Description
A custom "Madeline" inspired birthday party, designed for darling little girls to take a trip through a "Paris Marketplace", where they stopped at a Clothing Shoppe to get custom capelets and hair bows, a Flower Shoppe to create their own floral masterpieces on canvas, a Candy Shoppe to pick up favorite sweets like Ribbon candy and gumballs, and a Toy & Book Shoppe to pick up coloring pages and read their favorite "Madeline" stories. A grand dining room was created to resemble the dining hall, and a fondant large yellow hat cake was the centerpiece. Sterling Silver Candlesticks, custom cloth table linens and personalized place cards, created a delightful experience for the birthday girl and all of her guests. Designed, styled, and created by Kate Landers of Kate Landers Events, LLC
Design Inspiration
The birthday girl requested a party inspired by her very favorite storybook character, "Madeline" (that favorite little redhead in Paris!). Then we used the stories themselves as inspiration for all aspects from activities, crafts, menu, favors and decor!
Decorating Style
For this event, we wanted to do something very traditional, classic, appropriate for 4 year old girls, but with a sophisticated feel.
Project Details
The color scheme was a beautiful blue, red, yellow and white. The capelets were a charming favor, and each girl had one made for her (custom tag and all!) allowing her to feel as though she was living right out of the pages of her favorite "Madeline" story. Capelets are available for purchase here: http://katelandersevents.com/asccustompages/products.asp?fav=0&fpage=1&categoryID=13&productID=117&cartID=728750646. Custom bunting was created for decoration, as were festive tissue flower poms hanging from the ceiling. Custom rick rack trimmed napkins (perfectly sized for a child's lap) were a darling addition to the table (available here: http://katelandersevents.com/asccustompages/products.asp?fav=0&fpage=1&categoryID=6&productID=6&cartID=728750646). White canvases were purchased through Michaels craft store in size 8 by 10 (www.michaels.com), and most items were custom made and purchased through my shoppe, at: http://katelandersevents.com/asccustompages/categories.asp?cartID=. I absolutely adored creating the party, and I can't tell you how much the guests loved it. I would highly recommend a storybook based party for your child--something a bit more classic--and no, no images of any characters or cartoons were ever used--the idea was to create an experience for the birthday child and her guests!
Favorite Items
My favorite item would probably be the felt capelets. I absolutely loved those, and they look precious on the girls!
Advice
Yes! Red melamine plates and tumblers (http://katelandersevents.com/asccustompages/products.asp?cartID=&affID=&categoryid=11&navParent=17), white cloth linens, a blue fabric table runner, two short glass vases of yellow tulips, a fondant yellow hat cake with red ribbon, and hanging tissue poms (with custom place cards too) are perfect for the dining area. Serve ham and cheese croissants with fresh fruit, have cheese sandwhiches on baguettes, and teach the girls to say things in french like "merci!" More details on this party are available on my blog here: http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com/2010/01/madeline-birthday-party.html
carol wild
Thursday 12th of January 2012
How do I purchase a capelet?
ThatGirlIsAMonster
Monday 23rd of August 2010
I so love this party theme. I think the cake is a great knockoff of Madeleine's hat :) This is a classic :)