and mustaches! And of course it was delicious! Also from Marble Falls, Lee Ann Kennedy of Sugar Mama Cookies, made the never before seen mustache pies on a stick! Woot!

Kima from Kima’s Konfections made the adorable mustache baby cookies, and the super cute tie and onesie cupcake toppers were made by Adri of Cake Top Decors. I used so many decorating bags for the cookies and macaroons, that by the time I made the cupcakes (you have to put the toppers on at the last minute to keep them nice and firm), I had ran out of bags and had to use a big ziplock bag with a tip on it. Fortunately the toppers covered up my “not so pretty” frosting!

I also loved the clothespins made by Mary from “One More Sunshine”! They fit perfect with my “sack lunch goodie bags” and business cards!

Also collaborating on this party was Amber from Suite Paper. She made all the printables (the Break Room, Water Cooler, and Lucas Inc signs, and adorable Lucas Inc business cards. She also designed the labels for the milk bottles! This was probably my first “middle of the night” idea...a milk bottle that says “Don’t talk to me before I’ve had my milk”!). She designed exactly what I wanted and is a pleasure to work with, just like everyone else mentioned! Everyone is so talented and super nice.

The decor items I made were the tie garland, the white, blue, and newspaper balloon tassel, the tassel garland in the entrance, and also the tie onesie Lucas wore. The document and file boxes I purchased from target, and the smaller white and blue photo boxes I found at my second home (Joann’s). The bulletin board I grabbed from my daughter’s room, and the cake stands are from Pier 1 and Home Goods. I also made the tie cookies, macaroons, and cakepops. Everything was so yummy and I probably ate way more than I should have. Oh well!

I hope you liked my version of 1st birthday Office Party and are inspired to create your own! The ideas are endless and can be customized to different careers...we had a newspaper hint to it, but really, the possibilities are endless!

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Credits

I n v i tat i o ns & Printab les: Anista Designs Pa r t y St y ling: Dolce Designs P h otography: FJC Photo C o okies: Kima’s Konfections NEwsp r ti n C lot hes pi ns: One More Sunshine C a k e: Strictly Sweets by Amanda M u s tache Pies: Sugar Mama Cookies P r i ntab le Sig ns: Suite Paper C u pcak e Toppers: Top Cake Decors page no. 53

www.mydolcedesigns. com

Teacher Ideas Gift

A

BY: S we e t Pe ac h Pap er i e

s a former teacher, I can say with certainty that the unexpected thank yous mean so much!

The gifts often come at Christmas and the chocolate hearts arrive on Valentine’s Day. However, the random Friday flower, sweet thank you note or surprise lunch is so nice! This fall, use this free printable collection to learn of your teacher’s favorites and surprise him or her with some special treats.

My absolute favorite gift was receiving lunch from a local restaurant. Most teachers are unable to leave the building and school lunches can get very old. Surprise your teacher with a favorite meal and you will be sure to receive a very big smile! Make it extra special by creating a pretty place setting at her desk. The smallest things can mean so much! I hope this season you will enjoy showing your gratitude. Whether you send in some extra supplies, a favorite coffee or “Just Because” note of thanks, I can promise it will be greatly noticed and most appreciated.

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3

1

4 2 6

5

Download these printable teacher’s gifts here: 1 . Fa l l Favorit es List 2 . P e n cil Flags 3 . P e n nant Ba nner 4 . S q uare Tags 5 . F lat Not e 6 . C i r cle St ick er 7 . Water Bot t le Wraps

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My Favorite Things BY: M iss Party M o m

I

decided to throw myself a party this year because that is exactly what I wanted for my day- I spend so much time on my kids

birthdays it was time to have a little party fun for myself!

I came up with the idea for a Favorite Things Party because as I started gathering ideas for decor I noticed it was all of the favorite items I own: fashion mannequins, crowns and lots of black and white stripes, gold and pink... I thought the Favorite Things theme would be great- I’d show all of mine off, I mean- it was my birthday!

Amber from Party On! helped me create a package that was PERFECT! I was really happy with how it pulled the entire look of the party together.

I invited about 25 girlfriends to come and celebrate the night with me- I asked them to dress in either pink, gold, black & white OR black and white stripes and everyone to my surprisecame through! We had a blast as we posed for photos, sipped champagne, danced and dined on amazing desserts by Hannah’s Cookies and Treats.

I asked a few amazing vendors to collaborate and received some fantastic submissions!

