It's Party Time -- article on Style Collective

Hi, check out my article written for a hip online directory at the forefront of what's funky in fashion, Style Collective. A big hello to Amanda, Style Collective's fabulous editor, who knows what's hot when it comes to kids, grown-ups, weddings -- and just about everything!!

Cheers,
Bec xx

PS - the photo of the kids below is my gorgeous niece Mimi's 3rd birthday (she's the second child from the left). She turns 4 next month -- I cannot believe how fast this year's flown by!!


Author - Rebecca Yeo (The Party Studio)

When it comes to parties, everyone wants to throw something spectacular for their child. But with current economic conditions, few people can afford to spend thousands of dollars on outsourcing the party planning. And so, the backyard birthday bash is making a comeback.

Having a backyard birthday party doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish or fun. In fact, most little kids will be thrilled to run around with a few of their best friends, and are more than able to entertain themselves for hours. Any open space – be it a backyard, local park or hall – will do. Some really simple games – what’s the time Mr Wolf?, running races, statues – will keep kids giggling and wriggling for ages – and won’t cost you a cent! Even just popping on some funky kid’s music and getting them to dance is bound to bring smiles to faces.

As for making your party look gorgeous, there are many simple ways to give your party that extra something whilst still being light on the hip pocket. Just a little bit of planning and your party is going to make everybody else wish that they’d thought of doing a backyard party too!

The most striking feature of a spectacular party is how it looks, which then boils down to how you decorate your party area. You could obviously go for balloons and streamers, but for something different, consider more long-lasting decorations, such as party bunting. Available in plastic or more resilient fabric, bunting is a great way to add colour and fun to your party. Not only can bunting be chosen to especially match a party theme, but you also have a great keepsake that can be used to decorate a bedroom or playroom.

Cleverly chosen centrepieces and table settings are some other ways of making sure your party has that ‘wow’ factor. Colour co-ordination is the key to an attractive table setting. There is an amazing selection of coloured plates, cups, napkins, cutlery and tablecloths available on the market.

You could go for decorated tableware, with all items embellished with the same image, but a classier way to decorate is to go for matching solid colours. This makes for a much cleaner look and looks fantastic in photographs. Spice things up a bit with a patterned table runner, add some funky take-home gifts, and your table is set!

Give a gift that lasts the car ride home. Avoid plastic toys, which often don’t last, and can look a little tacky. Wooden or cloth toys are a great way to provide entertaining, lasting take-home gifts. They may cost a little bit more, but are well worth the effort. Attractively packaged lollies also make fantastic take-home gifts and are an easy way to make your party that much more special.

For more party tips and ideas visit thepartystudio.com.au.