Hello Lovelies,
A couple of weekends ago we celebrated little Audrey's 4th Birthday with a Shabby Chic Vintage Paper Doll Party. Audrey has loved playing with paper dolls since she was around 2 and after her Fairy and Wizards party last year l knew l wanted to create a Vintage Paper Doll Party for when she turned 4!
I wanted to create a party that was pretty but fun and fell in love with the vintage images of Betsy McCall. For those not familiar with Betsy she is an American Icon from Mc'Calls Patterns, who every month issued a new Betsy Doll, outfits and story in their monthly magazine.
l had been inspired by Louis Vuitton's current spring collection of pastels and lace when creating this party for Audrey and knew l could rely on Diletta from Todi Boutique to make my vision a reality! The lovely Diletta created some very pretty 1950's inspired printables in a colour palette of powder blue, candy pink and a touch of beige with sweet Betsy McCall Images.
I created a 1950's kitchenette for the backdrop of this party to feature her oh so pretty play kitchen which she adores! The party was held under our pergola and my technical consult (Lawrence) and l constructed a wall out of 4 packing sheets for the background and l painted it in Wattyl Raspberry Whip. We then hung up white picture frames with sky blue paper and masking tape to create little windows and l made some sweet curtains hung on dowel and positioned over the windows. I had some pink and white vinyl wallpaper l found at my grandma's house and used that on the floor for 1950's lino. I used the same pretty shabby chic patchwork curtain material for the dessert table backdrop and the party table. I had found some lovely powder blue lace tinware from target (they now have pink for mother's day... ohhhh l am tempted to buy more!! hahaha) and wanted to feature these on the dessert table along with a 1950's dolls wardrobe which l painted white and hung little Betsy Dresses on wooden hangers to form a garland. I hung some white eyelet lace paper lanterns to suspend over the dessert table, and then used the cupcake towers and wrappers from the Martha Stewart's Doily range. I wanted the table to be white so l covered it with a white lace doily tablecloth and then some ruffle and lace white fabric which l gathered at the ends with some powder blue ribbons and hung a pennant polka dot bunting across the front of the table. I also created a welcome sign near the drinks station using an old 1950's picture frame with more paper doilies and hung a Betsy bunting over the little shelf we made for the welcome sign.
I wanted the desserts to be pink and white and made vanilla bean cookies with flooded patterns topped with pink sixlets, pink and white chocolate cherry cake pops, rosewater cupcakes with marshmallow frosting, mini blueberry cheesecakes topped with marshmallow hearts, lemon slice with fondant blossoms and a giant chocolate and raspberry buttercream cupcake with rose swirls, fondant flowers and fondant pearls. I also bought some mini meringues in pastel shades and put these in gold footed crystal dessert bowls.
A drinks station was set up under the other faux window with tutti frutti punch, milk, lemon lime and bitters, sparkling wine, water and flavoured drinking straws on offer for the party guests.
I bought some white lace paper bon bon boxes and filled these with mini musks and attached a helium balloon as party favours for the guests. For the tableware l had some plain plastic ware left over from Christmas which l wanted to use up. For the plates l used a punch hole and then threaded pink and blue ribbon and tied it with a bow. The clear cups were rather flimsy so l decided to double them and put a paper doily inside with a Betsy dress image and then secured them by attaching some pink or blue ribbon around the top of the cup. I bought some roses, field carnations and baby's breath and filled some tall glass jars with posies attached with some natural eyelet lace and a scallop punch topper.
The children played many vintage games such as musical statues, pass the parcel, panic post, pin the tail on the donkey and the finale was a pinata. Nicole from Tradewind Tiaras had inspired me with her tutorials http://tradewindtiaras.blogspot.com.au/2010/10/diy-project-tissue-paper-rose-pomander.html on how to convert a plain ol' ugly pinata into something quite beautiful!! I had found a hannah montana pinata for only $9 and then stripped it and decorated it with blue and white paper rosettes and ruffles inspired by Audrey's party dress and then made some little bags decorated with white paper doilies and a Betsy image or scallop punch topper for the children to collect their goodies in.
We had such a wonderful day and Audrey and her friends had lots of fun in her 1950's Kitchenette!! I wanted to keep our pergola like that FOREVER!! But now it is back to normal and l miss my pink wall.... but eventually it will make an appearance when we finally have our Ken & Barbie Party!
I hope you have all enjoyed seeing the photos from Audrey's Shabby Chic Vintage Paper Doll Party which was so much fun to create!!
Take Care
XOXO
Larissa
Here are the list of vendors:
Party Styling, Concept, Photography and Desserts by Sweet On Parties
Party Printables - Todi Design Boutique
Children's Table and Powder Blue Chairs - Tiny Tables and Chairs
www.tinytablesandchairs.com.au
Balloons - Let's Celebrate Parties
http://www.letscelebrateparties.com.au/
