The Party of 2010: Mystical Mermaid

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ISSUE NO. 25 | January, 2011
NEWSLETTER
THE BEST SOURCE OF DESIGN & DECORATION FOR YOUR PARTY
the party of 2010

MYSTICAL
MERMAID
www.ingoodcompany.co.za
.............................
the
GOODlist .............................
good looks good life

PARTIES REAL PARTIES
Inspired themes, tableware, decorations, food and Sharing your special day with us.
drink recipes, invitations and favours how-to.
MYSTIC MERMAID (page 8)
LITTLE MERMAID (page 30) LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD (page 17)
PADDINGTON BEAR (page 45) LITTLE ELEPHANT (page 24)
LITTLE HEDGEHOG (page 60)
good to know
goodies GOOD ADVICE
FOR SALE Everything you need to know – and nothing you
Party must-haves and where to get them. don’t.
SWEET STANDS (page 23) 2011 KIDS PARTY TRENDS (page 14)
CAVALLINI & CO. (page 56)
in good hands
CRAFT PROJECTS
good as new Make it yourself with our easy step-by-step
FOR HIRE instructions.
Gorgeous goodies that you can borrow for a
fraction of the cost. NO SEW BUNTING (page 57)
BEAR CUPCAKE WRAPPERS (page 56)
MARVELLOUS MELAMINE (page 42) MOVING MOBILES (page 67)
good, bad & ugly goodie bag

READER FEEDBACK MEET THE READER
What you had to say, your story ideas, subjects A bit about you and your bag!
you would like covered, questions you would like
answered. (page 3) PARTY BAG (page 65)
good riddance
REUSE, RECYCLE, RENEW
How to turn something old into something new Check out
– and something green! our new
Kids Catalogue
BALLOON BAZAAR (page 21)
online at
2 | www.ingoodcompany.co.za
feedback
CONTACT US
SOPHIAS CHRISTENING
For Helen’s little girl’s baptism, there was without a doubt an all pink and girly theme
was in order. From a beautiful dress shaped display of ribbon bow pins for each guest to
a pink polka dot and stripe cake. We love the styling of our goodies too!
IN GOOD COMPANY FOR HIRE

Fuchsia Pink and White Stripe Runners Vintage Glass Votives
R25 each R5 each for hire
Cream Bird Cages Embers Red and Pink Ribbon

R30 each for hire R8 per metre
www.ingoodcompany.co.za | 3
TLOTLI TURNS TWO
A refreshing take on an enchanted fairy garden
theme in bright woodland reds and greens!
And how is that cake – every little girl’s dream!
IN GOOD COMPANY TO BUY

AND FOR HIRE
Polka Dot Runners R15 each
White Picket Fence R10 each
Grass Squares R10 each
Rice Woodland Tiered Tray R50 each
Melamine Plates and Cups R5 each
Wooden Toadstools R10 each
Woodland Paper Napkins R25 a pack to buy
Bamboo Cutlery R2 each to buy
Meri Meri Fairy Cupcake Toppers and Wrappers
R120 each to buy
Meri Meri Fairy Garland R75 each to buy
mysticalmermaidGOOD LIFE
We unanimously decided that the party of 2010 must be this signature party
by Kate Landers Events, LLC: A Mystical Mermaid Party! From the unique
neutral colour scheme to the most incredible dessert buffet, it is a party that
has originality written all over it – like did you see the sand on the floor?
AS TOLD AND DESIGNED BY KATE LANDERS
PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREA OF OPEN SHADE STUDIOS
INSPIRATION
A lovely client requested a mystical mermaid request, accents of a “sea weed green” were
party design the beginning of the summer, and used throughout - love that idea!
it was an absolute joy coming up with the party
design details for her daughters’ (two!) birthday This party is indoors - let’s face it, girls can love
celebration. She wanted a non-traditional mermaids 12 months of the year, and can’t
mermaid party; mythical, mystical and imaginative choose when their birthday is! Therefore, I
- a dream come true for me! I loved it so much designed this mermaid party that is as beautiful
that I just had to re-create one of my own! in January as it is in July - no matter what the
weather may be where you live!
There are several amazing stories about
mermaids. In my research I learned that they are INVITATION
beautiful creatures, often with long flowing hair, The client opted for one of my favorite mermaid
and sing the sweetest songs that lure captains of invitation ideas, a glittered starfish wand with
large ships right over to them. Mermaids often sit a custom printed tag attached with flowing
high on rocks, and when the ships draw near, they ribbon! When you have a smaller guest list, a
crash into the large rocky masses under the water, beautiful 3-D object like this is an option well-
and sink. The mermaids then swim down and worth considering.
steal whatever beautiful treasures they can find.
Mermaids adore pearls, silver and other treasures
from both land and sea.
Based on this one account of mermaids, I decided

