Party Pieces Collection 2022
Introduction
Party Pieces is a premium partyware brand based in the United Kingdom, founded by Carole Middleton. We pride ourselves on curating simple but fun products that transform any location into a beautiful celebration. At our headquarters, near Reading, we gather the very best party supplies from across the globe from milestones and baby showers to silver wedding anniversaries. We stay ahead of the party trends so our customers can focus on making memories because we believe a great party can last a lifetime.
“While party trends might change, one thing has always stayed the same: celebrating is our way of making a fuss of the people we love. Whether you want to create a children’s party they’ll remember long after they blow out the candles, or throw a hen do dinner so fun it earns a mention in the wedding speeches, Party Pieces is here to help.”
Carole Middleton Founder
2
The Party Pieces Story
How it all began
Back in 1987, Carole Middleton was a young mother looking for inspiration for her daughter’s birthday party when she realised there was a gap in the market for time-pressed parents like her, who wanted to create imaginative parties for their children. Since then the focus has always been on curating products which are simple, fun and which look lovely too: from the brightest balloon arches to the most tasteful table decor.
4 5
The Party Pieces Collection
designed and developed line of celebration goods – the Party Pieces collection.
The assortment has been thoughtfully designed, taking into account what makes celebrations memorable and aiming to embrace the spirit of entertaining; with show-stopping pieces that immediately give the wow factor when guests walk into the room.
The Party Pieces collection spans across kids and adults concepts and as the ranges develop, the brand is placing a strong focus on eco-friendly and recyclable pieces, as well as key adult birthday and seasonal moments that are currently underserved within the marketplace.
INTERVIEW BY
ing parents at her daughters’ nursery school. The rest, history. ‘Thirty-five years later, I’m launching the Party Pieces collection. suppose some things are worth the wait!’ she says. ‘So rather than slowing down, this is an exciting new chapter for me. think I’ll always be interested in party trends.’ Michael, who gave up his career as British Airways flight dispatcher to help run the business, shares his wife’s philosophy that everyone deserves day to remember — regardless of who you are, where you are from or the size of your budget. ‘Children’s parties are about fun, games and bit of silliness,’ says Car ole, who adds that it’s all about creat ing memories which last ‘long after the candles have been blown out’. ‘As child, we lived on the outskirts of London in modest house and remember all my school friends cramming into our front room for games and tea,’ says Carole, whose father was builder. Her grandfather was Durham coal miner. ‘My parties were always like this, even my 21st, which was at home with all my friends and family in that same Then was more popular to have parties at home, with traditional games and little tea. It then became popular to go out to restaurants or to do big activity, but parents are starting to choose small, simple parties at home or in hall again. Carole credits her parents, who began married life in council house in Southall, West London, with instilling in her the work ethic which made her strive for success. Her children provided the inspiration. ‘I
my parents working hard to provide for us, and so it has always felt natural to me to do the same,’ she says. ‘My
always make sure the party space looks beautiful. Make it look amazing and you’re halfway to fabulous time.’ So what birthday
would
Helen Weathers
6
Page 26 Page 27Daily Mail, Saturday, September 25, 2021 Daily Mail, Saturday, September 25, 2021
feel incredibly fortunate to have found the professional fulfilment always wanted,’ she adds. From the outset, family and business life were always linked, with all three Middleton children working for the company at some time. The best of both worlds, for Carole. ‘The only thing can say about being mother is how much loved it and still do. Mike was good hands-on father and we found way to make business and family life work. ‘I’m going to continue to live life to the fullest: spending quality time with my children and grandchildren, and growing my business to help me turn my ideas into realities.’ Today, the company is run from converted barn near the Middletons’ CEO, after going public in 2019, but the Middletons still own majority share and Carole remains the firm’s very dynamic figure head. But she reveals Party Pieces might never have happened she hadn’t had lightbulb moment after struggling as young mum to find decent party supplies in the shops for Catherine’s fifth birthday party. ‘All could find were basic clown plates,’ she says. realised there was gap in the market for party ware that wasn’t too expensive and which looked good, so decided to design my own. took some prototypes to various High Street retailers and was turned away.’ Undeterred, Carole set up her own party bag business from the kitchen table of their Berkshire home, leaflet