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Credits Event St y ling: Miss Party Mom Event Planning Photograp hy: Moments Captured Photography Part y Printab les, G o l d Popc orn Boxes & Pap er St raws: Party On! Designs Dessert s: Hannah’s Cookies and Treats C u stom Made Happ y Bi rt hday b anner, Ken n a b anner, 3 3 in frame an d “ K ” nap kin weigh t: Table Top Treats My Fasci nator, My Pom Po m Wand and Pom Po m G arland: Cupcake Wishes and Birthday Dreams C ot ton C andy Fav o rs: Soiree Event Design C u stom Wine G lasses: Vinyl Eloquence Photo Boot h Pro ps: Dweedle Dee Designs G lit t ery G old C rown Po pcorn Toppers: Hues Studio

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page no. 63

Fall

Festivities

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Appl e Picking BY: Charmi ng Touch Pa r ti es

F

all is easily my favorite season of

means FAMILY. It means COMFORT. I wanted

the year. School is back in session,

the design of this party to reflect that feeling.

routine is in order, college football has

I chose warm colors and classic prints. Our

commenced and Mother Nature

guests were treated to a variety of apple inspired

couldn’t be more generous. Our family has a

desserts, including sweet mini pies, the cutest

variety of fun fall traditions and one of them is

little cupcakes, darling apple cake pops and

an annual trip to a local apple orchard. There’s

super sweet boutique cookies. Our cake has a

nothing quite like seeing children’s faces as they

simple, clean finish and is given some dimension

take bites from an apple they picked themselves.

with beautiful ribbon and fabric.

...and what better way to welcome fall than an apple picking party?

While the brisk air means Winter is coming, how nice to know that we can savor the beauty of fall

To me, a Midwest girl, fall means HOME. It

and all it’s abundance for now.

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Credits

Desig n and S tyling: Charming Touch Parties Photography: Jennifer Kaye Photography Printab le s: Beth Kruse-Custom Creations Flowe rs: Floral Wonders C ak e and ca ke pops: Bake It! Fond ant cupcake topp e rs: Love & Sugar Kisses Cookies: NatSweets C upcak es and mi ni pie s: Barry’s Baker’s Basket page no. 69

County

Fair

BY: The Home spun Hoste ss

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Y

ou can host a fall county fair for any reason! I used this design for a family reunion, however it would also be fun for a back to school fair, fall birthday

party or any other reason you can think of to celebrate. I found a great orchard with open spaces and pretty barns that made a great backdrop. The food can be kept simple‌.be sure to include prize winning cake and pie, local grown fruits and of course seasonal favorites like caramel apples.

For the games I put a “homespun� touch on old fashioned fair games. I used rainbow color soda in a vintage crate for a simple ring toss and covered large tomato cans in country pattern paper for Tin Can Alley. Add face painting or Tattoos and you have a Fall County Fair. Enjoy!

Credits

Pa r ty Styli n g a n d P r i n ta bles: Sara De St. Jean | The Homespun Hostess P h oto g r ap h y: Maggie Russo | Maggie Russo Photo

want more? download the printable county fair freebie

M a ny Adven t ure s of

Winnie the Pooh BY: Gre yson De sign

W

hen an Event Stylist gets an opportunity to work with one of her favorite childhood Disney movies, magic happens. Winnie the Pooh is a memorable movie

for the young and old. Who doesn’t love that huggable bear and all his friends? Recently, I was honored to create a special project for the re-release of the magical movie “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” which came out August 27th on DVD. Being an Event Stylist, a magical 100 Aker Wood party seemed fitting for this project. I knew that I would have to do an easy tutorial and some free printables for all the readers to throw their own magical party in celebration of the re-release.

Throughout the movie there were a few things that stuck with me as I was planning the party.

First, Pooh and his love for “hunny” and the emphasis on the hero party. I knew that hints of red gingham and touches of gold would make the photoshoot a success and capture the fun and whimsical feel I was going for. Also, who doesn’t recognize some of the memorable quotes from the movie? I knew that I wanted the quotes to play a role in the photo-shoot and staging the scenes for the party.

The story is built on magic, friendship, laughter, silliness and love and I wanted to capture these characteristics.

The styled shoot took place on my photographers magical property. It was the perfect setting with tall pine trees, an tall oak tree and woods to play on the different scenes I had in mind. DanyC Photography captured the pure innocence and beauty I was hoping for. Her eye for lovely details just eludes her and her talent for editing pictures is simply amazing!

She exceeds all expectations!

The main setup for the party took place under an big

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oak tree on the property. Paper fans, and honeycomb balls were hung from the billowing branches above the table. Gold candelabras lined the table with tea lights glowing in the lovely light. There were place settings for all the main characters from the movie. Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Rabbit, Tigger, Kanga and Roo, Owl and Piglet. Lauren from Ten23Designs cut out wood character names that I spray painted gold and hung on the vintage chairs from Refunction Junction with gingham ribbon from The Ribbon Revelry. They truly made each place setting just that much more personalized.

Each setting was lined with table wear and with fun golds flags I made on sticks to wave around just like from the hero party in the movie. Yellow bumble gum favors with tags lined each place setting from Bloom Designs Online and adorned with custom wooden cutlery that I worked to design with Sucre Shop. Some of the amazing sweets came from my lovely vendors. The sweet Linda from Frog Prince Cake and Cookie Design made the most delectable honeycomb and hunny pot cookies and also mini fondant bees, she nailed it perfectly with the details. The Cookie Jar made bee cookies on sticks and little picnic basket cookies that tied into the theme so perfectly.

For the sweets table I hung a mini white vintage chandelier from I Candy Events over the dessert table where so many fun items were displayed. I created a paper banner with the words “Beelicious” that seemed fitting for the bee and honey connection. Fun mini picnic baskets from Fanciful Events served as a sweet element for stripped paper straws to be displayed in. One of my favorite personalized details was the custom engraved honeycomb wands I found via Etsy that read “Life is Sweet” and attached to mini bottles of fresh Michigan Honey from my grandpa’s property. The table was complete with a custom platter with Pooh famous honey quote made by Magnolia Creative.

