The Machinery Shed Launch Shoot for WedShed

Concept, Event Design and Styling Penny Lane Studio
Photography: Asia Upward
Film CloudHerd Film Co
Venue Logan Brae Orchards
Flowers Blue Mountains Floral Designs
Bridal gown Ziolkowski
Stationery D&D Letterpress
Cake Unplanned Bakery
Hair and makeup Danielle Hampton.

Kayla + Christian’s Glam Barn Wedding at Seclusions

Design, Styling + Props: Penny Lane Studio
Venue: Seclusions Blue Mountains
Photographer: Daniel Griffiths Photography

ceremony arch styling blue mountains wedding vintage arbor seclusionswedding ceremony styling setup stylist prop hire chair hire blue mountainslantern hire styling blue mountains stylist prop decor hire seclusions blue mountains resort penny lane studioaisle runner styling wedding ceremony seclusions blue mountains
blue mountains wedding event organiser prop hire stylist seclusions barn weddingwedding ceremony stylist chair hire prop hire blue mountains seclusions stylistseclusions blue mountains wedding stylist penny lane studioblue mountains wedding stylist prop hire decor penny lane studiolouis lounge vintage lounge hire gold blue mountains stylist prop hire wedding hire event hire corporateBoho wedding brass hire stylist blue mountains seclusionsseclusions blue mountains votive moroccan candle hire weddingEvent Stylist prop hire wedding decoration seclusions brass candlesticks

K&C 4024-1

{Penny Lane Styling} Organic Gardener Magazine Mar-April – An Abundant Table

‘An Abundant Table’ article for Organic Gardener Magazine

Styling: Penny Lane Studio

Recipes/Chef: Cathy Armstrong – Princess Pantry

Photography: Silversalt Photography

Editorial Coordinator: Jaqueline Forster

organic gardener march april cover stylist penny lane studio

penny lane studio food editorial stylist art directorOG86_062-066_HarvestKM_Page_2

penny lane studio food editorial stylistABC Organic Gardener; Summer Harvest;

ABC Organic Gardener; Summer Harvest;

ABC Organic Gardener; Summer Harvest;

ABC Organic Gardener; Summer Harvest;

ABC Organic Gardener; Summer Harvest;

ABC Organic Gardener; Summer Harvest;

ABC Organic Gardener; Summer Harvest;

ABC Organic Gardener; Summer Harvest;

ABC Organic Gardener; Summer Harvest;

ABC Organic Gardener; Summer Harvest;

Cagla + Matthews Wedding – Glen Davis Boutique Hotel

Styling & Decor: Penny Lane Studio

Photography: Fiona and Bobby

Floral Design: Floral Ink Blue Mountains

Venue: Glen Davis Boutique Hotel

Stationery: Penny Lane Studio

Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-1-0027Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-9-4331

Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-5-6270furniture hire events weddings blue mountains penny lane studioFiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-6-0265Glen davis boutique hotel wedding Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-14-0496Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-27-0520Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-15-6484wedding stylist Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-18-4526Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-33-6668Brass candlesticks wedding and event hire penny lane studioFiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-23-6518Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-16-6502Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-19-4531Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-17-0556Fiona+BobbyPhotography_PennyLaneStudios-32-0682

Yolanda + Andrews Wedding – Wolgan Valley Resort

 

 

Styling & Event Design: Penny Lane Studio

Photography Credit: GM Photographics

Floral Design: Floral Ink Blue Mountains

Venue: Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort

Cake: Faye Cahill

Gown: Steven Khalil

blue mountains chalkboard hire signwritingAR0894AR0899AR0911blue mountains event wedding stylingblue mountains florist stylist weddingblue mountains stylist vasesblue mountains wedding hire crystal vasesblue mountains wedding styling decoration AR0888blue moutains wedding hire stylist faye cahill cake blue moutains wedding stylist table linen hire penny lane studio crystal vases florist blue mountainsombre wedding table setting penny lane studiopenny lane studio wedding stylist sydneytable styling by penny lane studio blue mountains faye cahill cake wedding blue mountains wolgan valley resortwedding hire penny lane studio wolgan valley resort wedding decor Wolgan valley styling by penny lane studio yolanda and andrew wedding wolgan valley resort styling by penny lane studio

