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KIDS PARTY TRENDS FOR 2011
Inspired completely by the work of the world’s best children’s party planner Kate Landers, we have put together the top ten trends that we think will be popular for Children’s Parties in 2011. What do you think will be the next big thing?
PARTY DESIGN KATELANDERSEVENTS.COM
ALL IMAGES OPENSHADESTUDIOS.COM
PRINTABLES TOMKATSTUDIO.BLOGSPOT.COM
1. Ditching “Disney”
There is a growing trend for parties to be based around classic childhood storybook/fairytale characters and not the typical printed partyware you see in the shops. I like the idea of a specific Nursery Rhyme for a baby shower (like Humpty Dumpty Breakfast or Mary had a Little Lamb Luncheon) and a Fairytale for little girls (like Sleeping Beauty Sleepover or Rapunzel Hair Dressing Up Party). And also, developing an entire party theme from your child’s well loved book or toy. I think we will continue to see typical themes but with a vintage feel… and possibly then a complete spin on it with a rock glam kick-back to the 80’s neon type style – especially for older kids.
2. Little People
The best new thing must be the small guest list. It really allows for so much more. There are a few people that can throw a designer party with a designer price tag for tons of people. I like the idea that you can have it all, if you are willing to cut your guest list down. It makes sense – seriously does anyone – let along your child need to have 20 plus guests; surely five of their little friends are far more memorable? Practice the rule of thumb: Invite as many children as your child’s age they are turning.
3. Avoiding the Party Store
You will find tons and tons of stuff you think you need but you don’t and before you know it you would have spent a fortune and have nothing to show for it post party. Behave like a party planner and be better off by buying items from home and department stores with a “long term” plan in mind. For example: buy fabric table linen over paper cloths, buy melamine cups and plates instead of paper ones, buy fabric bunting instead of paper garlands. Now it might seem “costly” but for your next family get together you will be thankful - think Quality over Quantity!
4. Making it Personal
The great thing about this trend is that it usually doesn’t cost that much extra. Address the invitations, dressing up clothes, favour tags etc. personally with each child’s name; include photos of the guest of honour on the stationery and as part of the decorations; and buy a personalised printable party.
5. Print, Cut and Party!
Whilst it is not the newest trend, it is definitely here to stay, I love the idea of printable parties. It allows for one to really have a personalised party! And for me it is the little details like customised straw flags and thank you tags etc. that say this party was made especially for you!
6. Save & Splurge
Going big in some areas and cutting back in others. Decide upfront which “party aspects” are important to you and dare I say go over-the-top in these areas and in the other areas make every effort to save, scale back or even skip them all together. By doing this you have already laid the groundwork for a party high in style as the focus will be drawn to the big items and no will notice the other lesser aspects.
7. Make and Do
There is the growing trend to make it about the activity, this is always a good idea as your décor and fun & games budget can be merged – and even your food and drinks one too. Think “paint your own picture” or “make your own cupcakes or cookies” or “sew your own fabric heart/doll” etc.
8. Do It Yourself
The best parties are those that have a “homemade” touch, and not just a party venue’s cookie cutter version. Decide upfront on something you will do yourself, it need only be one thing but nothing says style like a homemade cake/cupcakes, or handmade party favours. And if this is a bit “scary” have the guests make it themselves as part of a party activity.
9. Dress the Party
I especially like the trend of having the kids dress the part. It makes each child feel so special (like it is their birthday too) and it takes the agony out of trying to come up with party favours (that more often than not are lots of bits and pieces of useless goodies). It needn’t be a complete outfit, think paper masks and fabric capes or felt crowns and wands.
10. Down Size
If it is style that you want – then design the party as if it was for an adult by picking a typical grown up theme. Then the twist is to make everything miniature (incl. the guest list!). Think miniature furniture, tiny tableware and bite sized food.
a bit about kate landers
www.katelandersevents.com
1. What is your favourite party goodie?
That would be ruffle trimmed fabric party hats... well, party hats, tiaras and crowns in general!
2. What do you do for your birthday party?
Always an intimate gathering, and usually a brunch as it is my absolute favourite meal - oh, and a very special birthday cake {for my 30th we did a Lilly Pulitzer-themed pink & green party with a gorgeous 3-tiered oval pink and white lattice cake to match a dress pattern!}
3. What is your favourite new party colour scheme?
I am absolutely loving an all-white party. Perfect any season {I am designing an all-white Halloween party for next year}, great for any birthday any age... and truly striking in appearance.
You can have a lot of fun with this one too... several 3-foot round white balloons make it oh-so-fun!
4. What do you think works well for party favours?
One of these three things {I prefer a single item as opposed to a bag of multiple treats},
a) A hardback copy of a book {almost always welcome by parents and children alike}
b) Edible favors that are often quickly devoured {decorated cookie or cake pop, even a mason jar of cookie mix with a recipe!}
c) A costume piece {because children adore dressing up and I love to see them take that magic home with them}
5) Any "secret plans" for 2011 you want to hint at?
Looking forward to helping clients, readers and fans make their parties more stylish, through a few totally new avenues. Big dreams, big goals.
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