It’s always seems that adorable outfits make photo shoots come together. I didn’t hesitate when Kristal from Atutudes contacted me to make custom coordinating tulle skirts for the girls. They were so adorable

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and they complimented the adorable felt headpieces that Keisha for Cupcake Wishes and Birthday Dreams handcrafted so perfectly. The models loved them both and were a fun gift to send them home with at the end of the day. I knew that I wanted all the boys to dress as altered versions of Christopher Robin. We coordinated outfits and it was perfect that our main model Oliver just happened to resemble the character too! The kids were adorable and they had an fun and memorable time!

They enjoyed their hero party in the woods and enjoyed playing games and eating all the sweets. We ended the party with some huge balloons and let paper lanterns go into the magical evening sky. It was such a fun moment for the children and to see the magic in their eyes was priceless. This party truly was so fun to create. I hope that you enjoy it too.

want more? page no. 81

download the winnie the pooh printables

Credits

S t y l i ng a n d Pap e r Go o d s: Valerie Painter, Greyson Design Photo g r ap h e r: DanyC Photography W ood e n Nam e C u to u t s, C u stom Vi ny l, a n d 1 0 0 A k e r Wo od Sig n: Ten23Designs Vi ntag e C h air s a n d Vi n tage Props: Refunction Junction G ol d Ca n d l a br as, Wh i t e C handelier, W ood e n S l a bs, Wh i t e Display Pl at ter s: Events by I Candy S t ripp e d s tr aws, 3 6 � Balloons, G um b a l l T u be s, C l e a r Boxes, W ood en C a n d y S tick s: Bloom Designs Online H oney Dipp e r Wa n d s: Clarke Wood Works M i ni Pic n ic Bas k e ts: Faniciful Events Pers ona li z e d G i n g h am P lat t er: Emily, Magnolia Creative H one y c o m b a n d H u n ny Pot C ook i es, M i n i F o n da n t B e es: Linda, Frog Prince Cake and Cookie Design B ee Coo k i e s o n S tick s, G ingham Pic nic Bas k e t C o o k i e s and Bee S ca l lo p e d C o o k i e s: The Cookie Jar R ed Gi ng h am Wo o de n U t ensils: Sucre Shop G i ngh am Ri bbo n: Ribbon Revelery T u l l e S k i r ts: Atutudes F elt Cha r act e r H e a d pi e c es: Cupcake Wishes and Birthday Dreams page no. 82

Australian

Party Trends

BY: A ust ralian Eve nt Orga nize r Clai re from Confe tti Fair

“If you go down to the woods today...” for some reason whenever I think of a theme I would love for a party that song pops in to my head.

I know the rest of the song relates to the teddy bears picnic, but it’s those first eight words that entice the most exciting party ideas in my head, not just for little ones but for adults too.

Woodland or enchanted garden themes are certainly big in Australia at the moment, especially as the use of vintage furniture is very popular, allowing the host to create the most magical feel to their party. And don’t forget the wooden rises, slabs of cut wood are being found across dessert tables, the resting point for delicious cakes and other sweets.

Pretty little red and white toadstool seating are popping up more and more and certainly set the theme for the enchanted garden, with little guests dressed as fairies and elves.

Gorgeous woodland animals such as the cheeky little fox can be seen used in stationery, cupcake toppers, bunting and stickers on goodie bags for the guests to go home with.

The owl has certainly been a popular little animal to include in birthday parties and the

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Photo Credit: 100layercake.com,Tyler Branch Photo

Photo Credit: Little Apple Tree Event Design

squirrel has been darting in and out too. But you don’t have to go with just the one animal, why not include the whole forest, and throw in a bear for good measure.

This theme isn’t just for kid’s parties though, it is creeping into adult soirees too, in particular baby showers.

With colours of autumn and décor of woodland animals, leaf shape bunting, and cute animal shaped fondant cake toppers.

Another animal making a guest appearance at these woodland gatherings is the deer, or to be more precise, the stag’s antlers. I am obsessed with them. Their organic shape with the angles, curves and points conjure up so many design ideas for the perfect party. And these can be painted any colour to suit and can be used on the table, in flower arrangements, as a design element in your stationery, you can even have them sitting upon your cake.

Australia offers such a fantastic backdrop for these kinds of parties too with our forests and natural bushland. But if you can’t take your party out to nature you can certainly dress your backyard up to suit.

There is something just magical about an enchanted woodlands theme that feeds everyone’s imagination.

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Photo Credit: Sharnel Dollar Design

Photo Credit: Sharnel Dollar Design

Photo Credit: Once Upon A Table

Photo Credit: Sharnel Dollar Design

Photo Credit: KimSeeEun

Photo Credit: Hunting Faeires

Photo Credit: Sharnel Dollar Design

Photo Credit: Vintage Thoughts

Storybook

Picnic BY: Luc & Li lah Eve nt s

The idea of creating a Storybook Picnic paper collection came from my love for fairy tale and whimsy. Growing up, I would get lost in fantasy and fairy tale just by opening a book! Raising my children with the same fairy tales I grew up with has been nostalgic and magical for me and has given me some new inspiration in creating what I imagine these whimsical little worlds would be like if we could truly visit our favorite storybooks and their characters!

www.ca rouse lmag.com page | page no.no.

