PARTY TIME
FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTIES with
Carole Middleton
MAR K THIS MAGICAL MILE STON E WITH A FU N-FILLED CELEBR ATION FOR ALL TH E FAMILY “Simple, classic polka dot bunting is great for an indoor or outdoor party. I re-use this again and again!” Spotty Paper Flag Bunting £3.99, partypieces.co.uk
“These plates are such a unique idea. Ask your guests to sign their name and write a small greeting. It is a lovely way to look back at your baby’s birthday.” Personalised 1st Birthday Plate £29.99, partypieces.co.uk
Our new co ntributing editor, Carole Mid dleton
am delighted to have joined the team at Baby London and look forward to covering the latest trends and ideas from within the baby and children’s entertainment industry. I came up with the idea for my business, Party Pieces, when my own children were small as I was frustrated by the lack of party decorations and party-bag fillers on the market. Having found it so hard to track down anything easily in the shops, Michael and I launched our mail order company from a shed in our back garden in 1987, and while we’ve grown in size, we’re still very much a family business. I love sourcing and developing new products and thinking creatively about inspiring party ideas, and I’m thrilled to be able to share my favourite finds with the Baby London readers. For this issue, I’m focusing on the landmark milestone that is your baby’s first birthday. Whether you decide to keep it small and intimate, or opt for a much bigger gathering, your little one’s first birthday is certainly something to celebrate! And it is the perfect chance to gather friends and family. You’ll most likely be catering for all ages, so keeping everyone entertained is key – especially the all-important birthday boy or girl! A theme can be an effective way to personalise a party. This issue I’ve chosen Peter Rabbit – and put together some suggestions for you. Beatrix Potter’s characters are timeless and perfect for both boys and girls. A first birthday party is as much for the adults as it is for the baby, so remember to mark the big day with beautiful keepsakes that both you and your baby will treasure as they grow, and of course, take lots of photographs!
I
babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2015 | 77
PARTY TIME “Fiona Cairns makes the best Victoria sponge! There will be smiles all round when your guests taste this delicious cake scattered with white chocolate sweets and handmade ‘Dolly Mixtures’. I particularly love the hand-tied pink gingham ribbon.” Sweets Parcel Cake £22, fionacairns.com
“Fill these fabric bags with goodies for guests to take home with them.” Fabric Party Bags £7.99 for three, partypieces.co.uk
“I love vintage-inspired clothing for children and Rachel Riley has such beautiful designs. The perfect look for a Peter Rabbit party.”
“Peter Rabbit is a childhood classic that I am particularly fond of.”
Striped Smock Set £85, Rosebud Peter Pan Collar Dress £69, rachelriley.co.uk
Peter Rabbit Range From £3.29, partypieces.co.uk
“I’ve just discovered this amazing husband and wife team, Fed by Ned. The beetroot brownie is simply delicious, and perfect for your little one to enjoy too.” Beetroot Brownie Tray £7.50, fedbyned.com
and friends.” t for your baby co.u k c. el 8, £1 Pit, Hexa go n Ba ll
“Set up a ball pi
Set the scene with a Beatrix Potter themed table
“There’s no escaping how old they are with these brilliant Breton-style tops!” Age 1 Stripey T-shirts £14.99, partypieces.co.uk 78 | JUL/AUG 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
PARTY TIME
“Babies love balloons and these numbered versions are great for a first birthday party.” Birthday Balloons Age 1 £1.79 for five, partypieces.co.uk
CAROLE’S TOP TIP “Choose a classic theme that will appeal to all your guests, whatever their age” “The tales of Beatrix Potter come to life with these beautiful hand-iced biscuits.”
“This super-stylish bunting is the perfect way to spell out your child’s name on their big day.”
Beatrix Potter Biscuit Tin £39.50, biscuiteers.com
Alphabet Bunting From £2.25, shopmerimeri.co.uk
“These cute Peter Rabbit invitations will create a buzz ahead of the big day.”
“This knitted cotton romper featuring a bunny and fluffy tail is adorable.”
Peter Rabbit Party Invitations £7.99 for eight, partypieces.co.uk
Stella McCartney Bunny Body £55, stellamccartney.com
TIME FOR PRESENTS 1
2
3
1. Stacking Blocks £15, jojomamanbebe.co.uk 2. Framed Print £25, johnlewis.com 3. Jack in a Box £21.60, johnlewis.com
babylondon.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2015 | 79
COMPETITION
WIN! A BABY BIRTHDAY PARTY WORTH £600, TAILOR-MADE BY Carole Middleton!
Sharky & George will keep your little ones enter tained
PRIZE INCLUDES: • Sharky & George entertainment • Fed By Ned party food • Personalised 1st birthday plate • 12 fabric party bags • Fiona Cairns birthday cake • Playtime ball pit • Birthday T-shirt • Peter Rabbit themed tablewear • Birthday balloons and decorations • Party bunting … PLUS a gorgeous Steiff teddy bear
To enter, visit:
www.babylondon.co.uk/competitions *Terms & Conditions: Competition closes 21 August 2015 and prize must be claimed by the end of 2015. Venue not provided. The birthday party is provided for up to 12 children and all of the above is subject to availability. Sharky & George entertainment will be provided for two hours, at a central London location on a weekday. For further terms and conditions visit: www.babylondon.co.uk/competitions
80 | JUL/AUG 2015 | babylondon.co.uk
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