to create a mystical mermaid party that takes
place on the ocean floor, where the mermaids
(guests) would gather amongst their greatest
treasures they stole from sunken ships.
The colour scheme is natural sand tones, mixed

with white and soft coral pinks. At the client’s
DECORATIONS Speaking of mermaid tails, I can’t get over
It was important to create an experience for the most precious ruffle trimmed white
the birthday girls and their guests to feel as if napkins {by Pom Pom At Home from Layla
they were mermaids, and real sand seemed Grayce}. They are spectacular... I folded and
like the perfect thing to help create the pressed them so they represented ruffled
proper environment! A large brown tarp was mermaid tails at each place setting.
placed on the floor, covered with playbox
sand (when the party is over clean up is Little glass bottles of soft pink and white
easier with the tarp, and you can refresh sea glass were lined down the center of
your own sand box, or donate to a local the table creating a beautiful sea-inspired
school or church playground). One of the centerpiece. Later, each guest could take
activities was for the girls to find treasures in home their own bottle as a party favor and
the sand (pearls, sand dollars, sea shells) to use as a decoration in their room.
collect and use to adorn their own beautiful
hair comb and mirror!) One of my all-time favorite home decoration
staple: a pair of white “Dauphine”
Anyone who knows me and my events, candlesticks by Rosanna, Inc, from Layla
understands that for me it is crucial to Grayce. They are absolutely stunning in real
provide that experience for the guests. life - photos do NOT do them justice! They
Therefore, I wanted to create something are tall so on a low-lying coffee table, I knew
romantic, feminine, mystical and sea- candles would be too much. Therefore, I
inspired to create the illusion the girls were topped each candlestick with vintage ruffled
under water... beautiful ivory tulle was just milk glass saucers, each holding three petite
the thing! Wedding tulle {wider} was draped sea anemone cupcakes {these spectacular
from above...oh, and because I couldn’t coral sea anemone cupcake toppers, edible
resist, a vintage-inspired chandelier was of course, were crafted by the incredibly
hung above the table to add more “Coastal talented Olga of Sweet Bouquet}. Here’s a
Shabby Chic”- inspired charm and beauty. “pelican’s view” of the mermaid table!
Each place setting featured a “bubbled”