88 15

O

ur Storybook Picnic collection is heavily inspired by the classic Little Red Riding Hood, with an emphasis on creating a picnic in the middle of the enchanted forest.

No wolves allowed, of course! The dessert table is exactly what I imagined as an enchanted picnic display including lots of sweets and the occasional woodland visitor.

The goodies offered on the table are very simple and homespun treats as if Grandmother packed your picnic basket full of her traditional baked goods, hand-picked fruits, homemade jams, and her famous cookies. The sweets include Grandmother’s Famous Cookies, Pebbles from the Trail {donut holes}, Berries, Cherries, and Apples from the Forest, Gram’s Jams, Woodland Well Water, Forest Berry Cocktail, and a rustic cake topped with beautiful hand-picked flowers {red flowers, naturally} that Little Red Riding Hood picked herself as she strayed from the path on her way to Grandmother’s house!

Our printable paperie in this collection was all designed with a fancy twist on vintage folklore and the fantasy of the enchanted forest!

Our printable paperie in this collection was all designed with a fancy twist on vintage folklore and the fantasy of the enchanted forest!

Our Storybook Picnic Couture Printable Package will include the following designs ready for you to simply open and print once your order and personalization on this collection is complete: - Invitation

- Entire Storybook Backdrop pages from “Little Red Riding Hood”

- Food Tags

- 2 Round Designs

- Water Bottle Wraps

- Jam Wraps

- Juice Labels

- Picnic Basket Tags and

- Banner

- Favor Tags

A little extra just for you: Luc & Lilah Events will also include a Cake Topper reading “Happy Trails to You!” and Straw Flags reading “Berry Yummy” just for Carousel Magazine readers!

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Here’s how to create the lovely look of this display: Our backdrop was created entirely from the storybook pages we include in our collection and some double-sided tape with draped burlap on each side. To construct the storybook page backdrop, place the doublesided tape along the top of the backside of each page and stick them on a blank wall starting with the bottom row and working up to the top!

Another easy, and very budget friendly craft is creating a yarn-wrapped initial. All that is needed is a cardboard box, matching yarn of choice, and a hot glue gun. Cut strips from the box and position them so they create the shape of the letter needed. Use a hot glue gun to seal the cardboard pieces together.

Then, glue one end of the yarn to the letter and start wrapping the cardboard in the yarn!

Once it’s all wrapped, tie it off in the back and you’ll have a beautiful initial to add that extra flair to your display!

Helpful Hint on creating height with this theme: Find old books {either at home, flea markets, or from rental companies} and lay them throughout your display to create that height and to add to your decor! After all, this is a storybook theme, and books are just the best way to tie the pages from the storybook backdrop into the table perfectly!

To finish off the look, be sure to display lots of red fruits to add that extra pop of color to this very “red” theme and accessorize with lots of little woodland creatures!

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The cherry on top of this whole party design

for me was watching the children dress the part and seeing that they truly felt like they were visiting a picnic in the enchanted forest! They loved the idea of dress-up and being fully immersed into a world straight from a storybook!

Have a Happy Picnic , and beware of wolves!

Credits

Cout ure P r i n ta ble s a n d Event Desig n: Lu c & Lil ah Ev e nt s Vin t ag e P r o ps: Wish Vin t age Re n t al s P h oto g r aphy: Morgan Ellis Photography

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happy

Halloween

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Great Pumpkin Party BY: M aking Li fe Whimsica l

I

It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

screen. The kids were greeted with a pop-

Time to welcome in Fall with this movie

corn bar, with make your own toppings and

tradition our kids look forward to every

lemonade in mason jars. The kids could

year. Linus believes in magic with all of

“borrow a blanket from Linus” and settle

his heart that the Great Pumpkin will rise on Halloween night. We also believe in magic and all things whimsical. What could be more magical than inviting some kids over to

down near the hay bales to watch the movie.

We capped off the night with Charlie Brown Cake Pops.

wait on the Great Pumpkin?

As a special surprise at the end of the night,

We were inspired by Linus and his love of

for the Great Pumpkin on Halloween night.

magic to create an outdoor movie night.

We built a PVC pipe frame and attached blackout drapery fabric to use as the movie screen. Using a projector, we hooked up a laptop and played the movie onto the

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they took home a letter that they could leave We are happy to share with you the printable set we created for this movie night! The set comes with everything you need to re-create this in your own backyard! Visit our website to download the free printable set.

C r eat e a Popc orn Bar Let your guests make their own popcorn mix at your next party. Set out different topping and mix-in options so your party guests can add what they want to their popcorn. It is a fun activity for kids of all ages and a great party food that lets people make what they want.

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Credits E v e n t d e sig n, printab les and cake pops: Making Life Whimsical P hotograp hy: Amanda Jane Photography

want more?

download the Pumpkin party printable set

WickedlyCute

Witch BY: Itsy Be l l e

W

hen I started thinking about Halloween and celebrating with my sweet little

daughter I knew the typical spooky party was out. Annabelle is all girl sparkly and sweet, so of course her Halloween party had to be the same.

