KIDS party
ideas for kid parties and family style events
It feels almost like summer. You could bring the Daydream swim ring and Day dream beach ball to complete my first birthday party theme. If you want bright colors, get inspired by the Moroccan pattern.
Revive your inner child spirit and throw some beach balls at a grown up pool party. These designs are brand new. Designroom Group launched them on April 15th, 2008. They have other patterns including a camouflage and a punk pattern.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Beach Ball Daydream by Designroom Group – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Swim Ring Daydream by Designroom Group – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Poolside collection by Designroom Group
Via: {outdoorables!} [Daisy Chain]
RELATED POST:
+ First Birthday Party Ideas for a Girl
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
KIDS party
FAMILY style
posted @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:24 PM | Feedback (1)
I received an email from Janine who is thinking of doing a garden party for my daughter's first birthday.
She feels that all of the kids party decorations look so passé and cheesy. I have to agree with her. She asked for some ideas. I am proposing a cool flower theme.
Party Planning
A first year birthday is often more for the parents and family since the baby is not well aware of what is going on. It is best to plan for a two-hour party. Schedule some activities to play with the kids.
Flower-Power Décor
The cakes for the 10th anniversary of Cakes by Tatiana were my inspirations. Located in Ottawa, Cakes by Tatiana has a list of distinguished customers including two former Prime Ministers of Canada and Adrienne Clarkson. The two cakes are creations by award-winning pastry Chef Tatiana Vorobej.
I do not expect you to get such an exquisite cake for a first birthday. The flowers and spheres can be reproduced on a larger scale for your garden. Make a few vignettes that you spread across your space to define and cheer up your garden.
A cheap version is the cute Flower Ballons created by Martha Stewart. The steps by step instruction are published on Martha’s site. It is not complicated to do. Fill pails with a baby friendly toy (sandbox tor for example) and insert a paper daisy to dress it up. Reserve the lollipops for older young kids or distribute them to the moms.
The Menu
Since you need to entertain and take care of the babies, keep the menu simple. Serve bite foods, sandwiches and snacks. As long as you make your food look pretty, serving simple foods look sophisticated. And it can look stylish without a lot of work.
Take this cool tray of vegetables designed by Martha. I am sure you have seen those before. You can use square flower vases instead of the glasses or clear acrylic boxes. Start by cutting your vegetables. Cut each type on a same length. Blanch the asparagus, beans, cauliflowers and broccoli to give them a vibrant color. Serve the veggies neatly in the glassware sitting on a tray.
Get inspired by Revisiting the Sandwich Box for serving sandwiches to the adult guests. For the kids, you can serve the blossom sandwiches by Martha Stewart.
Baby Activities
Singing is always popular with babies and parents. Set up a singing circle in the garden where parents and kids can sit. A sandbox is always a fun activity for the little ones.
You can organize a small play. My sister in law asks her teenager babysitter to create a 10-minute show. The farmyard party photo canvas available at Pottery Barn will make great memories and older kids can participate.
Get a girls' first birthday bib for the day. Preserve the memories not just in photos and videos; store the bib and the other decorative elements in a cute keepsake cardboard box.
I hope this will inspire you. And Janine, keep me posted on how the first birthday of your little girl will turn out.
>>> Sourcing:
Party supplies: Flower Balloon How-To [Martha Stewart]
Inspirations: cakes by tatiana -10th anniversary [cakes by Tatiana]
Party supplies: Flower in Pail Party Favors [Martha Stewart]
Buy online: farmyard party photo canvas [Pottery Barn] – price: on sale at $24.99 USD
Buy online: girls' first birthday bib [Pottery Barn] – price: $12 USD
Video: Crudités with Buttermilk Peppercorn Dip Recipe [Martha Stewart]
Dishing up: Edible Blossom Sandwiches [Martha Stewart]
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
DISHING tips
PARTY favors
FAMILY style
posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Feedback (2)
If you have followed me for a while, you probably know that I adore the UK store Habitat. For summer 2008, Habitat stylists did not fail to impress me.
Once again, Habitat stimulates our imagination for casual entertaining. Looking at Habitat setting teaches how to create a unique experience. I enjoy especially their kid theme outdoor rooms.
Kid Party Theme
The camping trip in the backyard is an archetypal kid party theme. You With outstanding decorations, your outdoor party will stand apart. Use great props to create the theatrical illusion. Plan several activities to keep the kids occupied all night long.
The GERONIMO tents are simply adorable. I cannot imagine one kid that would not be thrilled to have a sleep over in these cute tents. Another must have for a kid party is OLI, a fresh olive green pigment lacquered eucalyptus kid picnic table.
The second picture showcases the MAUI deckchairs and the MINI WORLD rugs. Cushions play a huge role in a kid rooms. Here, you see the BELLA toy, the MAP cushion and the BIG MOUTH cushion.
MAUI is available in adult and kid sizes in saffron, orange, ginger, nut, aqua, charcoal, multi-color lined, multi-color urban pattern.
Outdoor dining and picnicware
The delicately neutral floral patterns of UTOPIA melamine picnicware collection goes with solid color dinnerware. Make your own assortment of round tray, plates, bowl, drinking cups, salad bowl and servers.
For an eclectic look at your next outdoor party, mix porcelain plates with earthenware bowls with melamine serving ware. You can even mix the LANDSCAPE porcelain dinner plates with COULEUR pieces and use the round UTOPIA tray. Punch your table by selecting an accent color from COULEUR - which is the French word for color.
I hope these three pictures will inspire you to host an amazing outdoor party in the coming weeks.
Sourcing:
Buy online: OLI kid picnic table at Habitat – price: £149
Buy online: MAUI deckchair in saffron – price: £6
Buy online: UTOPIA round tray – price: £8
Buy online: LANDSCAPE dinner plate – price: £6
Buy online: COULEUR earthenware dinnerware set in red – price: £35 for 16 pieces
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2008 12:35 AM | Feedback (1)
James Van Vossel is a designer from Belgium who creates fun furniture and housewares. He designs both for adults and children. But I think that he shines the most with his kids collection. Here are three products from his 2008 collection.