Ellie + Eds Wedding – Waldara Farm Oberon

 

 

Styling & Event Design: Penny Lane Studio

Photography Credit: Tim Williams Photography

Floral Design: Floral Ink Blue Mountains

Venue: Waldara Farm Oberon

Tim Williams Photography 132

Tim Williams Photography 136

Tim Williams Photography 211Tim Williams Photography 222

Tim Williams Photography 215

Tim Williams Photography 645

Tim Williams Photography 487Tim Williams Photography 441 Tim Williams Photography 409 Tim Williams Photography 413Tim Williams Photography 422
Tim Williams Photography 425Tim Williams Photography 435Tim Williams Photography 427Tim Williams Photography 440 Tim Williams Photography 437Tim Williams Photography 438

Tim Williams Photography 416

Tim Williams Photography 420Tim Williams Photography 576 Tim Williams Photography 565

Tim Williams Photography 658Tim Williams Photography 691

Tim Williams Photography 683

 

The following final photos taken by Penny Lane Studio

Barn Mr and Mrs Small

 

{Styling by Penny Lane Studio} Emma’s Boho Birthday

Once in a while you receive a brief where almost ‘anything goes’. This was one of those events.  When Emma from Bella Boheme contacted me to help her style her 40th birthday, the brief was ‘Do anything you like, just please keep it Bright, Beautiful and Boho’.

Taking place at the beginning of a very chilly Blue Mountains winter season, Emma was looking to the event styling to warm the intimate Lindsay’s Cafe. With 35 guests, the affair was intimate and the quaint, yet simple palette of the venue was the perfect place to make loads of impact.

We went to town with luscious florals taking the focus. A delicious drinks station and cake table styled with decadent fruits, florals and delicious vintage glassware set the stage for the treats which were being served.

From the ceilings inside and outside from the trees we hung gorgeous coloured moroccan lanterns and around the stage,  a huge floral installation and a chandelier, a gift from Emma’s Mother for her wedding took the focus.

Tables were dressed with tall vases, dripping in delicious florals and ivy, flowing onto the tables, accompanied by smaller arrangements and a collection of coloured moroccan votives. We then lit the entire event in delicious fuchsia lighting, creating and intimate and warm glow.

This was one of my favourite events of 2014, whilst it was an intimate affair no stone was left unturned in styling with the opportunity to use my open imagination with the details. I was thrilled to relive this beautiful event when Hooray Mag shared the event on their blog.

A special thank you to the gorgeous Kylie from Kylie Carson Photography for her amazing photography and Stephanie from thoughtful petal for her work on the amazing florals. Of course huge thank you to Emma for the opportunity to allow me to let my creativity go!

Vendor credits below.

 

Emma-40th-5

Emma40th-800pxLS-7Emma40th-800pxLS-13Emma-40th-37Emma40th-800pxLS-31Emma40th-800pxLS-41Emma40th-800pxLS-18Emma-40th-21Emma40th-800pxLS-71Emma40th-800pxLS-61Emma40th-800pxLS-52Emma-40th-51Emma40th-800pxLS-77Emma-40th-60
Emma-40th-93Emma-40th-57
Emma-40th-101
Emma40th-800pxLS-124
Photography Kylie Carson Photography
Event Styling Penny Lane Studio
Decorations Bella Boheme +Penny Lane Studio
Floral Styling Thoughtful Petal
Hire Items Penny Lane Studio
Event Venue Norman Lindsay Gallery Café
Cake Vanilla Baking
Stationery Westminster Paper Co.
Entertainment Event Sounds Sydney

{Editorial Styling} for Sweet Magazine by Penny Lane Studio

It’s always fun to await the arrival of a print magazine which includes your very own styled shoot. Issue 4 of Sweet Magazine is all about the boys! Armed with an amazing industrial backdrop of the soon to open ‘Carrington Brewery‘ and the chance to get all moody with the lighting, I styled a night for the bigger boys night in complete with Bloody Mary’s, a delicious range of beers, snacks a plenty, and a sneaky antler here and there. Magazine Editor, Lisa photographed the feature, to see the full issue, click here.