The thought of a Wickedly Cute Halloween came to life and of course as a true girly girl Annabelle is all about the shoes, so the famous Witchy Ruby Red Slippers and Striped stockings became a big inspiration.

Ruby Red, black and white came together for our party palette with plenty of red glitter! When thinking of witches, potions and poison apples came to mind - but ours had to be all sparkle!

Some red candy melts and red sugar sprinkles created the prettiest poison apples to temp out little guests.

Gorgeous red glass ware made our potions & poisons even more tempting. And anyone who thinks wicked can’t be gorgeous can take a look at beautiful black ruffle cake a top the ruby red glass cake stand - it’s “Wickedly Sweet”! Annabelle and her little black kitty couldn’t wait to jump on her broom and enjoy!

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Credits Printab les, St ylin g,

Sweet s, Tu t u, Flowers & Photograp hy Itsy Belle

want more? page no. 105

download free wickedly cute printables

Circus Tea Party BY: Fanci ful Eve nts

I

decided to do a Circus Theme and then thought how fun it would be to add a little twist and make it a small little tea party. I first I thought how I was going to do that. How do you make a circus theme into a sweet little tea party? Well, you take elements and incorporate them into a little tea party theme and just go with the flow! I picked some of my favorite elements from the circus and based that around

this fun little tea party.

I wanted to use circus tickets, the ringmaster hat, the elephant, and tea party elements to bring this theme together. I was inspired by Paige of Style’s pink circus printable collection and that is where the color scheme came from. I loved the color scheme of pinks, mint, soft yellow and touches of gold.

I wanted to the Concession Sweet Table to be vintage and have that playful touch as if you were at the circus. It had a ring toss powdered donut game, ringmaster hats, peanuts, rock candy popcorn, cotton candy, cupcakes, cakes, and candy!

The Tea Table was decorated in circus elements, and had cookies and tea ready to be eaten and to sit back and have fun with! The best part of this theme was having a “Ringmaster” dress made for my oldest daughter to wear. She certainly looked the part and had a blast conducting this sweet little tea party! It was a fun theme putting together and I really loved how this was made to fit a tea party and enjoy!

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“The best part of this theme was having a “Ringmaster” dress made for my oldest daughter to wear. She certainly looked the part and had a blast conducting this sweet little tea party!” page no. 108

Credits

C o ncept, Desig n, St y ling & P hotograp hy: Fanciful Events P r i n ta b l e s {St raw flags, Ri ng Toss S ig n, Part y C ircles}: Paiges of Style Ringmas t er Sig n on Te a Ta ble: Printed Ink Rin gmas te r Hat cook ies on a S tic k, Ticke ts o n a St ick, and t ea cup co okies: Auntie Bea’s Bakery C i r c u s Tic k et s, and Ri ngmas t er hat cookies: Salsa Sweets E l e p h a n t Topper, Ri ngmas t er Hat topp e rs, cir c u s tick et toppers, sw eet tre ats polka dot bags, E l e p h ant and t ea part y fo nd ant toppers: Tikkido Mi n iat ure pi nk ele phant fo nd ant topper: Edible Details Ki ds Tea Part y Set: Magnolia Creative Pink Pap er Roset t es: Charming Touch Parties Al l Pa r ty Supplies, Pink Milk Glass Cake stand, C upcak e Stand s: Shop Sweet Lulu M i n i mason jars and ele phant toppers: Michael’s W hit e C ak e Stands: Pottery Barn Outlet Ki ds Ta ble and chairs: Pottery Barn Kids G i r l s Tea Part y Dresses: LollyKate Rin gmas t er C ustom dress, glove s, and circus banner: Ella Dynae Vanessa Grant Events

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Halloween Costumes BY: S uzanne Olve y

When it comes to Halloween or playing dress up, you always want to pick the cutest, most unique outfit! I love being able to find one of a kind, stand out outfits that my daughter’s can wear. I have two of the most unique costume designers that can make your ideas and bring them to life with their amazing talents! I have had the pleasure of working with these 2 designers and think they’re work is impeccable and so unique in their own way.

Ella Dynae is a fabulous and one of a kind designer that I recently just discovered! Known for her love for designing Fairy costumes, she can really design anything you desire! She created our Ring Master dress for our Circus Tea Playdate!

One of the things that I loved from working with Richelle who runs Ella Dynae, does the most beautiful presentation and packaging when you receive her costumes! She is very accommodating and will give you exactly what you asked for. This is why I loved working with Richelle.

Ella D y nae De signs

E

lla Dynae was started in 2012 by American costume and fashion designer Richelle Dynae. While working as a

freelance designer in London she received international recognition and several international design awards including one costume that currently resides in the permanent collection of the World of Wearable Art Museum in New Zealand.

In late 2011 Richelle returned to her home town of Eugene, Oregon and began focusing exclusively on children’s costumes. Over the next 9 months Ella Dynae Designs began to evolve and was launched in July 2012. Each and every costume is handmade to order in our studio in Oregon and our clientele includes customers from the US, Canada, Australia, England, Italy and Finland.

