Easter in a Meadow

What was your inspiration behind the styling for this party shoot?

Rather than the pastel tones which are traditionally associated with Easter, I took inspiration from the richer colours of Autumn, when the holiday falls in Australia, working within a palette ranging from peach and blush through to pops of deep burgundy.

Styling was vintage-inspired with a good dose of whimsy and plenty of florals, reflecting the rural garden location of Teavine House on the Gold Coast hinterland, and the picnic theme. And of course, it just wouldn’t be Easter without bunnies and eggs included in the styling!

What were some of the unique features of this setup?

Our stunning fresh floral features were a highlight of the setup, and included a chandelier of fresh roses suspended over the low pallet table, along with a beautiful coordinating floral runner for the table itself.

Custom signage functioned as clues for an Easter treasure hunt, and featured sweet poems and slogans and a beautiful floral design which again complimented the fresh flower arrangements created for the shoot.

A striking collection of handmade piñatas was another unique addition to the setting, each one shaped as a giant Easter egg and decorated with colourful paper flowers and fringing, then strung together from a brass frame in the gardens.

Frankki Styles www.instagram.com/ frankiistyles/

Unique props included the vintage cane cart styled to display the sweet Easter Bunny cake, and an antique French dresser laden with more delicious desserts.

Share your top tips for those planning children’s parties and celebrations

• Allow yourself plenty of time, especially if you are ordering party supplies from overseas. It is never too early to start researching ideas for your theme, or to contact vendors you would like to work with.

• Talk to your little one about what will happen on the day, how to greet their guests, gift etiquette, but keep it light and fun – parties can be overwhelming at any age!

• Prioritise entertainment for the kids! Whether this means booking a face painter or planning a few games yourself (even big kids like Pass the Parcel!), you want to have something ready to keep the kids busy when the sugar rush kicks in.

• Pack a ‘party emergency kit’ – items could include sunscreen/insect repellent (if the party is outdoors), baby wipes, candles/cake knife, blu-tack, safety pins, a few extra prizes or lolly bags.

Cotton Gift Co www.etsy.com/shop/ CottonGiftCo

Pinatas by Karen www.instagram.com/ pinatasbykr83

VENDORS

PHOTOGRAPHY Tweed Coast Photography www.tweedcoastphotography.com

PARTY COORDINATION, STYLING, PROPS Sweet-T Parties www.instagram.com/sweet_tparties

PERSONALISED COTTON GIFT BAGS Cotton Gift Co www.etsy.com/shop/CottonGiftCo

stationery (invitations, tags, signage) Frankii STYLES www.instagram.com/frankiistyles

Handmade – felt flower crowns Kirei Handmade www.kireihandmade.com

entertainment (children’s party host) Ring Around the Rosie - www.ring-around-the-rosie.weebly.com

balloons Ruby Ju EVENTS www.rubyju.com.au

tableware, mini milk bottles, paper lanterns, small treat tin buckets, floral cake topper Party! She Said www.partyshesaid.com.au

custom piñatas Pinatas by Karen Rivera www.instagram.com/pinatasbykr83

cookie mix party favours Sweet Health www.sweethealth.com.au

lollipops Sweet Party POPS www.sweetpartypops.com

cake, cookies, donuts , cupcakes Sweet Treats by Jules www.sweettreatsbyjules.com.au

girls’ tutus & cupcake tutus Tiny Tutu Cake Couture www.tinytutucakecouture.com.au

floral décor (floral chandelier, table runner, and cart decoration) Winter in Bloom www.facebook.com/winterinbloom

VENUE Teavine House, Gold Coast www.teavinehouse.com.au