Designer Kids Tables For Weddings & Birthdays

Ever think about the fact that during most weddings the kids of your guests are all but forgotten?  I came across this innovative business called Petite Fete in Toronto in which Azie, the owner, provides child care during the event, and does it in high style.  Genius, Right!!  Azie provides a gorgeous party setting and includes activities and favors so the grown ups can enjoy the event worry free.

Here are some of the designs that represent her business.  Notice how upscale they are but still have kid-appeal.  Azie's services are also available for birthday parties.

While the above parties are adorable for younger children, I think the 2 below would be well suited for elementary age up to pre-teens and teens.

I just adore all the attention to detail, and I think there are some great ideas to inspire you when planning your own child's birthday.  Meanwhile, if your in the Toronto area, give Petite Fete a call!

Photos - Rebecca Wood Photography

An Ocean Themed 1st Birthday

Just in time for summer, Gwynn of Gwynn Wasson Designs sent me these photos of a fun-filled first birthday party.  The colors of the ocean, whales, fishnet, and a sassy play on words makes this an inspiration piece you'll want to create yourself.  Read on for all the deatails from Gwynn herself...

"For Jack's first birthday, I was asked to put together something that didn't feel too old, or too typical but still had a nautical flavor. I chose to use various shades of blue and aqua and then give it all an unexpected modern twist by introducing bold shots of chartreuse. Given the fact that Jack, at the ripe old age of 1, was still a little guy, and sometimes was referred to as a Lil' Squirt, we decided to tie that nickname to the image of a whale and use that as the icon for the party. It was incorporated into all of the party items (available in my shop) from the invitation all the way to the favor tags.

For the older kids we created box lunches with jelly(fish) and cream cheese sandwiches cut to look like starfish, goldfish crackers, (sea) cucumbers, and carrots cut to look like sea anemones. The lunches were packed into take out boxes and labeled as "fish food".

The dessert table was created on a budget. Popcorn, cupcakes, cotton candy, meringues and cookies were all purchased from a local grocery store for under $40!

During the party, all of the kids were given a Lil' Squirt of there own to play with. (There seems be nothing kids like better than to drench things with squirt bottle. It truly keeps them occupied for wonderfully long periods of time!) And when the party was over, everyone left with a pail full of favors so that they would be fully equipped for their next "nautical" adventure!"

Thank you for the wonderful party Gwynn!  Find the "Little Squirt" printables set in her shop - just in time for pool parties!

Game Night Party

Every mom could use a good opportunity to spend quality time with her kids.  That's why Laura Lee {of Laura Lee Photography} decided to host a Mother & Son Game Night for some of her friends.  She set up several tables around the house, with different games at each one, and provided easy-to-eat snacks that both moms & sons would enjoy.  I love all the decorative touches Laura incorporated, using game pieces.  Read on for Laura's own description of the night and to see her beautiful photos...

I intentionally kept the decorations kind of feminine for the moms. We mothers of boys see enough "Daddy's little All star" navy blue!

When the guests arrived they received mustaches. My middle son photographed them on the background paper and I am mailing each mom a photo from the party. Inside we had wine and fun drinks for the moms, lemonade and water for the kids. All over the tables were snacks like the ones I remembered loving way back when my parents played bridge.

Once all the guests arrived I called the moms one table at a time to the kitchen (there were about 40 people so I had tables scattered everywhere!). They chose from checkerboard sandwiches, homemade pulled BBQ sliders, sweet potato fries, cole slaw, pickles and strawberries. I intentionally chose the menu so that forks would not be needed. For dessert we had domino cookies from a recipe I'd found on Southern Living.



I cannot express how fun it was and how grateful the moms were who attended. Having a party just for our guests where they needn't bring a thing was a treat for us all. I think it will become an annual tradition. People are still talking about it. (The dads loved it too. The dads of boys got together at a local sports bars. The dads with girls were happy to have a free night for a special date.

Thank you for sharing this special night with us Laura!

I hope all the moms out there are inspired to host something similar!  Cheers!

Barnyard Birthday Party

This sweet first birthday party was sent in by Tara of Shindig Diva, and offers up some adorable little details!  A "sky" backdrop gives an outdoor atmosphere on this chilly January day, while the mix of gingham and cow print patterns used in the banner, signage, and tabletops gives this party a classic farm feel.   

Many of these ideas can be re-created to host your own Barnyard Bash: bales of hay, cowboy hats, apples, animal crackers & lollipops, and some party printables are all you need to get started.  You can read more and see all the details on the Shindig Diva post.  Thanks for sharing Tara!