In the meantime, these are a few of my favourites.

SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (3 of 44) SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (13 of 44) SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (8 of 44) SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (10 of 44) SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (38 of 44)
SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (7 of 44)SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (36 of 44)SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (23 of 44)SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (27 of 44)SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (32 of 44)
SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (18 of 44)SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (28 of 44)SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (42 of 44) SMV1I4-BoysNightIn (43 of 44)

 

Vendors:

Photography: Lisa Brown, Editor, Sweet Magazine
Venue: Carrington Brewery, Katoomba (whilst still under construction)
Styling, Design and Production: Nicole Bull, Penny Lane Studio
P
rops: Penny Lane Studio
F
ood and Props: Carrington Hotel

{Prop Hire} by Penny Lane Studio

PHEW! We are bubbling with excitement about the new props which have been dancing through the door of the studio (okay, dancing is a bit far fetched, but you get the idea)!

Gorgeous textural lanterns to give your event sensual twinkle, vintage suitcases, loads more vintage glassware, teacups and saucers, sexy vintage brass, vintage inspired ribbon bunting and more GORGEOUS vintage chalkboards!

CLICK HERE  to take a look!! What amazing pieces will you find to dress your next event?

Amazing moroccan style lanterns with etched glass, both flat bottom and pointy bottom, available with chains and flameless candles, up to 10+ pieces, assorted sizes. 10+ pieces available.

Amazing moroccan style lanterns with etched glass, both flat bottom and pointy bottom, available with chains and flameless candles, up to 10+ pieces, assorted sizes. 10+ pieces available.

Beautiful vintage cups and saucers mix-match for tea party, or to style your dessert station, 18 sets available, with side plates also available.

Beautiful vintage cups and saucers mix-match for tea party, or to style your dessert station, 18 sets available, with side plates also available.

Candy jars, 5 sizes/shapes, total 10 available,

Candy jars, 5 sizes/shapes, total 10 available,

Fabulous vintage suitcases to use as props or for cards/gift boxes and general styling 6 available.

Fabulous vintage suitcases to use as props or for cards/gift boxes and general styling 6 available.

Beautiful brassware for florals and candlesticks, or use for berries and chocolates on your drinks or dessert stations. Assorted sizes, up to 20+ pieces

Beautiful brassware for florals and candlesticks, or use for berries and chocolates on your drinks or dessert stations. Assorted sizes, up to 20+ pieces

Ribbon bunting, perfect as a smaller backdrop to your dessert table or to dress your gift table or bridal table

Ribbon bunting, perfect as a smaller backdrop to your dessert table or to dress your gift table or bridal table

{Penny Lane Styling} A styled shoot at Logan Brae Orchard

It was indeed an honour when gorgeous friend Grace asked me to join her and style a shoot showcasing amazing Blue Mountains and Sydney talent for the Hello May blog. Winter 2013 set the scene for the  styled shoot at Logan Brae Orchard in Blackheath.

We were also joined by cool kids Ashdown and Bee with their fabulous furniture and other props and D&D Letterpress jumped on board with their menus. The Gorgeous Kate Johnson was dressed in Jenny Packham and Amanda Wakely gowns from Helen Rodrigues Boutique with her makeup by Helen Sotis.

With the sun granting us an uncharacteristically warm Mountains winters day, and joined by a bunch of fun and creative souls, the day had the perfect recipe for a fun filled shoot, with stunning results. 

More images from the shoot can be seen on the Hello May Blog

1511106_336952559779089_89974162_n 1503809_336951053112573_227189110_n 1503387_336950593112619_1027504525_n1489242_336956013112077_2115372243_n 1488076_336950623112616_1251345273_n

1485071_336950649779280_1812520225_n

1480686_336950869779258_1849117691_n1477349_336950573112621_1486396972_n1472082_336955779778767_512292280_n1472839_336951136445898_1684849227_n1469980_336950809779264_1603401444_n1466138_336955886445423_1925171276_n1464643_336951246445887_862071920_n