remember
children continue to inspire me and, as they have grown up, our brand has evolved. From just selling children’s products in the early days, you can now buy one of our popular personalised cakes or balloon bouquets, we curate pieces for all kinds of celebrations, including milestone birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. A DDS Carole: ‘Having big family has made me think carefully about how children’s parties, for example, work from the point of view both of the children enjoying and the parents organising it. ‘It’s so special when children walk into the room to see the table looking amazing. We’ve taken that “wowfactor” to the next level; that’s why we have centrepieces like our carousel treat tray, fun dino-truck lunch boxes and party bags that match the theme of the party.’ The Party Pieces collection, which is launched officially online today, includes Unicorn Fairy Princess, Dino Explorer and Shooting Star ranges. Soon, the collection will, for the first time, be available at select distributors worldwide. Next month, their Metallic Nut cracker Christmas range launched. And ten new ranges with more than 200 products are set to go live by the end of next year. More eco-friendly products are planned, too. As for throwing the perfect party, Carole is happy to share her sure-fire tips. ‘If you’ve got friends and family helping to host, ensure everyone knows what their job is,’ she advises. ‘If they’re the sociable sort, ask them to get people chatting and to make sure no one’s left without someone to talk to. If they’re shy, but very efficient, they can be in charge of drinks. ‘I
party theme
Carole Middleton like? ‘I don’t mind — as long as there’s music and dancing!’ partypieces.co.uk Businesswoman: Carole Middleton. Below, with young Catherine S URELY, if Carole Middleton were looking for the perfect opportunity to retire after more than 30 very successful years in the party supplies business, then the pandemic provided it. The nation’s party spirit deflated like punctured balloon as we endured one miserable lockdown after another. Families were separated, schools and churches were closed, restaurants and pubs were shut, weddings were postponed, Christmas was all but cancelled and parties took place on Zoom. Sausage roll, anyone? No, me neither. Cleaned out by the supermarket panic-buyers. Carole’s 66th birthday celebration in Janu ary’s lockdown was no different from every one else’s; quiet affair at home with just Michael, her husband of 41 years, rather than their usual joyous, big family get-together. Not that she was complaining, though. So, as mother to the future Queen, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and grandmother to future King, Prince George, eight, was she not tempted to pour her energies into the family — rather than her firm after the recent challenges? Absolutely not, she insists, never even crossed her mind. ‘They say if you do job you enjoy, you don’t work day in your life, and truly feel like that; even when it’s very busy,’ says Carole, who is announcing that the business, Party Pieces, very much back with the launch of new collection, promising enhanced ‘wow’ factor. Which is just as well, as suddenly everyone seems to want to party again like it’s 1999. Or 1989, or any time before March 2020. turns out that Carole — far from wanting to put her feet up — is fizzing with fresh energy, and new ideas about how to get the nation back in the groove. Carousel treat tray, anyone? Go on, then. Wearing fashionable pair of slim-fit blue jeans, Carole appears at least 20 years off retirement age and insists she has no plans to slow down, let alone give up work. spend lot of time with young people which can help keep anyone young!’ she grins. ... and it inspired Carole Middleton to start her Party Pieces business that built a family fortune. Here she gives a rare insight into how she did it... why she won’t be slowing down at 66... and, as she launches a new range, her boogie nights secret to a perfect bash I could only find aclown platefor Kate... ‘I hope haven’t become set in my ways, which can perhaps age you. like to hear about trends fash ion, sport and design.’ Nor does she seem to have lost too much sleep over what must have been tricky time for many businesses such as hers. FO it turns out that just as she and Michael, 72, tried to make her birthday special, despite the pandemic, so did their customers. ‘We were very lucky in that we were able to keep trading; and while demand dropped for certain ranges such as hen parties, grew for other pieces such as personal ised cakes and balloon bouquets that people were sending straight to someone’s door,’ says Carole. ‘Our customers enjoy making fuss of their loved ones whether they can do it in person or at distance. Their creativity was inspiring,’ she says. ‘Now some parties are happening again and we have lot of catching up to do. think people are enjoying celebrations with renewed appreciation being together.’ Carole Middleton rarely gives interviews. But she rightly proud of the business she built from nothing, long before the family was thrown into the spotlight when Prince William fell for her daughter Catherine at St Andrews University. Ever since the eldest of her three children married the Prince ten years ago, she has been the model of discretion. The same code of silence applies to her younger daughter Pippa, 38, who married financier James Matthews 2017 (they have two children), and son James, 34, who this month married financial ana lyst Alizee Thevenet in France. The beautiful Alizee may have paid tribute to her new motherin-law by revealing her ‘some thing borrowed’ was the stunning gown Carole wore to her own 1980 wedding. But Mrs Middleton’s lips remain sealed. Carole Middleton has an unenviably fine tightrope to walk between her high-profile role as Britain’s (second) most famous granny and that of successful businesswoman. But it is touching when Carole offers rare snippet, such as how Princes George and Louis plus Princess Charlotte helped deco rate her Christmas tree by video last year. Or how, in lockdown, she felt the same pain we all did at not being able to see loved ones in person though they managed to stay close. Or how she shares her love of gardening with the grandchildren, setting up outdoor activity tables, so doesn’t descend into muddy chaos. ‘For me, my personal and my business life are not two separate things; they are both an essential and interwoven part of who am,’ says Carole, an ex-flight attendant, who turned small party bag business into multimillion pound venture. Over the years Carole’s one-stop mail order company for kids’ party paraphernalia has become slick online operation offering something for everyone — civil partnerships to baby showers, Christmas parties to engagements. ‘My children inspired my business and have been involved Family life: From top, with Kate and Pippa; new Party Pieces collection and with the Queen and Duchess of Cornwall at Kate and William’s wedding AY
Range overview
8
Kids ranges
Any age ranges
Unicorn Fairy Princess Dino Explorer King of the Sea Queen of the Sea Ecosaurus Shooting Star Metallic Birthday A Very English Rose A Great British Party Metallic Nutcracker Shooting Star10
11
12 13
14 15
Range overview
16 17
Unicorn Fairy Princess
Transform any room into a magical kingdom with our pretty pastel Unicorn Fairy Princess range. From elegant party streamers to unicorn balloons and a stunning moving carousel, we have all you need to make dreams come true. Children will love this whimsical range, featuring rainbows, unicorns and fairy princesses in the prettiest of pinks and purples. Sprinkle some fairy dust over your party!
18
Unicorn Fairy Princess
Unicorn Fairy Princess Paper Party Plates (x8)
RRP: £5
Unicorn Fairy Princess Paper Party Napkins (x16)
RRP: £5
Unicorn Fairy Princess Paper Party Cups (x8)
RRP: £4
Unicorn Fairy Princess Paper Table Cover
RRP: £6
Unicorn Fairy Princess Candles (x6)
RRP: £5
Unicorn Fairy Princess Food Trays (x4)
RRP: £9
Unicorn Fairy Princess Carousel Treat Stand
RRP: £25
Unicorn Fairy Princess Party Bags (x6)
RRP: £6
Unicorn Fairy Princess Party Garland (3m)
RRP: £12
20
21
Unicorn Fairy Princess
Unicorn Fairy Princess Honeycomb Decorations (x5)
RRP: £8
Pink White Metallic Glitter Table Runner
RRP: £12
Unicorn Fairy Princess Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Unicorn Fairy Princess Paper Party Streamers (x3)
RRP: £8
Unicorn Fairy Princess Party Game
RRP: £10
22
23
Dino Explorer
Throw it back to the Jurassic age, with our fun Dino Explorer party decorations and supplies! Dino enthusiasts will love the surprises in this fun range; from the pterosaurs swooping around the volcano cake stand to the open mouth of the dino treat tray. Help yourself if you dare!
24
Dino Explorer
Dino Explorer Candles (x5)
RRP: £5
Dino Explorer
Paper Party Napkins (x16)
RRP: £5
Dino Explorer
Paper Place Mats (x12)
RRP: £8
Dino Explorer
Paper Party Cups (x8)
RRP: £4
Dino Explorer Food Trays (x4)
RRP: £9
Dino Explorer
Paper Party Plates (x8)
RRP: £5
Dino Explorer T-Rex Treat Trays (x2)
RRP: £10
Dino Explorer Party Garlands (x2)
RRP: £14
Volcano Treat Stand Treat Stand
RRP: £25
Dino Explorer Treat Bags (x6)
RRP: £6
26
27
Ecosaurus
Create a prehistoric party scene with our eco-friendly Ecosaurus collection. In earth tones featuring pops of pastel dinosaur foot prints, this range is made from FSC paper and 100% recyclable or reusable.