Our products use high quality materials that combine elegance and durability with stunning results. Each product has been carefully designed to ensure that it’s versatile, elegant and comfortable. Every surface that touches the skin is soft and our costumes stretch comfortably fit your child for up to 3 years.

In 2013 we joined forces with stylist and event designer Paige Showalter to create

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a line of handmade party products. We are excited to begin offering custom party packages this coming Fall!

At Ella Dynae Designs our primary aim is to create the best product we can for our customers. We listen, test and constantly improve our products based on reviews, feedback and new ideas. Before one of our products is listed for sale, it undergoes extensive testing and refinement in the hands of real children and their parents. As all of our products are hand crafted in the US, we can constantly improve the designs based on this invaluable input; ensuring that our products maintain the quality our customers both deserve and have come to expect.

We hope you enjoy exploring our world as much as we enjoyed creating it!

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Fairytale Jubilee, is a custom costume and dress designer and is simply amazing! She creates one of a kind designs, very girly, and so unique! Alisha is the sweetest and will give you the dress of your little girls dream and will match your theme to a “T�.

Here is why, I love Alisha from Fairytale Jubilee! and her amazing work!

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Fa riy tale Jubile e

My name is Alisha Collins and I am the owner/designer of Fairytale Jubilee. I am a 33 year old wife and mother who works from home. Fairytale Jubilee, which can be found on etsy, was born out of pure necessity.

I had two new babies (19 months apart), a lot of fabric, and a need for a supplemental income that allowed me to stay home with my boys. I started where I was and began designing costumes from the fabric and making headpieces to match. So, that’s the boring “why” of it all, but here’s the more inspiring truth of why I chose Fairytale Jubilee and not some other work from home effort. When I was a child I used to daydream for hours about being part of some fairytale world - one that, keep in mind, I really thought existed somewhere out there. Playing dress-up was an extension of that belief. When I was dressed up I became whoever was depicted by the clothes I wore, and a part of my fairytale world was brought to life. By looking at my designs, one may assume that I was only interested in dressing up as the girliest of pretend people, but that is simply not the case. I enjoyed dressing up as anyone or anything including boyish costumes, gross and all. Point being - I LOVED dress-up more than ANYTHING! Lucky for me my mother loved watching my sister and I dress-up I guess, because she was always willing to buy tons of dress-up items.

Our house became no more than a costume rental facility growing up, because I truly believe we had more to offer than any store out there.

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Then, I grew up. Only I never grew out of my love for dress-up, or, if I’m speaking quite frankly, my belief that somewhere out there that fairytale world does exist. I believe that our imaginations allow us to bring anything to life. If we can imagine it - then why can’t we make it real. Thus, Fairytale Jubilee was born.

This little poem gives you a glimpse into the story behind the business: A story is told that daily at dusk there’s held a Fairytale Jubilee.

The location is known only as: Beneath the pink feathered juniper tree, Anyone can attend for pure jubilation, so the story goes.

As long as they’re dressed in “fairytale” from their head down to their toes!

Having read that you may begin to understand what I keep in mind while designing. I imagine that each and every costume must be worthy of an attendance at the Fairytale Jubilee.

Sharing my love for dress-up has been such a rewarding effort. One thing I love most about my job is receiving pictures of my little customers in their costumes. Another aspect that has really excited me, but I never expected, was the media attention. Through etsy I was contacted first by Sabrina James of Parenting Magazine. It was because of her that my business really took off. (Thank you Sabrina!) She used my costumes on the cover and throughout the magazine many times.

Since then I’ve been featured on Access Hollywood Live, The Anderson Cooper Show, Night Line, Toddlers and Tiaras, Babiekins Magazine and a few others.

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While this business was bred out of necessity, it truly was a long time coming - dating back to my childhood: A fairytale world where everyone has to dress in the finest of fairytale attire. I tell my boys many bedtime stories of the Fairytale Jubilee, and it is by one dress and one story at a time that I’m bringing it to life. One day I can only hope that I will hold the most magnificent of events and call it the Fairytale Jubilee. An added bonus would be if everyone present was wearing one of my designs ;-D What will you wear to the Jubilee?

You can’t go wrong working with these wonderful custom designers! They will exceed all your expectations and create one of a kind designs for your next party, just because, or wether it’s for a Halloween costume for your little sweetheart to wear! They are truly one of a kind and a gem for creating custom designs!

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Victor ia n A ll Ha llo ws E v e

Tea Party

BY: Flai re d Affai rs This All Hallows Eve Tea Party was inspired by the vintage Victorian-era Halloween postcards that I grew up with. My family are antique experts and dealers and I was always intrigued by the fabulously adorable artwork depicted on them.

And since it was very prevalent of the time, a tea party made a lot of sense for the setting. The decor had to be reflective of that era but yet I didn’t want it to feel too dated so it was livened up the colors to include the sea blue, and make the oranges and creams pop a little bit. There was a spirit of whimsy and carefree fun. The tea party guests came to the party dressed in their whitchy whimsical best complete with tutu gowns and fascinator hats. These were the most adorable sparkly witches I’ve ever seen!