Ergonomic playing and sitting ball
The three handles of the inflatable Z-ball are positioned to give a better position to the child. The side handles give more support so the child can sit more in front.
I imagine a child room or a playroom with a trio of Z-balls to reproduce a lounge feeling. The children can even play video games while sitting on the Z-ball.
Modular cubes
Connect is another take on a concept done several times on the past by other designers. What James Van Vossel's design brings new to the table are the big elastics that hold the cubes together. It is so cute!
I do not know if it is the interior designer or the mathematician in me who speaks but I enjoy assembling cubes to fashion new shapes. You can use Connect to custom build a bookcase, a dividing wall, or presentation case to display a collection.
If you build a dividing room bookcase, you can arrange the Connect cubes such that some cubes are accessible from one side and the rest from the other sides. This is one way to create an airier space.
Kid-Friendly Dinner Plate
The intention behind Boor Voor Een Kind was to create plates for kids that fit better with your own porcelain china. I cannot be more thrilled since I aim for better looking tabletops, with or without kids.
For the child viewpoint, the deep plate simplifies the eating process. Security features includes two handles and the acrylic glass construction. If they need to, the children can grab a handle when they are using the fork. As the child grows, he child can carry around the plate easily with the handles.
I did not find any retailer listing on his Web site or on Goggle. If you know any stores that carry any pieces designed by James Van Vossel, please share by writing a comment.
Sourcing:
Learn more: James Van Vossel
Via: Milan 2008 Preview: James on Fresh Moco
Categories:
HOME decor
KIDS party
FAMILY style
posted @ Wednesday, April 09, 2008 4:09 PM | Feedback (0)
When I realized yesterday night that this would be the 500th post of At Home with Kim Vallée, I started a search for the perfect cake to represent what my brand stands for: stylish, unique, modern, lively and entertaining. I found my match at I Dream of Cake in San Francisco.
Cake Gallery
When you walk into this appointment-only shop you are surrounded by the cream of the cream in cake decorations.
People did not nickname I Dream of Cake the Cake Gallery for nothing. The retail space is designed as a gallery. Naturally, every cake is made to order. With an art degree, the cake designer Shinmin Li refers to her cake creations as commissioning a piece of edible art. When I look at her cake creations, I must agree with Shinmin.
It took me a while to create my board due to abundance of fabulous cake designs on her Web site. Her Wedding cakes are incredible and so the rest of I Dream of Cake creations. People commission cakes for all occasions from kid birthday cakes to sweet 16, bar mitzvahs, christenings up to anniversaries.
Design Philosophy
If you wish to know more about the creative process of Shinmin Li, I encourage you to watch a series of short videos on Chow. You will see how Shinmin Li is passionate about her work. As a segment of the regular series called Obsessives on Chow, the videos concentrate on the heights to which a wedding cake baker will go.
I encourage you to check out her Haute Couture cake gallery, the Fine Art section and the Luxuries. A pure pleasure for the eyes! Strangely, it seems that the corporate world is not as adventurous in their design. That is where her cake creations are less impressive. But it is due to the theme not the execution.
How much a cake costs?
Wedding cakes range from $10-$25 per serving. Smaller wedding cakes start at $600. Custom cakes start at $400. Since these cakes are labor intensive, plan well ahead.
Be prepared before you go to the first appointment. Any cake maker needs to know as much as possible about the event and your taste. Try at least to imagine the mood and feel of the event or what party style you are aiming for. You need to have a accurate estimate of the number of portions. The more a cake maker knows, the easier it is to satisfy your request.
I Dream of Cake does not only strive for the best in style, they care a lot about the taste. Shinmin Li believes that eating the cake is 50% of the pleasures. It breaks her heart when people do not eat the cake because they are afraid of cutting it. If you order an elaborate and expensive cake like those, you probably hire a high end catering team. These professionals should know how to properly cut the cakes even if it is an unusual cake shape.
Sourcing:
Watch: Let’s Get Married, Let’s Have Cake by Meredith Arthur, Eric Slatkin, and Blake Smith on Chow
Learn more: I Dream of Cake
RELATED POSTS:
+ Exquisite Sugar Cake Decorations
+ Two talented Canadian Cake Makers
+ Delightful artistic cakes
Categories:
KIDS party
BIG events
CAKES
posted @ Wednesday, April 02, 2008 12:39 PM | Feedback (3)
I am always watching for stylishly decorated cupcakes. Fondant decorated cakes are my favorites. So imagine how glad I was yesterday when I came across the most stunning cupcakes I ever saw.
The power of social networks
My journey started by looking at the Facebook profile of new friends I made last Wednesday at the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner. I spotted a comment about a cupcake montage for the m0851 Fashion Show and Press conference. This event occurred this week as part of the current Montreal Fashion Week. This is how I discovered Michelle, the talented girl behind Clever Cupcakes.
Custom designs
What I am showing you are the Creative cupcakes. My husband and I are planning to host a Nintendo Wii party in a near future. We were both ecstatic in front of the Super Mario Brothers Cupcakes and the Pacman Cupcakes. I really appreciate the profusion of fine details in these hand-made fondant decorations.
It is not just the cucpcakes for geeks and Ninetendo fans that are stunning. Clever Cupcakes cater different styles. You can ask her to design something special for baby showers, kid birthdays, wedding showers and a tea party.
Clever Cupcakes made 7 dozens of chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with chocolate and vanilla buttercream topped with handmade fondant decorations for teacher appreciation week at two local schools. The teachers must have been happy.
How to order from Clever Cupcakes?
Operating like a catering company, their cupcakes are made to order. They are baked fresh for delivery in the Montreal area. People can place their order online or by phone.