OR REUSABLE
28
Ecosaurus
Paper Party Napkins (x20)
RRP: £5
Ecosaurus
Paper Party Cups (x8)
RRP: £4
Ecosaurus
Paper Table Cover
RRP: £6
Ecosaurus
Ecosaurus
Party Garland (x2)
RRP: £12
Ecosaurus
Paper Party Plates (x8)
RRP:
Ecosaurus
Party Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
£5 30
31
King of the Sea
Add the extra bite to your shark themed party with our eco-friendly King of the Sea party range. The collection is eco-friendly and recyclable, made from and shark-head treat stands that can be reused after
shark party bags with fun fact cards to teach little ones about marine life, and snappy shark party hats.
32
Reusable orRecyclable
King of the Sea
Sea - King of the Sea Tableware Lines
King of the Sea Party Napkins (x16)
RRP: £5
King of the Sea Paper Place Mats (x12)
RRP: £8
King of the Sea Paper Party Cups (x8)
RRP: £4
King of the Sea Paper Party Plates (x8)
RRP: £5
King of the Sea Paper Party Hats (x6)
RRP: £8
King of the Sea Table Runner
RRP: £5
Metallic & Blue Paper Party Streamer
RRP: £6
Assorted Metallic Blue & White Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
King of the Sea Treat Stand and Wall Decoration
RRP: £20
King of the Sea Paper Party Bags with Fact Cards (x6)
RRP: £6
King of the Sea Party Garland
RRP: £12
Sea SHARK-NAPKIN SHAPED PAPER NAPKINS SHARK-PLACEMAT 12 SHAPED PAPER PLACEMATS SHARK-PLATE 8PK SHARK SHAPED PAPER PLATES
SHARK-NAPKIN 16PK SHARK SHAPED PAPER NAPKINS SHARK-PLACEMAT 12 SHAPED PAPER PLACEMATS SHARK-PLATE 8PK SHARK SHAPED PAPER PLATES SHARK-CUP CUPS 8oz SEA-TABLERUNNER cm/70.5 in x 11.5 in. 34
35
Queen of the Sea
Bring your magical ocean party to life! For an enchanting underwater celebration, why not take a splash around with our Queen of the Sea range? This ocean-friendly collection has all the mermaid must-haves to make sure your little one’s special day is unforgettable.
36
Reusable or Recyclable
Queen of the Sea
Metallic & Blue Paper Party Streamer
RRP: £6
Assorted Metallic Blue & White Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Queen of the Sea Party Napkins (x16)
RRP: £5
Queen of the Sea Shell Shaped Paper Plates (x8)
RRP: £5
Queen of the Sea Paper Party Bags with Fact Cards (x6)
RRP: £6
Assorted Metallic Rose, Pink and White Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Queen of the Sea Paper Party Cups (x8)
RRP: £4
Queen of the Sea Table Runner
RRP: £5
Queen of the Sea Party Garland
RRP: £12
38
39
Range overview
40 41
Metallic Birthday
Create a rich and sophisticated party scene with our stunning Metallic Birthday range. Featuring hints of gold, rose gold and silver, this range will certainly wow all your guests!