The dessert table was complete with traditional sweets found around Halloween; red velvet cupcakes tea tabletops, selection of hand painted sugar cookies, chocolates, salted caramel cake pops, chocolate covered oreo cookies with beautiful hand crafted antiqued frames and popcorn cones. A variety of candies were used as part of the decor to set off the beautiful desserts.

The tea party table settings included the cutest kitty kat sugar cubes! Almost too adorable to drop into the tea.. and gorgeous cookies to match.

Everything was tied beautifully together with the

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invitation and coordinating paperie.

I am the Creative Owner of Flaired Affairs established in just May 2012. I also go by Mom, Wife, Chef, ATM, and Cleaning Lady and have a full time day job on the side. I always had the love and knack for creative entertaining. But it was my daughter’s 1st birthday party that I planned and styled that really turned my passion into this venture and creative outlet. I’ve been published in Bird’s Party Magazine, Carousel Magazine, and Everyday Party. My event work has been featured on the hottest blogs: Hostess With The Mostess, Catch My Party, Kara’s Party, The Party Wagon, Pretty My Party and Whimsically Detailed and others.

My artistic flair resonates from my formal training in the arts starting as a young teenager. It is that training that makes the attention to detail and overall aesthetic perfection such an important part of my work. For me, a party is always being designed in my head; inspiration abounds all around just as in the art world.

Credits C oncept & St yling: Flaired Affairs Photography: Dyal Studios Printab leS: Made By A Princess Parties in Style Witch Tu t u s: Atutudes Fasci nator Hat S: Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Dreams Face Pai nt ing: Playful Paints I believe that parties and events should reflect

Teap ot cu pca ke toppers: Tikkido

the personality of the host or the guest of honor and the occasion being marked.. Details

Su gar C ookies: The Cookie Jar

should be remembered and memories made. I deeply enjoy being inspired by so many stylists on the web, the DIY projects and real party submissions. I spend many nights unable to turn off my brain which means something fabulous is cooking up for the next event!

Pai nt ed Su ga r C ookies: Aunt Bea’s Bakery C hocolat e covered Oreos: Earth and Sugar

When I’m not working on a party, I can be found reading books recommended by friends, enjoying many things such as great food, great

C hocolat e C aramel covere d apples: Festive Fruit

wine, spending time with great friends and, of course, family.

Kit t y Kat su ga r cu b es: Edible Details

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w w w. f l a i r e da f fa i r s . c om

Hallowee n

Craft Tutorial BY: Pe n N ’ Pape rflowe rs

See t h e w h ole h o w-to o n t h e w e b si t e!

Twilig h t

Fairy’s Hollow BY: S oire e Eve nt Desig n

H

alloween is one of my favorite holidays! For me, it’s a time where kids and adults alike can use their imaginations and create a fantasy

world of wonder and fun! My girls play dress up year round and right now are loving being fairies. So, this year, I decided to put my spin on the traditional fairy party and design a darker, more Gothic version where the girls would dress up as Twilight Fairies of the night. The theme is based around the Twilight Fairy Queen inviting the Twilight Fairies to celebrate the coming of Halloween.

Party Details: Fairy Wing Chairbacks Custom Laser Cut Wood Fairy Cutouts Custom Top Hats for each guest to wear Sparkly Silver & Black Pinwheels with Bling Spider Custom Cookie Favor Bar Custom Embroidered Fabric Crown Handmade Flower Napkin Rings “Twilight Fairy” Printables Lamp Candelabra Centerpiece (DIY tutorial on my blog)

Tonya Coleman is a premiere event stylist & graphic designer. She blogs and shares party tips & inspiration at Soiree Event Design and is a bi-monthly contributor to Hostess With The Mostess blog writing the popular “Look for Less” and “Trend Alert” blog series. Her unique and creative party printables are exclusively available at Soiree Event Design Shop.

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Credits

Pa rt y S ty l i n g & P h oto grap hy & Printab les: Soiree Event Design “ Twi l ig h t Fai r y ” P rintab les: Soiree Event Design Shop Las e r C u t Wo o d Fairy C u tou t s: Ten23 Designs C u s to m To p Hat s: Cupcake Wishes and Birthday Dreams Cus to m Embr o i d e r e d C rown: Shawna Brockmeier Styled Events C u s to m F lo w er & Fairy C ookies: Sweet C’s Bake Shop Nap k i n Ri n gs & Paper Pinwheels: Peckled

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sw ee t Halloween Treats Fun f i n d Swee t te mptations & Autie Be a’ s Bake ry

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Make A

Mummy Hand BY: D esig n Da z zle

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Sn ea k p e e k o f

“Birthday in a Book” BY: A ngie Morrisse y

About Birthday in a Book The Birthday in a Book series puts all you need to know in your hands in one convenient, easy to use handbook. Parents of children ages two to twelve will be able to create an astounding party their fiends will be talking about for years to come. Features include, full printable packages, detailed instructions and picture tutorials for crafts, easy-to-follow ideas that can also be used for other celebrations or events, themed recipes and “Make It” or “Buy It” options that fit almost any budget.