Their is no minimum quantity for the creative cupcakes. The regular and the wholesome cupcakes are sold by the dozen.
About the food
All their Her Wholesome cupcakes are sweetened with Agave Nectar, a natural sweetener often considered suitable for diabetics. Clever Cupcakes can satisfy all the taste buds with a wide selection of cake flavors, icings and fillings. The Boston Cream filling and the All Chocolate are supposed to be exquisite.
You can order your cupcakes in the regular size or as mini cupcakes. Beside the adorable Creative cupcakes, there are Classic cupcakes. The Wholesome series is an upscale, healthier version of the classic due to the agave nectar and the choice of unbleached organic flour and the 100% Whole Wheat flour.
I will share my experience with Clever Cupcakes after our Wii party or my birthday, whichever comes first. If you tasted these cupcakes before, feel free to share your experience.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Clever Cupcakes
Categories:
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
CAKES
posted @ Saturday, March 29, 2008 1:35 PM | Feedback (3)
Typically, that would not be my first choice of vessel. But there is a “je ne sais quoi” that I like about these two collections at Williams-Sonoma.
Strangely while I was assembling my board, I realized that they work together. When you entertain with kids, it feels stylish to integrate children design with fun grown-up patterns as long the two patterns share some commonalities.
How to get the vintage look
The Nostalgic Easter series display a center design inspired by 1920s Easter cards. If you have young children, you can use these all year long because the illustrations carry a children book vibe.
The folkloric design from the 17th century of Provence is draw in richer tones. When you examine Provence closer, you realized that the pattern stays within the same color palette than the Nostalgic Easter collection. Furthermore, the magical forest of castles and animals theme continues the storyline. Provence is ideal for entertaining with kids.
For a vintage European touch nothing beats the white Alfi Thermal Carafes. In production since 1914, this German made carafe will look sharp at your breakfast table. Use this carafe to serve the milk, tea or coffee at the brunch buffet table.
The blue Oval Stoneware Basket, available in 6 colors, is a hot entertaining item. After heating the basket in a 350°F oven for approximately 15 minutes, you tucked inside breads, muffins or croissants so they stay warm at the table.
A rectangular ceramic baker is a must in every kitchen. The ruffled Auberge collection by Emile Henry is cuter than most.
Devilled Egg Platters
If you host a brunch, make sure to prepare deviled eggs. They are making a comeback. The Nostalgic Easter Deviled Egg Platter can safely cradle a dozen deviled eggs or whole hard-boiled eggs.
If you prefer a clean line deviled egg platter, Crate and Barrel carries a minimalist round egg plate. This Crate and Barrel Exclusive can hold 2 dozen eggs.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Set of 4 Nostalgic Easter Plates at Williams-Sonoma – on sale at S28.99 USD
Buy online: Nostalgic Easter Deviled Egg Platter – on sale at S28.99 USD
Buy online: Egg plate at Crate and Barrel – on sale at $19.99 USD
Buy online: Provence Platters at Williams Sonoma – price: $159 small, $199 large
Buy online: Oval Stoneware Basket – price: $49 USD
Buy online: Alfi Thermal Carafes – price: from $179 to $239 USD
Buy online: Emile Henry Ruffled Auberge Rectangular Baker in Dijon – price: small $58, large $64
Categories:
HOLIDAY
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
posted @ Friday, March 14, 2008 2:47 PM | Feedback (0)
Lisa Zuraw of sweetbeets produces the most adorable birthday cards. Lisa finds the inspiration for drawing her original illustrations by watching her children play. Her cards focus on infants and preschoolers from what I have seen.
Sweetbeets’ cards are eco-friendly. They are printed using vegetable-based inks on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Her technique leaves a crisp impression that you can see and feel. That is the beauty of letterpress printing.
Sweetbeets will debut at the National Stationery Show in New York, May 18 to 21, 2008. So if you are going at the show, visit her at booth 2134.
There are many new babies in my circle of friends. That is why I started a reserve a few months ago. Her cards cost $5.50 each or make your own set of any 4 cards for $18 at her etsy shop.
Lisa Zuraw also writes Modeco Kids, a blog on modern and eco-friendly products for babies and children.
Sourcing:
Buy online: spinning top card by sweetbeets – price: $5.50 USD
Buy online: three blocks by sweetbeets – price: $5.50 USD
Buy online: puddle jumping fun by sweetbeets – price: $5.50 USD
Buy online: birthday girl balloon by sweetbeets – price: $5.50 USD
Categories:
PAPER goods
KIDS party
posted @ Friday, March 14, 2008 12:51 AM | Feedback (0)
When you entertain with kids it is best to plan ahead some activities. Several activities should run over the entire course of the event.
Beside the traditional Easter egg hunt, plan for an Egg dress up contest. This kit from Martha Stewart Crafts made it easy for you. Then, stop by the art store to pick up additional supplies so the kids have more options to create their masterpieces.
Hold the contest before the meal so you can deposit the eggs in potted grass beds. Use them as your centerpieces. Kids will be delighted and you have one less thing on your to do list.
A twist on the Easter Egg Hunt
Earlier this week, I read on a blog or a magazine (I cannot recalled which), a cool idea for the Easter Egg Hunt. Paint or decorate the eggs in 2 different colors or completely different styles. Assign each color/style to an age group. This way, you get more than one winners. And the game is fairer for the little ones.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Egg dress up kit at Martha Stewart Crafts – price: $6.99 for 12 decorated eggs
Via: Get Crafty on Cookie magazine
Categories:
PARTY supplies
KIDS party
posted @ Thursday, March 13, 2008 1:39 PM | Feedback (0)
Today I presented an unusual source for party inspirations. An office.
Advertising companies and cool IT companies often provide fun working environment. They devise whimsical meeting rooms to stimulate the creativity of their team. It is also a place where the employees can relax between tasks.
The Google Office in Zurich looks pretty amazing. The cocoon forest is so cool. It is a child theme executed in a refined manner. Therefore, the room design is suitable for grown ups and kids.