42
Metallic Birthday
Star Shaped Paper Party Napkins (x16)
RRP: £5
Gold Paper Table Cover
RRP: £7
Assorted Metallics Paper Party Cups (x8)
RRP: £4
Assorted Metallics
Paper Party Straws Star Design (x30)
RRP: £4
Assorted Metallics Dipped Metallic Tall Candles (x16)
RRP: £5
Assorted Metallics Star Shaped Paper Party Plates (x8)
RRP: £5
Shooting Star Backdrop
RRP: £8
Assorted Metallic Blue & White Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
PinkSilverGold
Metallic Silver Glitter Table Runner
RRP: £12
Personalised Happy Birthday Banner and Sticker Set
RRP: £15
Assorted Metallics Foiled and Glitter Bunting
RRP: £10
44
45
A Very English Rose
The perfect way to set the scene for an elegant afternoon tea soiree, “A Very English Rose” is the perfect pink and mint-coloured party featuring classic stripes topped with blooming roses. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, hen do, birthday or something else, this collection is a lovely way to complement your spring party décor. The collection is
46
A Very English Rose
A Very English Rose
Paper Party Napkins (x16)
RRP: £5
A Very English Rose
Table Runner
RRP: £5
A Very English Rose
Paper Party Plates (x8)
RRP: £5
A Very English Rose
Paper Party Cups (x8)
RRP: £4
A Very English Rose
Small Paper Party Plates (x8)
RRP: £4
A Very English Rose Hanging Decorations (x3)
RRP: £10
Assorted Metallic Rose, Pink and White Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Pink White
Metallic Glitter
Table Runner
RRP: £12
A Very English Rose
Arch Treat Stand
RRP: £15
A Very English Rose Decorative Bunting
RRP: £10
48
49
Shooting Star
Bright, bold and colourful, our Shooting Star range is a real head-turner! Wow your guests with vibrant backdrops, glittering rainbow treat bags, starburst balloons and more. Suitable for all kinds of celebrations, the sky’s the limit with this twinkling range. Treat your own little star to a bright birthday; with a whole galaxy of treats and surprises in all the colours of the rainbow!
50
50
Shooting Star
Shooting Star Party Napkins (x16)
RRP: £5
Shooting Star Shaped Party Napkins (x16)
RRP: £5
Shooting Star
Shaped Party Plates (x8)
RRP: £5
Shooting Star Paper Cups (x8)
RRP: £4
Shooting Star Party Plates (x8)
RRP: £5
Rainbow Party Streamers (x6)
RRP: £5
Shooting Star Party Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Shooting Star Table Cover
RRP: £6
Shooting Star Party Garland (3m)
RRP: £10
52
53
Shooting Star
Shooting Star
Party Headband (x6)
RRP: £6
Shooting Star
Happy Birthday Candle
RRP: £5
Shooting Star Badge
RRP: £4
Shooting Star Backdrop
RRP: £8
Shooting Star
Party Treat Bags (x6)
RRP: £6
Gold Silver Red
Metallic Glitter Table Runner
RRP: £12
54
55
Range overview
56 57
Metallic Nutcracker
“Christmas is all about tradition, and the story of the Nutcracker is one that has been dear to me since childhood. The sheer magic of the tale inspired our very own Metallic Nutcracker range from the Party Pieces Collection. I wanted to add an elegant, modern edge to the spirit of Christmas past, and I hope you enjoy decorating with these pieces as much as I will.”
58
Metallic Nutcracker
Metallic Nutcracker Party Napkins (x16)
RRP: £5
Gold Paper Table Cover
RRP: £7
Assorted Metallics
Paper Party Cups (x8)
RRP: £4
Assorted Metallics
Paper Party Straws Star Design (x30)
RRP: £4
Metallic Crackers
RRP: £25
Assorted Metallics Glossy Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Metallic Nutcracker Honeycomb Hanging Decorations (x5)
RRP: £8
Shooting Star Backdrop
RRP: £8
Assorted Metallics Star Shaped
Paper Party Plates (x8)
RRP: £5
Metallic Nutcracker
Paper Party Plates (x8)
RRP: £5
Metallic Silver Glitter Table Runner
RRP: £12 PinkSilverGold
60
61
Our best sellers for any celebration
Balloons
Unicorn Fairy Princess Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Assorted Metallic Blue & White Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Assorted Metallic Rose, Pink and White Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Ecosaurus Party Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Assorted Silver, Red, Royal Blue and White Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Assorted Metallic Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Shooting Star Latex Balloons (x12)
RRP: £6
Assorted Metallics Dipped Metallic Tall Candles (x16)
RRP: £5
Runners
Shooting Star Table Cover
Metallic Glitter Table Runner
RRP: £12
Shooting Star
Happy Birthday Candle
RRP: £5
Gold Silver Red Pink White Black
Candles Table
Trade@partypieces.co.uk partypieces.co.uk