TABLE vintage milk glass bowl on top of a ruffled
With all the sand, it was important the vintage milk glass saucer. What about
children got to feel it. I used a low-lying the menu? Shells (the pasta variety) and
coffee table placed over the sand, and chair cheese, of course! We printed darling place
cushions allowed the mermaid guests to sit cards at each setting. You will also notice
comfortably on the “ocean floor”. the darling child-size goblets.
The table was set with a gorgeous ruffle Mini starfish cookie wands were also at
edged burlap table runner, created by the each place setting, tied in cellophane with
incredibly talented Carolyn of Sweet Tea and a gorgeous raw silk cream and pink ribbon
Linen. The burlap runner gives a sandy color {these stunning cookie wands were hand
and texture, and the ruffled ends create crafted by Renee of Bee’s Knees Creative}.
mermaid tails on either side of the table!
FUN AND GAMES way. I am in love with this tablecloth, and
A bowl of pearls was on the table, pearls will add it as a regular item of Shabby Chic-
were used throughout the dessert table, inspired decor to our home (and for other
part of a craft (decorating their own hair events, of course). It provided the texture and
combs) and activity (searching in the sand look of the sandy ocean floor, and tied in with
for pearls, shells and other treasure), and the burlap table runner on the mermaid’s
as they are a beautiful adornment from table perfectly!
the ocean itself, they had to be part of this
mermaid party! A chandelier over the dessert table adds a
spectacular element, and when it is done in
Other activities included decorating the same shade as the backdrop, it blends in
handheld mirrors (Mermaids are said to as to not overpower the desserts, but still has
love mirrors and their own reflections) with a striking appearance.
jewels (with an adhesive back), pin-the-tail-
on-the-mermaid (felt game) and a game I originally designed and created a backdrop
where the girls swim in their stomachs on of white ruffled muslin with hand-stitched
the floor to the music, and when it stops loose ruffles for a whimsical look (very, very
they must stop - whoever doesn’t stop on homemade!). Then, a much prettier idea was
cue is out - continue to play until there is presented to me in August to use a ruffled
one swimmer left! shower curtain as a backdrop (via a facebook
post by The TomKat Studio), and I went on the
For entertainment, hiring a person trained hunt for a stunning *white* ruffled shower
to make extraordinary sea-creature balloon curtain. It was none other than the amazing
animals is fun for the little ones, and a Layla Grayce that had the most beautiful one
singing coach to teach the mermaids to sing I had ever seen! Much prettier than my hand-
like sirens is better for the older ones. made muslin backdrop (and more even rows
of ruffles, too!)! So I loosely pressed the layers
and up it went to provide a feminine ruffled,
DESSERT TABLE Shabby Chic-inspired background for the
The mermaid dessert table was specifically dessert table, resembling beautiful waves of
designed to feature sea-inspired desserts; the ocean for all the mermaid guests to enjoy.
the backdrop served as white ocean waves,
and the burlap tablecloth made for an The birthday cake was a simple, smooth white
“ocean floor” base. These very neutral fondant cake with 3 spectacular hand crafted
colors allowed the vivid corals in the (and edible of course) sea “flower-inspired”
desserts to pop, and allow the desserts to anemones, in shades of white, pale pink and
have a stage in which to really show off a soft coral pink {created by the amazing
their beauty! Sweet Petal Bakery}. The base of the cake was
adorned with a camel colored velvet ribbon.
I knew I wanted a simple yet spectacular Below it, to give the cake more height, was
base, and a gorgeous gathered floor length another larger clear glass beaded cake stand,
burlap custom-made-to-order tablecloth, loaded with raw sugar “sand” and beautiful
by none other than the amazing Carolyn of white and light pink sand dollars and sugared
Sweet Tea and Linen, was perfect in every pearls.
DRESS UP
As you know it is always important to me that the birthday child and their guests wear something to
help fuel their imagination and “become” a character. I created this mermaid tail skirt with a shiny
caramel tulle, layered over a white vintage skirt, and completed with a “burlap” ribbon bow at the
waist. The tail trails the birthday girl (and of course, you can do these for each guest as well) in the
back!
I was ecstatic to find this sweet tulle dress, which I adorned with a pale peachy-pink wide double-
faced satin ribbon sash, which had a variety of my own vintage and custom tulle-and-pearl pins
attached, perfect for the birthday girl to wear at the party (I love the mermaid tail to be used in the
dress up chest long after)!
FAVOURS
The glass bottles of sea glass, sweets from the dessert table, mermaid tails, starfish cookie wands,
their sea-inspired hair combs and mirrors all serve as perfect party favors. I drilled holes into scallop
shells, tied on personalised tags and these are intended to be used in the guests’ rooms as a catch-
all for their favorite treasures on the night stand, or a paperweight on their desk! And of course,
their glittered starfish wands handed as invitations, may be one of the most coveted party favors of
all!
what’s hot ?
KIDS PARTY TRENDS FOR 2011
Inspired completely by the work of the world’s best children’s party planner Kate
Landers, we have put together the top ten trends that we think will be popular for
Children’s Parties in 2011. What do you think will be the next big thing?
1. Ditching “Disney”
There is a growing trend for parties to be based around classic
childhood storybook/fairytale characters and not the typical
printed partyware you see in the shops. I like the idea of a
specific Nursery Rhyme for a baby shower (like Humpty Dumpty
Breakfast or Mary had a Little Lamb Luncheon) and a Fairytale
for little girls (like Sleeping Beauty Sleepover or Rapunzel Hair
Dressing Up Party). And also, developing an entire party theme
from your child’s well loved book or toy. I think we will continue
to see typical themes but with a vintage feel… and possibly then
a complete spin on it with a rock glam kick-back to the 80’s neon
type style – especially for older kids.
2. Little People
The best new thing must be the small guest list. It really allows for
so much more. There are a few people that can throw a designer
party with a designer price tag for tons of people. I like the idea
that you can have it all, if you are willing to cut your guest list
down. It makes sense – seriously does anyone – let along your
child need to have 20 plus guests; surely five of their little friends
are far more memorable? Practice the rule of thumb: Invite as PARTY DESIGN KATELANDERSEVENTS.COM,
ALL IMAGES OPENSHADESTUDIOS.COM,
many children as your child’s age they are turning. PRINTABLES TOMKATSTUDIO.BLOGSPOT.COM
3. Avoiding the Party Store