1454544_336950679779277_1372483321_n1455958_336951393112539_1811987233_n1476217_336951316445880_2045937141_n1390723_336951429779202_44230841_n1465153_336951823112496_1460844348_n1479360_336952299779115_521693884_n1497499_336952163112462_1944495446_n

 

1Q9A0548

 

Photography Willow & Co.
Location Logan Brae Orchard
Paperie and table styling Penny Lane Studio
Flowers The Little Flower Shop
Chalkboard signs, table/chair hire & drink dispensers Ashdown & Bee
Model Kate Johnson
Gowns Helen Rodrigues Boutique {Designs by Jenny Packham & Amanda Wakeley}
Hair & Makeup Helen Sotis Make Up Artist
Table Menus D&d Letterpress
Cake, bread & pastries Hominy Bakery, Katoomba

{Beautiful blush pink and white wedding} styled by Penny Lane Studio

There is something quite special about a weekday wedding. We were recently asked to style an intimate wedding in the gorgeous Misty’s room over looking the escarpment at the Fairmont Resort Leura. The brief was for a softer look incorporating the bridal colours pink and white with a hint of twinkle.

Two beautiful large arrangements welcomed the guests at the door. Tables were styled with gorgeous modern mirrored vases with soft pink and white florals of roses, lisianthus, tulips, eucalyptus leaves and dusty miller. Petit dimpled silver and white votives were perfect for a daytime wedding and added a hint of texture and twinkle to the arrangement.

The room was also set with a gorgeous crystal chandelier and white tiffany chairs.

vintage flowers fairmont blue mountains resort styling weddingPink and white florals wedding blue mountainsblue mountains wedding flowers penny lane studiofairmont blue mountains vintage wedding flowerswedding table decorations fairmont blue mountains resort

vintage wedding flowers wedding blue mountainsPink and white wedding blue mountains fairmont

Venue Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains
Florals by The Thoughtful Petal

{DECOR HIRE} By Penny Lane Studio

Vintage timber cards box, used in lieu of a wishing well with a beautiful quality style. Complete with 'cards' bunting, pegs and twine. Flowers are an additional upgrade.

Vintage timber cards box, used in lieu of a wishing well with a beautiful quality style.
Complete with ‘cards’ bunting, pegs and twine.
Flowers are an additional upgrade.

Timber branch ceremony arch. A beautiful frame for your ceremony photos. We can drape in fabric, decorate in florals and greenery or paper flowers.

Timber branch ceremony arch. A beautiful frame for your ceremony photos. We can drape in fabric, decorate in florals and greenery or paper flowers.

 

 

We are so excited to update the website with our styling hire range.

We believe in good quality, beautiful and unique pieces will give the warmth and personality to your event.

We also understand that sometimes, you want to do the styling yourself…we agree, it’s all good fun!

Penny Lane Hire items are quoted on a per event basis to ensure we give you the best value for money taking into consideration the following details:

Duration of hire

Whether you would like items delivered and setup or if you would like to pick them up from our studio.

Packages for larger volume hire are available.

Items are available in the Blue Mountains, Central West, Richmond, Windsor, Penrith Basin and Sydney

Our hire range can be seen on this page. But there really is so much more, so perhaps you would like to send us your creative brief to develop the perfect package for your event.

 

{PENNY LANE CORPORATE STYLING}: With a Turkish and French Theme

 

 Sweet Style-7481a

 

March saw an opportunity for some Penny Lane Styling aboard the Starship Sydney for an Event organised by Directions Conference & Incentive Management. The creative brief was to explore theming which reflected the French and Turkish destinations.

For the arrival level we designed a ‘Turkish Salon’.

Feature styling included:

Windows dressed with Turkish cut out screens behind Banquets dressed with beautiful Turkish textured cushions and lamps finished the lounge area of the room.

The back of the bar was dressed with a beautiful Turkish tile print, which complimented the handcrafted tile coasters. At the front of the boat, a series of glass lanterns were rigged to catch the daylight as the boat sailed around the harbour.

Downstairs where lunch took place was transformed into a French rustic style banquet. Natural twig overlays, white jugs with dried french lavender, baskets of crusty bread rolls dressed the tables.

A character filled vintage bicycle leaning on huge whitewash doors and finished with an urn of hydrangea set the backdrop to the stage.