A pattern is often enough to transform an object. For a more feminine design, the exterior of that cocoon exhibits a baroque floral motif in another space. A pinky red and black chandelier hangs over it. Lovely! Check out the Picasa Web album to see it.
When I saw the penguins, the igloos and the old ski gondolas, I immediately imagined an end of winter party at the cottage. Then, start building several canoe sofas for the barbecue party season. The canoe sofa should be a hit so everybody will want to be invited at your parties.
How to do it yourself?
If you have a milestone party coming up soon, go for a memorable party theme. Explore the possibility of hosting your party in enchanted scenery. It is required more time and money to organize a unique, remarkable party but the memories will last a lifetime.
Obviously, you will need props to reproduce something these theatrical decors at home but it is feasible. As you can see, you can salvage old equipments and give them a new purpose.
To pull it off, you will need to think outside the box, be a resourceful shopper, find a local place where you can rent many props and have a handy man at your service. Talk to a visual merchandiser, a display designer or décor designer in your area as they know the best places in town to find props. They know the tricks of the trade in make-belief. Therefore, hiring a display designer or décor designer will make a huge difference on the results. Price varies but they charge about the same price as an interior designer.
Creating a community feeling
Most employees at the Zurich Google office move to Switzerland to work there. So building a community and having activities in and out of the office are important to retain the workers. I noticed several playrooms and pretty amazing relaxing areas. Check their Picasa Web album for more inspirations.
I hope that looking at these fun rooms put a smile on your face. I am curious to know: What is the coolest thing about your work place?
Sourcing:
Learn more: Picasa Web album of the Zurich Google office
Via: Zurich Office published on Interior Design Room
Categories:
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
posted @ Thursday, March 13, 2008 12:33 PM | Feedback (0)
This tablescape celebrates the Easter egg from a different perspective. A Sunday brunch with kids calls for a whimsical table. I infused a fresh treatment to a predictable theme. All I had to do was to mix bright colors with uncommon tableware.
Vibrant accent colors
The felt Chicken cozies are the stars of my table. Denise from Black Eiffel spots those cute ones on the April issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine. Make those in two to four colors since you want to inject a punch of color to an otherwise white theme.
Once the cozies are removed, the colorful double old-fashioned and the highballs of the Rustica Barware collection maintain the vibrant pop of color to the table.
Designed by Yousuke Shimizu, these spectacular shallow bamboo bowls would be perfect as serving bowls for the cereals, the oatmeal and any other dry food. The bamboo bowls combine the 2 key design elements.
Oval tableware
Planet dinnerware exhibits an oval shape with unique slanted rims. This everyday series contains a dinner plate, a salad plate and a bowl. I prefer to buy my every day coffee cups separately; often of a different style. At this low price, you can indulge and buy a new dinnerware set for your Easter brunch. And you would not worry about the kids using your china.
Centerpiece
A simple green apple display is all you need. Whatever you choose, keep it simple. I saw a pretty green apple arrangement when I went to the spa of the Fairmount Sonoma Mission Inn but it seems that I forgot to take a picture. Basically, you pile a bunch of green apples in a chopped top-down pyramidal shape. Start with a rectangular base of 7 to 10 apples long by 3 to 4 apples wide. Reduce the perimeter as you move up for 3 to 4 rows. You will get enough apples for everyone can eat an apple during or after the meal.
Sourcing:
Buy online: planet dinnerware at cb2 – price: $3.95 to $5.95
Buy online: Rustica Barware at Pottery Barn – price: $45 to $54 for a set of 6
Via: Cool Chick published on Black Eiffel
Via: Yousuke Shimizu published on fleshly{blended}
Via: Roundup: Granny Smith Fruit Bowls published on Apartment Therapy New York
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
posted @ Thursday, March 13, 2008 1:34 AM | Feedback (1)
You do not need a design that screams Easter to look festive. Since the typical pastel Easter decorations are not my style, I created a series of hip and fun Easter tabletops. I will be presenting two tabletops today in two separate posts.
What is great for you is that my Easter tables featured tableware items that you can reuse for any occasions. In fact, the design comes from the shapes and the patterns of things you need to eat, not from a bunch of superficial accessories. It is simple and beautiful.
The birth of a concept
Thinking outside the box allows you to find fresh concepts. I usually start by analyzing the key elements of the celebration. The idea is to approach an event design from a different perspective. Basically, I look at at the Easter brunch party this way:
- Easter is a festive, family gathering that occurs in Spring
- Hosting an Easter party means planning several activities for kids and a table where the children will feel comfortable
- The egg and the bunny are the more popular symbols associated with Easter.
Let’s review my floral Easter table. Every since, I saw the beautiful Atelier Lzc Party Napkins at Rose and Radish, I wanted to use it. My jumping point was this cute Black Floral Salt & Pepper Set by Sagaform. I selected this inexpensive salt and pepper set for the egg shape. When I put the napkins with the salt and pepper set, I found my theme. The rest is a matter of creating harmony and a focal point.
The cocoon-shaped soup tureen, the ice cream bowls and blue condiment bowl exhibit fun and comfort. Two terms associated with family life. The ice cream bowl by Miriam Mirri is huge so prepare one bowl per family or couple. Adding a communal course to your meal goes with the spirit of Easter.
The story goes that Miriam Mirri designed the spoon as a heart so that you can eat ice cream from one side of the spoon without touching to the other side. I am not convinced but it is a cute marketing story.
Finishing touches
The Coral Dinnerware shows that you do not need to go neutral to look organic. The style would harmonize well with any time of food. You can put it on your every day table, use it for casual entertaining or reserve it for special-event dining occasions. The choice is yours.
The Coral series has only a 7-inch bowl and a 9-inch plate. To complete your place setting, pair the Coral dishes with solid color dinnerware either in black, red or white. I would use a blue tablecloth to highlight the dinnerware. You want the Coral dinnerware to be the focal point of the tabletop.
