Please welcome Amy Turn Sharp, who recently shared her carnival party theme with me. Amy is the owner of www.littlealouette.etsy.com and a blogger at doobleh-vay. She is also an editor at Kirtsy and Blog Nosh and writes a weekly column for Scoutie Girl! Although Amy is busy, she loves planning parties! Amy says, “I laugh about how I actually love planning them more than working on them! I think that my kids will recall some details of their parties when they are older- much like I did. My parents were way into birthdays and it has rubbed off I think! It is a guilty pleasure to pretend plan parties in my head!”

Check out Amy’s carnival party at doobleh-vay. Very cool. I asked Amy what she thought the high points of the party were, and here is what she said:

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If you are looking to jazz up your next birthday party in a very unique way, check out Ellie Bellie Kids. The tutus and the capes are so darling and can be used for any number of birthday party themes for both boys and girls.

I recently had the opportunity to learn more about Ellie Bellie from founder Jennifer Cooper. Here’s what she has to say on she got started, the quality of the designs, and how Ellie Bellie envisions their use for kids’ parties. Check it out:

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How often does it happen that you are having a fabulous party for your kid, and yet barely caught any of the memories because you were too busy keeping the party running smoothly to take the all-important pictures. Well, if you live in Seattle, WA, and are in the market for a photographer to capture the magic and memories, you may want to contact Nan Brotherton of Nan Brotherton Photography for your next party, family gathering, baptism, and beyond.

Recently, I had the chance to discuss with Nan what she has to offer, in particular for kids’ parties.

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What a pleasure to feature Bryan Townsend, owner of The Pokey Pup ~ Hip Stuff for Cool Kids (and Their Parents!)  If you are looking for music ideas for your next kid’s party and hope to match your theme, this is an excellent resource.  Of course, The Pokey Pup offers quite a bit more than CDs, but it’s a very good start!

Recently I had the chance to interview Bryan, founder of the Pokey Pup, and here’s what he has to say on his idea, his business, and how it all relates to kids’ parties: Read the rest of this entry »

Imagine this scenario: down to the wire with your birthday party planning: invitations sent, decorations bought, entertainment organized…it’s all coming together for the 20 kids and their parents that you are expecting to show up at your home for 2 hours to celebrate. All would be fine if you could just have a little help…the thought even occurs that the perfect solution would be to clone yourself for the afternoon.

If you a parent living in Seattle (and soon for those of you living in Chicago!), YOU CAN do exactly that when The Invisible Hostess steps in.

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The idea of birthday presents is changing with many parents requesting “No Gifts” at their kids’ birthday parties. Of course, guests often don’t listen and bring one anyway…the guest feels awkward not to bring one and the host parent feels terrible that everyone brought gifts. A solution to this birthday party conundrum is instead of asking for “no gifts,” to provide an alternative to regular gifts. This way the guests get to bring something and the host knows where it is headed.

Birthday Buddies, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada is one of these options. Recently, I had the special opportunity to interview Jennifer Fast, the founder, and learn more about her inspiration, the organization, and how parents can get involved.

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