Through the ceiling almost 80 metres of rustic red white and blue bunting set the scene for a welcome celebration.

After lunch, guests enjoyed freshly brewed coffees and pastries in a Penny Lane Studio inspired French Café.

The feature backdrop to this was an amazing French city skyline, which we commissioned our friends Ashdown and Bee for the event.

Large white market umbrellas, Le café tables with red and white checked cloths, petit floral arrangements, chalkboard menus finished the look.

Event theming concept and styling: Penny Lane Studio

Event organised by Directions Conference & Incentive Management

Photography: Leanne Ambrogio, Sweet Style

Penny Lane Studio french rustic styling copy Penny Lane Studio french styling copyPenny Lane Studio French event styling2 copy Penny Lane Studio French Event Styling copy Penny Lane Studio French cafe styling copy Penny Lane Studio french banquet corporate styling Penny Lane Studio Starship Sydney styling copypenny lane studio french backdrop copy Sweet Style-7481aPenny Lane Studio Corporate French Themeing copy

Penny Lane Studo Turkish Corporate Styling copy Penny Lane Studio turkish styling sydney copy Penny Lane Studio Turkish Styling copy Penny Lane Studio Turkish Salon Styling copy Penny Lane Studio Turkish Event Styling copy Penny Lane Studio Turkish Corporate Theming copy Penny Lane Studio Turkish Corporate theming 2 copy Penny Lane Studio Turkish Corporate Styling copy Penny Lane Studio Turkish Corporate Styling 3 copy

 

 

{PENNY LANE STYLING} The Great Gatsby Photobooth

 

Gatsby Booth 1

Well, indeed I know some Wedding Industry Fabuloso’s will not be up this early in the morning after Inlighten Photography threw their big party at the Ivy in Sydney last night. It as a night of the Who’s who on Sydney’s wedding scene to get together, network and kick up their heels with a fun series of photo booths decorated for some Instagram play….don’t you just love it!!?

Last week my gorgeous friend Gerard from Fabmosphere asked me to join him in creating a booth. We love a little glam, so decided the The Great Gatsby was the best way to add a little sparkle to the show!

Gerards gorgeous lounges were backed by a silver slit drape and we even managed to get the very same feathers that were used on the set of Baz Luhrmann’s film! The drinks trolley played its part in carrying the costumes and the most gorgeous Silver Mirror graffiti’ed in red lippy lead the way with the message to Drink Champagne and Strike a Pose! I must confess I nearly fell off my chair when two handsome lads arrived with the HUGE chandelier that Gerard sourced which could have almost stole the show!

Gatsby Booth 5

Great Gatsby Booth 4

 

Gatsby Booth 5

Gatsby Booth 8

Gatsby Booth 6

{Press} Penny Lane Glitter and Sparkle Cake Bunting in Hitched Magazine

Well this is indeed a surprise!! I have been a long time fan of the work of cool kids Ashdown and Bee in Sydney. So when I found out that our Glitter and Sparkle Cake Bunting had made a royal appearance atop gorgeous doughnuts in their latest Pop up Party feature in Hitched Magazine, I was thrilled! Particularly given the photography was by my dear creative gal pal Grace from Willow and Co.

Ashdown and Bee styled shoot3

Ashdown and Bee styled shoot

Ashdown and Bee styled shoot2

 

 

 

{Styled Shoot} All that Glitters is Gold by Beautiful Beach Weddings

A few months ago I was speaking with one of my favourite clients Gillian of Crumbs of Comfort about a brief she was working on…Gold and Glamorous, think ‘The Great Gatsby’. So armed with the three G’s…Gold, Glamorous and Garden, this is what we came up with for paper styling.

Each butterfly is made from paper. The symbolistic meaning of the butterfly is new life, new beginning, perfect for the unity of a new life together as husband and wife. They loved the butterflies so much they were used on the cake, the dessert table and the chairs.

We took a different turn with the name place cards, instead creating a scroll to lay across the napkin and further dressed with the butterflies a little piece of whimsy which each guest can take home with them.