The illustration of the Poppi Art invite links everything together. It is the theme that is fun yet sophisticated. I presented it as an Easter tabletop but really this tabletop design is fit for any occasions.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Poppi Art notecards at Whimsy – price: $12 for a pack of 10
Buy online: Atelier Lzc Party Napkins at Rose and Radish – price: $13 for a pack of 20
Buy online: Soup Tureen by Steffen Schmelling for Ego at Unica Home – price: 120 USD
Buy online: Coral Dinnerware Series by Jill Fenichell for Bongenre at Unica Home – price: bowl $8, plate: $10 USD
Buy online: Big Love Ice Cream Bowl and Spoon by Alessi at Unica Home – price: $45 USD
Buy online: Nio Blue Glass Condiment Bowl by Oliver Hemming at Unica Home – price: $45 USD
Buy online: Sagaform Black Floral Salt & Pepper Set at Wrapables – price: $9.95 USD
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
posted @ Wednesday, March 12, 2008 1:36 PM | Feedback (2)
Like everything else, the cake industry has evolved a lot over the years. The popularity of the TV series Ace of Cakes gives more ideas to people.
If you want a one-of-a-kind marvelous cake, first of all know that it is pricey because it requires a lot of time and know-how to decorate these remarkable cakes.
These cakes are popular at weddings, since people often allocate a huge budget for their wedding cake. If you plan an extraordinary party for a milestone birthday, a 25th wedding anniversary, a baptism or a shower, you cannot pretend to host the ultimate stylish event without a fabulous cake.
How does it work?
The process starts with a consultation and cake tasting, often complimentary. Be prepared before you set up a meeting. It is best to sit down with the cake maker after you booked your venue. Figure out the style of your event first as the cake must harmonize with the rest of your theme and decorative elements. You need to have a pretty good idea of how many guests will assist or be invited.
You must decide if your cake will be served as your primary dessert or later in the evening because it influences the portion size. How many portions you need directly influences the design options for the cake.
My board put the spotlight on two creative teams from Canada with their own personality.
Luscious Creations
The first column shows two cakes made by a young team, Luscious Creations from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Since late 2006, Luscious Creations takes custom orders for any kind of baked goods, taking all dietary restrictions into account, be it, dairy-free, wheat-free or even vegan baking.
I really like the cupcake tower cakes. It is whimsical yet refined. The design of this cake works well in several surroundings from the wooden lodge on the lake up to a casual luxury location.
Kid Birthday Parties
Luscious Creations proposes something fun for kid birthday parties. Parents do not have to stress out in long preparations. Luscious Creations will supply 2 cupcakes for each child to decorate, a yummy healthy lunch, and a special present for your future cake artist. I think it is a cool activity to entertain the kids.
Papillon Cakes
Located in Toronto, Papillon Cakes strives for elegance and for the appeal to your senses. It was difficult selecting which cakes I would featured since they are all fabulous. I first introduced Papillon Cakes last July in a story about coordinating the design your invites and your cake.
Before being formally trained as a Pastry chef, Diana Stepanovic used to work in dentistry. As you can see on the 4 pictures on the right, she traded on the levels of details for other very successfully.
To savor their beautiful creations, know that Papillon Cakes produces wedding cakes that range from $500 to $6000 CAD. For the wows that you will get, it is definitely worth every penny.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Gallery of Luscious Creations
Learn more: Papillon Cakes
RELATED POSTS:
+ Matching wedding cake and invite design
+ I Dream of Cake
+ Cake decorating classes at Bonnie Gordon Cakes
Categories:
KIDS party
BIG events
CAKES
posted @ Sunday, February 10, 2008 12:19 PM | Feedback (3)
By listening to my friends who are new mothers, I noticed how much fun they appreciate a picnic in the park with young children. So I compiled a list of stylish colorful accessories.
A punch of colors stimulates babies. Reading Syrliga karameller on Purple Area this morning led me to a whimsical Danish brand called Rice.
What is new at Rice?
The Spring / Summer 2008 catalogue of Rice is full of sweet candy colors. You will discover a vast collection of melamine bowls, plates, lunch boxes, glasses, trays and utensils. Several formats and colors caught my attention.
The ice cream cupcake bowls with their orange spoon are so cute. Use them to serve fruit salads, puddings and baby food at the park. I am a fan of the Bento lunch box. The food stays well separated and you can prepare the servings in advance.
After the meal, moms can use the leftover Green Animal Print Napkins for storytelling in the park.
Gift ideas for a baby shower
Why not give colorful melamine dish ware? From my experience, new parents will use them often.
The same is true for the picnic stool by Reisenthel. Offer in four colors, the foldable stool make an instant table or seat. It comes in a matching color carry-on bag.
A classic baby shower gift is a baby travel bag. One of my favorite, the red Babybag with orange accents by Reisenthel comes with all sorts of equipments and compartments. It hangs easily on the stroller handles. Unfortunately, it seems that retailers are still too old-fashioned. I only found the feminine Polka Dots online. If you can find the red, tell me because it looks so much better.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Party Time Paper Napkin with Green Animal Print
Learn more: Colorful Melamine at Rice
Buy online: Picnic stool by Reisenthel at Singulier.com – price: 9.50 €
For Americans: Dots Babybag by Reisenthel at Amazon.com – price: $49.99 USD
For Canadians: Reisenthel Baby Bag in Dots at GoneShopping.ca – price: $45 CAD
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
posted @ Monday, January 28, 2008 3:21 PM | Feedback (0)
The best way to teach children good eating habits is by teaching how to cook at a young age. And since kids like to imitate grownups, they are typically excited by this activity.
Cooking tools for kids
This idea is born while browsing through the catalogue of Sagaform for another post. If you wan tot develop the habit to cook with your kids, it is best to get gears designed for them.