You will find tons and tons of stuff you think you need but you
don’t and before you know it you would have spent a fortune
and have nothing to show for it post party. Behave like a party
planner and be better off by buying items from home and
department stores with a “long term” plan in mind. For example:
buy fabric table linen over paper cloths, buy melamine cups and
plates instead of paper ones, buy fabric bunting instead of paper
garlands. Now it might seem “costly” but for your next family get
together you will be thankful - think Quality over Quantity!
4. Making it Personal.
The great thing about this trend is that it usually
doesn’t cost that much extra. Address the
invitations, dressing up clothes, favour tags etc.
personally with each child’s name; include photos
of the guest of honour on the stationery and as
part of the decorations; and buy a personalised
printable party.
5. Print, Cut and Party!

Whilst it is not the newest trend, it is definitely
here to stay, I love the idea of printable parties. It
allows for one to really have a personalised party!
And for me it is the little details like customised
straw flags and thank you tags etc. that say this
party was made especially for you!
6. Save & Splurge

Going big in some areas and cutting back in
others. Decide upfront which “party aspects” are
important to you and dare I say go over-the-top
in these areas and in the other areas make every
effort to save, scale back or even skip them all
together. By doing this you have already laid the
groundwork for a party high in style as the focus
will be drawn to the big items and no will notice
the other lesser aspects.
7. Make and Do
There is the growing trend to make it about the
activity, this is always a good idea as your décor
and fun & games budget can be merged – and
even your food and drinks one too. Think “paint
your own picture” or “make your own cupcakes or
cookies” or “sew your own fabric heart/doll” etc.
8. Do It Yourself.
The best parties are those that have a
“homemade” touch, and not just a party venue’s
cookie cutter version. Decide upfront on something
you will do yourself, it need only be one thing but
nothing says style like a homemade cake/cupcakes,
or handmade party favours. And if this is a bit
“scary” have the guests make it themselves as part
of a party activity.
9. Dress the Party
The great thing about this trend is that it usually doesn’t cost that much extra. Address the
invitations, dressing up clothes, favour tags etc. personally with each child’s name; include photos
of the guest of honour on the stationery and as part of the decorations; and buy a personalised
printable party.
10. Down Size

Whilst it is not the newest trend, it is definitely here to stay, I love the idea of printable parties. It
allows for one to really have a personalised party! And for me it is the little details like customised
straw flags and thank you tags etc. that say this party was made especially for you!
a bit about kate

1. What is your favourite party goodie?
That would be ruffle trimmed fabric party hats... well, party
hats, tiaras and crowns in general!
2. What do you do for your birthday party?

Always an intimate gathering, and usually a brunch as it is my
absolute favourite meal - oh, and a very special birthday cake
{for my 30th we did a Lilly Pulitzer-themed pink & green party
with a gorgeous 3-tiered oval pink and white lattice cake to
match a dress pattern!}
3. What is your favourite new party colour scheme?

I am absolutely loving an all-white party. Perfect any season {I
am designing an all-white Halloween party for next year}, great
for any birthday any age... and truly striking in appearance. You
can have a lot of fun with this one too... several 3-foot round
white balloons make it oh-so-fun!
4. What do you think works well for party favours?

One of these three things {I prefer a single item as opposed to a
bag of multiple treats},
a) A hardback copy of a book {almost always welcome by
parents and children alike}
b) Edible favors that are often quickly devoured {decorated
cookie or cake pop, even a mason jar of cookie mix with a
recipe!}
c) A costume piece {because children adore dressing up and I
love to see them take that magic home with them}
5) Any “secret plans” for 2011 you want to hint at?

