I like to plan

When it comes to parties, there are those who like to attend them, and those who like to plan them. I am a planner. I loved organising our wedding, and to be completely honest, my dress wasn't the most important thing to me. The venue and the smaller details were the things I enjoyed sorting out most.

This is how I set about planning.

Whenever I have something to organise, I start off with a mood board. Having everything together helps me visualise and makes sure I don't forget anything.

For The Girl's 7th birthday this June, I have a very definite idea of how I want her party to be. Fear not, I am not Dictator Mum, everything has been discussed with The Girl and approval given.

We have our mood board, which is updated on a regular basis. The tulle fabric tied over the board and finished off with a flower is the basis of the key look. More about that in a later post.
It's all about flowers, floaty fabric, pastel pinks, blues, greens and purples. Vintage style, and pretty.
It isn't often you'll hear me hoping for sunshine, but as I want to hold her party in the garden, I am hoping for a warm and sunny day.

I'm giving myself lots of time to get organised. Just as well. There is lots to do.
The table must be pretty in every way. I have a good idea of the food we'll be serving up, and something that is just as important is how the food is presented.

Cake stands and tea cups shall be used. I have a few pale pink dishes and bowls already, but I'm slowly building up a stash of ice cream dishes the colours of sugared almonds too.

The children will be drinking from traditional teeny milk bottles. I've been looking out for these for a while. They aren't difficult to track down, but they are hard to find at a decent price.
Prices vary A LOT!
I am extremely pleased with the ones I found. Without doubt the prettiest looking ones I've seen, and the best priced. I bought a box of 12 for the same price that one company wanted for FOUR!!!!

Naturally, the straws have to be paper and striped. I have grey already, but will be ordering pink once they're back in stock (pink are always tricky to get hold of, they sell out quickly)
The bottles came with a label on each one. This gave me an idea. To print off name labels to tie on, so each child will know exactly which drink is theirs. It's a nice touch.
Still a lot to do, a lot to buy, and a lot to make. I also have to continue with my cake practice until we find the perfect-but-easy-and-impressive looking cake!
But I'm getting there. And I am loving hunting things down and buying what we need. Once the 'To Buy' list has been crossed off, I can make a start on the 'Things to Make' list!

I always find it frustrating when a blogger shows pics of something that I have been looking for, but fails to link up to where they bought them. Whenever I give party planning updates, I shall leave a list of links to sites so anyone looking for the same thing can find them.


tiny school milk bottles & paper straws from[drink stuff]
printable labels from [world labels]
pastel ice cream dishes from[Waitrose]