The gorgeous feature which unfolded was included in the Spring edition of Queensland Brides Magazine and they loved it so much, they repeated it again on their blog.

All the beautiful imagery is captured by the gorgeous Melinda from Chantilly Lace Photography

Photography – Chantilly Lace Photography

Styling – Beautiful Beach Weddings
Cake and Dessert Table – Crumbs of Comfort Cake Design
Placecards and Butterflies – Penny Lane Studio
Gold Glitter Vases – Dunne with Style
Flowers – Flowerlovers

{Penny Lane Styling} Katrina and Erick’s Wedding

katrina_erick-510

May saw the welcome of Winter in Sydney, but not for Beautiful bride Katrina and her Beau Erick. With their wedding booked in the Opera House Marquee, Katrina and Erick were looking to inject some warmth and colour in their wedding venue with beautiful paper decor.

blog 4

The result was a backdrop behind the bridal table, equalling nearly 15 square metres. The installation was a range of handcrafted pom poms and garlands along with honeycomb balls, honeycomb fans and gorgeous lanterns, layered with a 3 dimensional aspect. Small glass candle holders were also strung in the foreground for the special touch of twinkling magic.

The gift table also saw a smaller installation of the paper decor to further theme the room.

In the ceiling we strung two large chandeliers decorated with pom poms and glass candle holders.

The installation was a team effort of skill with concept, design, styling and installation by Penny Lane Studio and Fabmosphere.

Photo Credits: www.weddingsbymorris.com.au

blog5

blog 3

blog2

Bespoke personalised hand stamped tags for a wedding celebration

We were recently asked by fabulous stylist Gillian from Crumbs of Comfort to design a vintage influenced personal tag for a wedding celebration in Brisbane.

The brief was elegant, vintage influence, personalised with text from the client. The size was to be petit enough to fit on a small cube like box.

This is what we came up with. Each tag is hand punched, stamped and laced with satin ribbon for a quality result.

Penny Lane Studio, a new place and a new face for Red Elephant Creative


Its been quite a journey that has been taken for me to reach the point that I write this blog post. A tale of true friendship and insomnia dreamt ideas and creations which has allowed me the opportunity to reach this point, a turning point in the blossoming tale of Penny Lane Studio.

Penny Lane is evolving as a place of beautiful celebrations and I am so excited to be updating you about the journey today.

What is Penny Lane Studio?…
The name Penny Lane is the brain child of a very special girlfriend and I. With her encouragement, is is the new place in which I will be evolving my ranges and designs. The name is reflective of my love for vintage, which undoubtedly influences my work and whilst I will still keep my original designs of paper garlands, printed spoons and tags under the red elephant creative name, they will eventually be made available on the Penny Lane site along with a range of other new and exciting pieces when we open our very own online store next year.

The Blog…
The initiation of this website will allow me (as promised to many of you) to start blogging a range of creative tutorials, inspiring parties and continue the event stylist interviews which I started on my other website redelephantcreative.com. For those who have been following us for a while, you may noticed I have also copied over the previous blog posts to our new home, just so we can ensure everyone has access to what we have to share, including the new followers of Penny Lane Studio.

The Products…
When we open our new store next year, we will be bringing to you a silver platter of Printables, handcrafted event decor and stationery, beautiful (and unique) supplies, red elephant creative products and more. Like a good wine takes time to age, bringing all of these pieces to one place will take a little while and so, we are really excited to have you join us from the beginning, as we evolve the website and build our dream as a one stop shop for beautifully handcrafted events.

In the meantime…
We are open for business!! Like our Facebook page to get the absolute latest news Facebook page. I am a very lucky girl. Penny Lane has actually had orders for quite some time now and so, I am already working with amazing creatives and helping them bring to life their vision with our bespoke designs for a range of weddings, birthday and christening celebrations. Contact us via our Facebook page or email us studio{@}pennylanestudio.com.au so see how we can bring YOUR vision to life!

Thank you for stopping by, we look forward to sharing lots of new and beautiful ideas with you really soon!

Nicole xo

Setting the menu for children’s parties: A healthy approach PART 1

I remember when baby number one came into our world, as most Mums do, I laid out plans in my mind for the best start to life, starting with his health. A quick and nimble fellow from the beginning (crawling at 5 months and fast crawler at that), I limited his sugar intake to, well practically nil for the first year of his life.