Looking forward to helping clients, readers and fans make their
parties more stylish, through a few totally new avenues. Big
dreams, big goals.
littleredridinghood
GOOD LIFE
Are you afraid of the big bad wolf? Not Genevieve LeBel from Celebrate
Today, she put together this Little Red Riding Hood party for her little
girl Sophie who was turning 4. And I am sure you agree with me that this
party is so amazing, that I wouldn’t have been surprised that if the wolf had
turned up he would have sat down and had some cake and tea too!
VISIT GENEVIEVE AT www.celebrate2da.com
THINGS WE LOVE:
The welcome to grandma’s house – the lovely wreath and number 4 signage that was hung on the
door to welcome the guests.
The dress up outfits for all the guests: little red capes. So easy to do and yet super special.
The sweet station that included sweet fondant toppers from Two Sugar Babies that topped the berry
bliss cupcakes. And did you see the little individual Little Red Riding Hood cupcakes that Genevieve
made herself!
The Autumn Leah Designs’ graphics that featured on all sorts of party goodies but especially the
vintage Little Red inspired t-shirt sported by the birthday girl made by Amelia Jo.
The mini picnic baskets filled with little wrapped chocolates. (Pretty excited about these picnic
baskets as we are getting them in later this year).
The silly wolf puppets that the girls made up as part of a party activity.
The highlight must be that the week before the party, Mc Donald’s free Happy Meal toys were Little
Red Riding Hood and Big Bad Granny Wolfs! What are the chances!
Last but not least, the fact that their photographer took the time to take some lovely professional
photos of Sophie - sure to be treasured for many years to come. (Gail Anne Photography)
balloonbazaar
GOOD RIDDANCE
I love the fact that I am a converted balloon lover. In the past the last thing
I would ever suggest at a party (let alone a wedding!) would be balloons for
decorations. But now what with giant balloons, polka dot balloons and crystal
balloons – who can say no! But if you are like me who often sits post party
with a bunch of ordinary standard balloons and don’t know what do with
them, here are some great ideas!
FLIP FLOPS, CHOCOLATE BALLOONS, WREATH AND WATER BOMBS
IMAGES: PEPPERSPOLLYWOGS.COM, HOW DOES SHE DO IT? AND KAREN CHENG.
AS SEEN IN DONNA HAY KIDS 2010 &
WEDDING STYLE GUIDE SPRING 2010
sweetstands
GOODIES
Hello hanna latest creation takes the cake – quite literally! A unique stand
for a cupcake or treat, great right out of the box or embellished to make it
extra special.
IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

Hello Hanna Sweet Stands
• 6 stands per box. • 9.5cm height and 7.5cm width.• Made with FSC-certified recycled paper.
• Embossed pattern design on all sides.
R80 for 6
babyelephant
GOOD LIFE
Sarah of Style Me Gorgeous created the most loveliest baby baptism I have
ever seen for her little boy Max. The soft colours of blue, grey and white, the
personalised stationery (done by Sarah and available to buy in her shop) and
a little felt elephant here and there proves she really does live up to her “gor-
geous” company’s name.
THINGS WE LOVE:
The soft blue and grey colour palette and how it is limited to only two colours, in this case less is
really more.
The overhead bubbles make the table really pop for one’s attention – and a good tip to follow is to
string them all in a row and rather create variation in the size and shade of the paper lanterns.
This personalised elephant printable party is something else! It is too cute for words and has
everything you need from a big and bold banner to party flags.
Sarah created a stunning dessert table, using just a few standard pieces readily available from most
homeware store (or hire from us): white platters, a white cake stand and all the same size and style
sweet jars. Notice how she cleverly created height to her table by covering a box for all of them to
rest on.
Her favour bags by themselves are a blank canvas but with the added tag and mini peg – pure
perfection.
Last but not least the usage of a little suitcase for messages – is genius – a gorgeous display piece
and future storage container in one!
littlemermaid
GOOD LOOKS
From mermaid tutus and starfish wands to make your own ocean in a bottle
party activity and favour; with our little mermaid-themed party, all you need
is steel-drum music to complete the under the sea fantasy!
IMAGES COURTESY OF POTTERY BARN KIDS
INVITATIONS
Message in a Bottle
Send guests a designer mermaid invitation by Sambellina Australia. Another lovely alternative is to
fill a vintage glass bottle with sand and small shells and add a Sambellina Mermaid Tag with all the
party details written on the back.
IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP Vintage Glass Bottles

Sambellina Mermaid Invitations A variety of colours available
Includes, invitations and envelopes R25 each
R110 for 12
Sambellina Mermaid Tags

R50 for 12
DECORATIONS
Hanging Bubbles
Make big bubble circles on wooden frames made from circle embroidery hoops to create an
atmosphere of bubbly fun. Have multiple sizes to give them depth. Another good idea is to hang a
variety of colours and sizes paper lanterns to look like bubbles.