From Sagaform, teach your kids good taste by giving them a cute hand painted Pastry Board with Rolling Pin made of birch. Sagaform To make cakes, get the Baking set completed with a Spatula, a whisk and cake tins.
A mother herself, Sophie Conran proposed a Mummy's & Mine cooking set. Part of the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection, it has everything young boys and girls need to start baking. This gift set contains a child's hat and apron, two star cookie cutters, a porcelain mini-jug, a mini pouring bowl, plus a box paper cups.
Do not let the name distract you, it is for daddy too. Cooking with kids, when it is not done in the middle of the afternoon is a pleasing way to pass time together.
Recipes for cooking with kids
Specialized books target the family with kids. The Family Kitchen invites kids into the kitchen to help, teaching them kitchen skills, encouraging them to discover new flavors and bonding with them. Each breakfast, lunch and dinner recipe lists tasks that kids (even little ones) can enjoy doing.
Another favorite is Williams Sonoma Kids Baking. Reviewers commented that they cook with their kids of 3 to 6 age old with this book. Parents enjoy receiving gifts that involved their kids. I am adding family cooking books on my best list of unique hostess gifts.
Since you may not have time to go shopping for books, try out the Chocolate Pudding recipe from Martha Stewart. This week-end, go ahead and plan a baking session with your kids and their friends.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Pastry board with rolling pin by Sagaform - price: £22.95 at Forma
Buy online: 4-piece Baking Set by Sagaform - price: £14.95 at Forma
For Canadians: Sophie Conran Mummy's and Mine Set - price: $59.95 at Linen Chest
For Americans: Sophie Conran by Portmeirion Sets Mummy's And My Cooking Set - price: $50 at Amazon.com
Buy online: The Family Kitchen
Buy online: Williams Sonoma Kids Baking
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
KIDS party
CAKES
FAMILY style
posted @ Friday, January 11, 2008 4:54 PM | Feedback (1)
With the US Thanksgiving and the big Holidays season at our corner, you will have many occasions to celebrate around kids and parents. It is less stressful when everybody is prepared. This post will interest parents and hosts.
1 | Shelterrific
One common problem for families with young children is where to store the toys in the living room. Charles Storage is a neat round storage table. It unites fun and functions. The round shape is perfect because the kids cannot hurt themselves on the corners. How often can you find beauty in a storage container suitable for young kids at an affordable price?
Frankly, you do not need to be a parent to place the Charles Storage table in your living room. If you flip the wood finish lid, a chalkboard finish shows up on the other side. So when children visit your house, you have an instant playroom.
I second Angela M., the brain behind Shelterrific. She suggested a pair of Charles Storage as a smart alternative to a coffee table.
2 | Babygadget
Justine of Babygadget pointed out she has a thing for or cute, non-commercial utensils for tots. The Orange Happy Balloon Mini Fork fits in a plastic case to travel. Again, it is something the perfect host with many parents in her circle will keep in her kitchen.
For later, when the kid grows up, it is nice to know that the fork fits beneath the lid of matching 2-tier bento box.
3 | Rare Bird Finds
There is a thing really childish about these Spiral Luggage Tags. Unroll the silicone tag, write down your coordinates, let go, and the tag coils back into place. Cool! And the vibrant colors make certain that every kid will want one. Since the design does not scream travel, why not attach a spiral tag to the kindergarten bag or a sport equipment bag?
Rare Birds Finds, like the name says, introduced unique gift ideas. The Spiral Luggage Tag would make a fantastic gift under $10.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Charles Storage table at Sparkability
Buy online: Orange Happy Balloon Mini Fork in Clear Case at Sugar Charms – price: $3.49 USD
Buy online: Spiral Luggage Tags at Pylones – price: $9 USD
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOME decor
KIDS party
posted @ Monday, November 12, 2007 8:00 PM | Feedback (2)
I saw a documentary about the future of the Moon exploration this week-end. It hit me as a pretty cool birthday theme for a young boy or a girl.
I recalled the realistic Moon fixture that is a part of the Very Important Products for kids Collection by UK-retailer Habitat. So that is where I started my journey. By digging their Web site further I found everything at Habitat.
The key décor elements for this kid party are the Moon pendant, the Inflatable plane, a couple of Kids bunk beds, Smoothy Monster and a red Flip Kids for playing. Just to make things more exciting for you, Smoothy Monster is creation by French fashion designer Christian Lacroix.
The idea behind this concept is to reproduce the look and feel of living on the Moon. The environment would be austere and rocky.
After the party, you can recycle the furniture and accessories to decorate your kid bedroom or playroom.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Large box TOYBOX at www.habitat.co.uk – price: £70
Buy online: Inflatable plane KELVIN 40 at www.habitat.co.uk – price: £25
Buy online: Moon pendant MOONBUZZ at www.habitat.co.uk – price: £53
Buy online: Kids bunk bed SKIPPER at www.habitat.co.uk – price: £385
Buy online: FLIP Kids table at www.habitat.co.uk – price: £245
Buy online: SMOOTHY Monster at www.habitat.co.uk – price: £20
Categories:
PARTY ideas
KIDS party
posted @ Thursday, October 11, 2007 5:14 PM | Feedback (1)
The back to school advertising is the first sign that summer is coming to an end. But there is still plenty of beautiful weather nights left to entertain your kids outside.
Everyone knows that young kids like to camp. That is why Cookie Magazine published a set of activity tips and the things you need to make it a reality in your backyard. I added my little touch of wisdom to complete what they suggested.
For the naturalist or the animal lover
Why not go with a safari-style canvas tent? Your little ones can pretend to be the renowned primatologist Jane Goodalls conducting her field research. Otherwise, you can prepare a bird sighting adventure or an insect discovery expedition.
For the techie or the astronomer
With futuristic outdoor gadgets and gear, you may succeed to lure your child outside for a while. This weatherproof tent is equipped with three electrical outlets. Plug in your laptop and explore the cosmos with the telescope before going to bed. Bring some brain games to occupy their mind until dark.