No other book provides a countdown for party preparation as clear and comprehensive as is found in this series of books. Moms can relax as the Birthday in Book series provides a detailed schedule for party preparation and a schedule for the actual party, too.

From a small, intimate party to a whopping giant birthday happening, Birthday in a Book features:

· PRINTABLES for invitations, party decor, games, crafts, food, costumes & more! · Detailed instructions and picture tutorials for crafts · Easy-to-follow ideas that can also be used for other celebrations or events · Easy to make themed recipes · Make It or Buy It options to fit almost any budget

Also included are helpful general tips for making any child’s birthday party a delight rather than an ordeal, including schedule suggestions, craft tips, standard decorations, budgeting, setting the pace, and more!

With eye-catching photography, a budget friendly style and philosophy, an easy-to-use format, and lots of neat ideas, Birthday in a Book will inspire creative party giving throughout the year. Bring your children’s

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imagination to life by creating the most fun and memorable birthday parties ever!

“Many friends have told me that they want to plan parties like mine but didn’t know where to start. I was surprised to find that there weren’t any books available that gave parents the tools needed to create a themed birthday party.

That is when Birthday in a Book was born!” says author, Angie Morrissey who is a graphic designer, crafter, party planner and lover of all things inspirational.

About the Author Angie Morrissey is a writer, designer, crafter, and lover of all things inspirational! Angie began her event-planning career more than fifteen years ago in the corporate environment. She then started a family and, needless to say, that changed everything! Through her kids she discovered a passion and love for planning children’s birthday parties. Seeing the absolute joy in their eyes while their special day was celebrated surrounded by friends and family was priceless and made all of her hard work worth it.

For her, there is nothing like a birthday party to nurture a child’s imagination and make dreams come true even if for just one day.

Angie is known for her ability to set trends in the industry and think outside the box. Angie’s accomplishments include being honored with numerous “best in show” awards, published internationally in many trade magazines, editing many award-winning books, and owning many successful businesses. Angie lives in Boulder, Colorado, with her husband and two children.

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EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK: “Even though I made sixteen felt owl pillows (um . . . yes, sixteen!) the Nite Owl Pajama Club was by far the most delightful parties I have had the pleasure of creating. You could even go as far as to say it was an all out hoot! Moments that I will cherish forever are the time spent with my daughter sewing the owls and later watching the kids dance around in the dark giggling and laughing hysterically. Oh, and let me tell you, the screams of excitement received the moment the owls were opened made it all so very, very worth it! I had no idea there would be such a reaction. The excitement carried on for literally twenty minutes. It was simply darling.

So if you’re ready for the challenge to end all party making challenges, then let’s do this. I know you can.

Hoot-ray!”

Detailed in the book are do-it-yourself tutorials and recipes, including: Clubhouse Sign Owl Table Centerpiece Paper Trees Pom-pom Chandelier Felt Owls Owl Prize Bag Trinkets Flashlight Tag Freeze Dance Hide Glow Sticks/Pick Owl

C u r l e d Pa p er Tree Tut ori al This Curled Paper Tree tutorial is featured in the Birthday in a Book: Nite Owl Pajama Club book series.

With the holidays coming up this would make a whimsical decoration using budget-friendly supplies and time-friendly techniques. As an added idea, if you have extra paper curls consider putting them into a glass ornament ball for a cohesive look.

What you will need: How long it will take: 2 hours pre, 2 hours dry time - 2 sheets of 12” x 12” patterned paper

- 1 small terra-cotta pots

- scissors

- 1 paint colors

- paper trimmer

- 1 ¼” x 10” dowels

- hot glue

- ¼” ribbon

- fake grass

- tape

- 2 2” Styrofoam balls

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Step 1: Paint the pot the desired color. Let dry for several hours.

2.

Step 2: Wrap the ribbon around the dowel so that it does not overlap. Adhere ribbon in place with a piece of tape at each end. Place one end of the dowel into a Styrofoam ball so that it is goes about halfway through.

Step 3a: Cut 12” x 12” paper into ½” x 12” strips.

Step 3b: Cut the strips in half so that you have ½” x 6” strips.

Step 4: Using scissors curl all paper strips by pulling the paper along the dull edge of the scissors, from the bottom to the top of the paper, as hard as

3a.

you can without ripping the paper. If needed repeat until the paper curls tight.

Step 5: Make a small fold on one end of the now curled paper (will be used later to adhere to the Styrofoam).

Step 6: Starting from the bottom up begin attaching the paper curls to the ball by putting hot glue on the folded end of the curls. Place them close together with the curls facing down. You can put the dowel in a cup or something similar to hold it up and make it easier to work with.

Step 7: Place the undecorated Styrofoam ball into pot (once dried). Add grass to the Styrofoam until desired look is reached.

Step 8: Push the other end of the dowel into the potted ball so that it is centered and does not slant or bend.

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3b.

4.

7.

5.

6.

want more? download the tutorial here.

Clearly Party Lolli helps you create the perfect party favor.

Party Lolli is a clear, lollipop shaped container that lets your guests take home an original party favor. Fill it with a wrapped candy, small toys or other tiny treasures to create a lasting memory from your event.

Visit www.partylolli.com for more ideas on how to create a memorable gift for your next event.

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