Fast forward and my friendship formed with Naturopath Brooke Jenkins. Whilst chatting to her about kids parties, I asked the big question, is there a more healthy approach to planning our children’s parties? Of course when she forwarded me this article for the red elephant blog I was blown away at what there is to offer….as for the message, I love that we are still allowed to have our cake and eat it too, by adding or substituting just a few dishes at our parties we can have the traditional sweets and balance it out with a few not so sugary alternatives.

The recipes listed are also great for snacks for your little (and big) ones.

PART ONE

When its time to celebrate, we relax our food rules and enjoy things we don’t usually eat every day. Party foods are often sugary, processed foods with lots of fake colourings and non-food ingredients, but enjoying food at a party doesn’t need to be a fake-food affair. Its easy to prepare and serve a menu of nutrient dense wholefoods that everyone can enjoy.

Here are some exciting and appetising ways to provide nutritious food at your child’s next party!

Something substantial

Dedicating a time for everyone to eat together can be a good way of making sure kids have something substantial before or inbetween all the snacking and party games. Whether you’re having a BBQ or serving some simple sandwiches or salads, this is a good opportunity to introduce some protein, which will keep the kids feeling fuller for longer and not constantly snacking on party food (whether its healthy or not).

–      Sausages, chicken or home made rissoles

–      Sandwiches or wraps: chicken and salad, tuna and avocado or hummus and salad

–      Rice salad: cooked brown rice, tempeh, mixed, diced vegetables and tamari dressing

–      Mixed raw vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, zuchinni, celery and carrot sticks

–      Vegetable ‘chips’: cut sweet potato into chips, coat in olive oil and a little salt, bake on a baking tray in the oven at 220° for 40 minutes. Serve with hummus

–      BBQ’d corn on the cob. Serve with butter and parmesan for a delicious side dish

Healthy snack alternatives

–      Colourful fruit platters

–      Fruit skewers can look as fabulous as they taste, but always consider the age of the children before you end up with a bunch of kids running around with sharp sticks!

–      Healthy brownies (see part two next week for a recipe)

–      Pikelets with sugar free jam

–      Rice crackers with hummus

–      Cheese cubes and chopped raw vegetables

Healthy banana ice cream (pictured. This is good, its really good, and toddler approved!)

Blend frozen bananas with a little milk of your choice until a creamy consistency is achieved. You can also add some raw cacao powder to make chocolate ice cream or some frozen strawberries to make strawberry ice cream.

Store your ice cream in the freezer until its time to serve. Allow a few minutes for it to soften and then scoop it into little bowls or ice cream cones for serving.

Ice blocks

You can be as imaginative as you want! There are so many combinations and flavours to experiment with. Here are a few favourites, each flavour makes 6 ice blocks:

Banana coconut

1 banana, cut into chunks

1/2 cup coconut milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Blueberry apple

2 cups blueberries

1/3 cup apple juice

1/3 cup coconut water

Watermelon lime

2 cups blended and strained watermelon juice

1 lime, juiced

Cucumber mint

2 cups blended and strained cucumber juice

1/2 cup of chopped mint steeped in 1/2 cup hot water, strained and cooled

1/3 cup coconut water

  1. Place all ingredients for ice blocks in a blender and process til smooth. Add a little water if necessary
  2. Pour into ice block moulds and leave to set overnight (or at least 8 hours)

Stay tuned to the blog for part two next week which includes a great cake recipe and some ideas for party drinks.

For more information about Brooke Jenkins, with lots of inspiration for healthy eating for children http://brookejenkins.com/

Spoons pictured by red elephant creative.

Vibrant Spring colours bouncing from our studio table

This seasons spring colours are warm, vibrant and we are loving it. This week has been the week for HOT PINK, with requests for custom made garlands, tags, spoons and notelets. Other colours high on the hit list are tangerine, yellow and navy.

Don’t forget, if you don’t see your event colour palette in our online store, we just LOVE working on unique bespoke designs to make beautiful your special event!

Post Navigation