Original Party Feature :: Perfect in Paris

It all started here with my insistence on “orange”. My daughter was pretty set on a Parisian party, so we had to find a way to make it work. This is what we came up with–which I think turned out quite well and is a nice twist on the typical pink and black Parisian themes. (You find find it in the shop now!)

I created the invitation myself and used striped favor bags for envelopes (you can see all the details for that here). Fun envelopes are always a great way to set the tone for a party goer.

To set the stage, I used a roll of color-coordinating wrapping paper (Target)–isn’t that pattern great–to use on the table as a large table runner. The table was ready for the girls to work on some projects as they arrived. Each was given sheets of card stock Paris cut-outs (found FREE here) including cars and street lights that they could cut and color.

Bunting (details here) was used to decorate the mantle and…

the wall, where I also hung some wallflowers made out of newspapers  (details here) as I thought that they had a nice “parisian” feel and went with the color scheme.

Another activity for the girls was a journal (composition books from Wal-Mart for $.99) that they could decorate with stickers, washi tape, etc…

They all turned into fashionistas as they teamed up to create couture gowns out of garbage bags and toilet paper.

The winning gown had a sash and neck scarf. Very chic!

They then became architects for an Eiffel Tower building contest using pink and orange wafer cookies. (The winner was voted by yours truly and is featured in the center photo.)

I didn’t want to spend a lot of time worry about food. In fact, I had my husband do all the food shopping the previous day. I gave him a list and I think that he did quite well. He found this great little cake at Whole Foods where they were willing to personalize it on the spot.

My daughter adores croissants and cheese (Whole Foods) so those were a must. Mini gourmet cupcakes and macaroons (not the kind I was hoping for, but oh well–Whole Foods) rounded out the table next to grapes and strawberries. The croissants were displayed in a pink bakery box next to the orange paper plates adorned with doilies to dress them up for the occasion.

The counter was covered with the same fabric that was used for Auden’s “Take a Hike” party as H’s “Pancakes & PJs” party.

These lovely ladies deserved nothing but the finest of (virgin) mimosa bars.

Sparkling cider infused with orange, passion fruit or peach juice was ready to garnish with fresh peaches, raspberries and blueberries.

Awaiting the ladies near the front door were gift bags decorated with simple 5 inch doilies (here) and handmade tags tied with baker’s twine (here) on the entry table which was covered with “the fabric” (mentioned above). The little nook was also decorated with a tiny bunting, tissue fan and a wallflower.

Inside each of the bags was a little antique bronze Eiffel Tower charm necklace from GroopDealz (below) inserted into a manilla envelope and sealed with coordinating washi tape.

If you haven’t visited GroopDealz, you have to check it out! There are some pretty fantastic deals to be snatched up.

A necklace wasn’t going to be enough to fill the bag, of course, so there had to be a candy buffet. There’s that fabric again!

Orange, pink and black goodies were spread out to be stuffed into black chevron and pink striped treat bags (in the shop).  Do you know how much use I get out of these containers? It is so worth the investment! Coordinating labels identified the treats in case there was any question as to what sugar substance it was.

Photo booths have become all the rage these days. I mostly see them used for more adult occasions such as weddings. But it seemed a really great idea for this particular party. We pulled the coat rack into a corner, draped it with scarves, boas and hats. We laid out necklaces and sunglasses and popped a few classic black umbrellas. The little ladies seemed to really enjoy it and it was a great way to end the party.