For the dreamer
Create a fantasy world by crafting an exotic encampment. Plan a game with an Aladdin’s Lamp or a fortune teller before having a tea party with teddy bears. You can organize a stylish Arabic dinner party for the parents in one area to complement the kid party theme.
For an old-fashioned entertainment night
Or you can simply organize a family movie night in the park. Plan a barbecue before the movie. Bring outside the popcorn and the hot dog machines.You can make a little roof and side panels around the screen to increase the viewing quality. A few old-fashioned activities will turn your backyard excursion into a night to remember.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Pitch perfect published in Cookie magazine
Via: Blogging Cookie Magazine: Pitch Perfect Tents published in Apartment Therapy: the nursery
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
posted @ Friday, August 10, 2007 6:43 PM | Feedback (0)
Cakes are an important part of any celebrations. This is one custom that I hope with never go out of fashion. Even if decorated cakes are widely available, the best hostesses like to make a bold statement with her cakes.
Bakery Bar specializes in custom designs specifically tailored to your individual style. Their creations are stunning. They are cute, fun, fresh and stylish. In short, they exhibit my favorite qualities.
Gracious whimsical and organic themes
Many of their cake designs are inspired by nature. The bakers at Bakery Bar cleverly and realistically shape fruits, vegetables, plants and much more. Nothing looks tacky here. I would take pleasure in getting that kind of cakes for my upcoming wedding anniversary.
The whimsical Pirate cake for a kid birthday has the usual elements done in an appealing way. The houses / neighborhoods cakes talk to me; you feel a part of the community just by looking at it. If you belong to the welcoming committee of a club or if you are hosting a housewarming party, this rendering cannot be more apropos.
Bakery Bar takes pride in realizing harmonious artistic details and it shows. Since I never been to Portland, I went to yelp for reviews about the taste of their cakes. It was unanimous. The cakes at Bakery Bar are adorable and delicious.
Ready to bring home, small cakes for 2 are made every day. One yelp member, Alicia J. commented:
they say they serve 2 but really could serve 4 and at $12, they're a steal considering the cost of desserts at other joints around town.
You can also buy nice cupcakes at Bakery Bar. Topping a cupcake tower with a small and high nicely decorated cake produces the best look. Explore their photo gallery; you will see the difference between the two looks.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Bakery Bar in Portland
What others have to say: Bakery Bar reviews on yelp.com
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Tags: cake shops, cake decorations, cakes, design, stylish, birthday, anniversary, wedding
Categories:
KIDS party
BIG events
CAKES
posted @ Tuesday, August 07, 2007 10:34 PM | Feedback (1)
In our house, we need to transform the room to create a magical atmosphere for a party. But if you utilize a magical location you do not really need to add decorative items to plan the best party ever. One such place is a perched tree house.
An inspirational tree house in Brittany, France
The July-August 2007 issue of Maison Française published a nice article about an outstanding perched tree house in the Domaine des Ormes. Standing 10 meters from the ground, the Cedar tree house is impressible. The terrace is a perfect spot for a small party during the day.
I know that tree houses for adults are not common but if you search on the Web you can rent some.
If you want to build your own, it can be a fun group project at the cottage. Make sure to consult a tree expert to help you select the right tree and guide you with design requirements. When you built a cabin around a large tree, you should ensure that the tree will continue to grow and live well.
At the Domaine des Ormes, the Sequoias cabins are even more fun. Reachable by a mini adventure course: a ladder, 2 zip lines, a suspension bridge (Sequoia 2) or a net (Sequoia 1). Wow! You can organize a trail excursion first and finish it up with the adventure course. Then, you offer a nice cool drink to your guests on the terrace.
A few safety issues
Always make sure that the structure can supported the number of guests you invite. And plan for more spaces per person to move around since it is a constricted area. A party does not need a huge guest list to be exciting. Having between 2 to 6 attendees is the norm for a perched tree house party.
If you wish to host a night party, I suggest you make the latest in wireless lighting. Candles in the wood are a huge fire hazard. If you use candles, put any candle in a fire resistant lantern.
The best option is to bring out several polar powered lights and rechargeable portable lamps. Check out the luau portable lamp by Vessel that can be hanged or rested on a table or the floor.
Be careful when you bring children up. Try to select a lower perched tree cabin if you invite kids. Some people are afraid of heights or not athletic (say if you have an adventure course) so tell your guests in advance about the location characteristics.
Often, you must bring stuff up by lifting them up with cords. Do not bring items that are too heavy and pack light if you stay over. Tree houses get almost no sun. So bring warmer clothes and mosquito repellent to be comfortable.
It can be a fun family getaway if your kids are old enough. This is an adventure that your kids will remember for a long time.
A new trend: Tree house hotel accommodation
The Chateau cabin, shown here, was built three years ago as a wedding gift to the sister of the owner of this French hotel complex. The intent was to create a magical refuge for the first wedding night of the couple. It did not take long for friends of the family to ask to stay in the tree cabin.
The tree house is built with the ancient wood craftsmanship techniques without nails or screws. The Chateau cabin for 2 persons covers 20 square meters. A nice terrace let you take a romantic breakfast, read peacefully and enjoy the view of the golf course and cricket pitch. You get up by a rope ladder.
The complimentary breakfast is delivered at the foot of the tree supporting your cabin. Ecological toilets are available in every cabin. The Domaine des Ormes has a total of 5 tree houses.
Located 25 minutes from Saint-Malo, the Domaine des Ormes is one of the biggest tourist attractions of France within 200 hectares of greenness and pleasantness. The Chateau cabin is 96 € per night for 2 persons, breakfast included.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Tree Houses on the Web site of Domaine des Ormes
Photos credits: En Bretagne, rêves perches published in Maison Francaise issue number 548 – photos by Marie-José Jarry et Jean-François Tripelon
Categories:
KIDS party
TRAVEL
FAMILY style
posted @ Tuesday, August 07, 2007 12:11 PM | Feedback (2)
Beach cabanas remind me of vacation. You feel pamper and relax when you are lying beneath one. It helps you create an intimate space on a large beach.
