Time flies.
Life has been chugging along nicely, and plenty has been achieved.
The front door and garage doors are now a subtle shade of pink. Even the husband likes the colour (he was scared I was hankering after schiaparelli pink!).
After wanting one for ages, we finally have a rose arbour at the garden gate. We deliberated painting it white, but decided against it. It would have meant painting the fence and gate too, which we did not want to have to do. And as the whole point of the arbour is to give a 'Secret Garden' feel to the garden, painting everything in a brighter colour would have defeated the point.
Roses have been planted either side. There is only one name to go for when you want truly beautiful roses in the garden.
Am looking forward to seeing these in bloom.
The husband finds it amusing that all I can talk about is how pretty it's going to look at Christmas. I'm plotting fairy lights draped over it in a casual manner.
It's also the perfect place to hang birthday bunting. I'm going to be busy over the next few weeks. The Girl's birthday party has been set for the 1st June, a few days before her actual birthday. The invitations have been ordered (borrowed the pic from the website), and I have a box full of bits & pieces, from goody bags to cake bunting.
I have lots of prep to do, lists to write, and things to make. I'm going to be spending a lot of time in here over the next couple of weeks. The sewing machine will be buzzing with bunting, and making a very girly looking tablecloth!
We are having birthday crackers. I found a site that sold everything, from cracker barrels to the snaps, jokes, and hats for inside. I need to roll them and get them partially made, ready for filling later on. We've been glittering letters for them. I thought that if we glued initials on the front of each cracker, that would stop any arguments. A good idea as there are several children being invited with siblings, and a couple of 'frenemies' (something that apparently happens from a very young age).
Even though I started plotting and planning at the beginning of the year, I'm still feeling a little anxious at the amount there is to do and organise. If all children can come, we'll have 15 of the rotter's scooting around the garden! Yikes.
I must buy some large jars and sweeties for the sweetie buffet, but other than that, I think (*hope*) that pretty much all the little details have been sorted out.
Check the list of links at the bottom of the page if you are looking for utterly gorgeous party stuff, from strawberry decorated wax pots, to vintage style paper cups and stripy straws. Jelly & Blancmange sell all manner of beautiful vintage style goodies. Not only are they reasonably priced, and have a good selection that's a little bit different to what you normally see, but they are incredibly quick at sending orders out. Can't recommend them enough (and no, they aren't paying me to say so, I just like to spread the word when I find decent websites).
It's not all busy-for-the-party though. I managed to buy something from my 'I Want' list. A tin teapot. Or as I like to call it, my new gravy boat. I saw this idea on TV, and just had to copy it. What a cracking idea! Not only does it look lovely, but it's so practical for pouring gravy! Why hadn't I thought of it myself? I found mine on Amazon, and got free delivery.
.
Front door paint [Pink Slip by Little Greene]
Birthday crackers, paper goody bags etc, [Crafty Bugs]
Party invitations [Not on the High Street]
Candy Buffet kit [Not on the High Street]
paper straws, cake bunting, various fabulous paper party goods [Jelly & Blancmange]
Tin teapot from [Amazon]
.