When you use a cabana as a pool dressing room, it adds nostalgia and panache to your pool area. Beach cabanas are not just for adults, kids enjoy them too. Cabanas are fun. Moreover, you take control of the mess.
The overall design principles I explained here still apply to adult spaces. I concentrated on the kid version since it is less typical to build stylish décor for kids.
What do you need to do it?
Pottery Barn carried the Kids Chesapeake Cabanas this year that were so cool – they went out of stock pretty fast. Imagine when you host a swimming play date, the kids have their own spot to change and store their stuff. As the kids arrive, write their name on a chalkboard inside a picture frame. Name tags on the cabanas let everyone knows where to put their belongings.
Sure the pool house with the toilet and a walled outdoor shower are a must. But a trio or a quartet of cabanas looks so cool to change clothes. For lockers, I like wood cabinets with doors. The one from Pottery Barn was well designed. If you want to custom made your own, designs like MOLGER or FREDEN shelving units from IKEA are a good starting point. Make sure the furniture will be treated for outdoor use.
Pottery Barn unit have the doors on top which do not allow youngest kids to play with your stuff. But the advantage of having the door at the bottom is that the stuff is protected from dirt and pool water splashes. If you use open shelving unit all the way, you can use outdoor fabric panels to close it.
Provide all the amenities
If you want your backyard to become the own exclusive spa club for children, I got a few tips for you. Provide clean towels nicely folded, a seating bench and a peg rack in each cabana.
Buy coordinating towels to complement your decor. Lend a plastic basket or beach tote bag to your guests while they are staying at your place. Take advantage of end of line sales for the towels. Plastic baskets and tote bags can often be found at the dollar store or at Wal-Mart.
Install a tablet for soap and shampoo plus hang a curtain so people can take a shower before returning home. Keep a tube of sun cream for kids and one for adults available to all. Select waterproof version whenever possible. The ultimate hostess will even have a few sun hats and flip flops ready to use for the hottest days of the season.
If you plan everything in advance, you will have more time to enjoy the pool with your friends. Because, let face it there is always someone that forgot something. For more of my tips, I invite you to read Stock up the essentials for voguish beach parties. Enjoy the summer while it lasts!
Sourcing:
Buy online: Kids Chesapeake Cabana & Peg Rack by Pottery Barn
Buy online: MOLDEN shelving unit at IKEA Canada
Buy online: FREDEN shelving unit at IKEA Canada
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
FAMILY style
posted @ Sunday, August 05, 2007 12:12 PM | Feedback (0)
If you have ever shop at Pottery Barn Kids, you know that the store is all about creating cute and almost fairytale environments for your children.
With all the fun kid accessories in the store, it is easy to design a theme birthday party if you shop there. Because their staff is fully aware that your kids love to entertain, Tabletop and Birthday Parties are spotlighted in their catalogue.
For play dates and celebrations, why not organize a Carnival event where kids can alternate between the acting roles of a concession seller and a Carnival visitor? Or if you entertain the kid at the beach, go with a friendly Shark luau party.
Pink and green birthday party theme
From table runners, dinnerware, table and chairs to personalized decorative items, this is the place where the kids are kings and queens. I am showing you the Polka Dot collection. The Hibiscus luau party is fun for a summer event.
Make sure to grab a Happy Birthday banner with the classic party hanging décor and a white cake stand. These items represent money well spent since you will be able to reuse them with new accessories. From a few basic elements you will can create many more new party themes for girls.
Personalized gift ideas
One thing for which Pottery barn is strong is the fact that we can put our name or initial in a lot of their exclusive products.
The rustic Thomas step stool and the personalized terry travel bag are two gift ideas that I like a lot for the young children. At this age, kids want to be treated as grownups. They are thrilled when you give them things that look like the grownup stuff.
Lots of other party themes
Other themes are the Soccer party, the Baseball party, the Shark Party and the Pirate party. In our modern society, these themes amuse boys and active girls.
The Pirates theme is well executed. It looks classier that the plates and place mats available at Toys R Us or from Disney.
One stop party central for kids
For each theme, you will find tablecloths, place mats, runners, plates, glasses, photo op canvas, hanging pennant flags, activity games and more party supplies.
This is not all. Their Birthday stationery from themed invitations, thank you cards and gift wrapping supplies look original and fun. If you are short on time, I suggest you visit a Pottery Barn Kids near you to find almost everything for your kid celebrations in one place.
A small lesson in marketing history
I assisted to a direct marketing conference in 2000 where the president (I think) of Pottery Barn was a guest speaker. I was impressed by the company approach at that event. They continue to inspire me today.
Did you know that the kid division at Pottery Barn existed because of a group of employees were desperately seeking great furniture to decorate their baby and kid rooms? They worked hard to persuade the direction that there was a market for better and more fun kid furniture. Today it sounds so obvious.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Birthday parties and celebrations at Pottery Barn Kids
Categories:
PARTY supplies
KIDS party
posted @ Monday, July 30, 2007 8:27 PM | Feedback (2)
We are seeing the popularity of cupcakes at birthday parties, baby showers and even as wedding cakes.
The Cupcake wave caught Montreal over the last twelve months with the opening of several cupcake shops; we had none before. We are more used to the taste of French pastries here. So we may judge cupcakes from a different viewpoint than most Americans.
My mom often baked cupcakes for me when I was a little girl. The icing was a nicely done frosting of the right thickest and she even put sprinkles. So I fully understand the nostalgia and the deep feeling towards cupcakes that is all over the cupcakes industry. But the stylish hostess is worried.
Go for stylish cupcakes
Nostalgia is one thing but the world has evolved and even more on how we present food. I am showing you different alternatives in cupcake decoration in order for you to avoid my DON’