Paper Lanterns
A variety of colours available
Small R30 each
Medium R40 each
Large R50 each
Goldfish Hanging Decorations Mermaid Placemats
Create a sweet, serene mood for your 45 x 35cm
child. Our tulle goldfish look fresh out R10 each for hire
of a storybook and can be hung from
the ceiling or outdoor umbrella to Mermaid Plates
transform any space. Colours include Mermaid and fish designs bring a
green, pink and blue fish. playful touch to these plates, made with
Hanging Gold Fish melamine and bamboo to be more eco-
R15 each for hire friendly.
Mermaid Plates
Underwater Seaweed 20cm in diameter
R10 each for hire
Buy rolls and rolls of sea coloured
satin ribbon of varied widths and
create a curtain made out of ribbon
by fastening to the ceiling with CENTREPIECE
double sided tape. This makes a great
backdrop for photos or the buffet or Ocean in a Vase
dessert table. Make your own centrepiece: fill glass fish
bowls with coloured sand and seashells.
Add real or fake underwater plants
LINEN available from nurseries or pet stores. Fill
with water.
Mermaid Tablecloth
Our cotton-canvas tablecloth features Fish Bowls
R20 each for hire
a watery blue border with brightly
colored appliquéd kelp and fish, and Starfish Plates
button and sequin accents. Imported. R5 each for hire
R45 to buy
Mermaid Tablecloth
R50 for hire Tiki Candle Holders
R5 each for hire
R35 to buy
TABLEWARE
Island Style
Mermaid Placemats Decorate the rest of the table centre
These vinyl placemats with oversized with more sea shells, white pebble beach
white polka dots have bubbly style and stones, tiki candle holders and starfish
are easy to wipe clean. Imported. plates.
Mermaid Art Canvas Prints
Inspire the artist within her.
These stylish mermaids
brim from head to fin in
eye-catching colors and
patterns that make each
piece look like an original
work of art.
Made of stretched canvas

over solid wood; imported.
IN GOOD
COMPANY FOR
HIRE
Mermaid Canvas Prints
Blonde or Brunette
mermaid.
R50 each for hire
FUN AND GAMES
Mermaid Band Playset

Simple toys that look handmade have the greatest play value of all. Each of the three mermaids
holds an instrument: bongos, guitar or horn. Kids can arrange the mermaids, swap the instruments
and improvise every step of the way. Sewn bright cotton percale fabric. A large clamshell purse totes
all the pieces easily.

Mermaid Band Playset
R30 for hire
Mermaid Plush
Each of our mermaids is loaded with originality and charm. Fabric is a crafty mix of linens and
percales. Makes for great décor additions.

Mermaid Plush Dolls
R20 each for hire
Ocean in a Bottle
Before the party, collect small glass PURITY jars of varying shapes. Help party guests fill their jars
two-thirds full with water and let each child add a few drops of blue food colouring. Top off with
sunflower oil and/or glitter and add a few plastic sea creatures. Screw the top on tightly, tilt the jar
and enjoy!
Sandy Scenes
Set up a table with coloured paper, bowls of coloured sand and sea-themed paper cutouts (fish,
starfish, shells etc.). Let the kids use paintbrushes to “colour” the cutouts with glue. They can
then sprinkle sand on the glue to make cool effects. Once the cutouts are dry, have kids glue their
creations onto a piece of colored paper for a gorgeous underwater seascape.
MENU
Seafood Spread
Serve tropical fruit drinks and garnish each with a mini cocktail umbrella and a small skewer of
fruit. Have a large bowl of fish shaped crackers, a plate of tropical fruits and lots of gummie fish
on-hand for snacking. Serve sea creature cupcakes as the birthday treat: simply ice cupcakes with
aqua-coloured icing, swirling it and making peaks to give the appearance of waves. Embellish each
cupcake with a small figurine (fish, octopus, whale, seahorse or starfish figurines are all available at
toy stores). Kids can use the figurines to decorate their fish bowls once the cupcake’s gone. For the
cake top it off with our Starfish Cake topper.

Cocktail Umbrellas
50 cents each
Starfish Cake Topper

R50 for hire
DRESS UP AND FAVOURS
Mermaid Skirts and Wands

Make a puffy skirt and wand so that each party guest will be in full mermaid character. Layer
glimmering organza that flows like water over a satin inner skirt of the tutu, with an elastic waist
that slips easily over other apparel. A matching wand sparks up a little magic by adding fluttering
organza and ribbons, and make either a puffy felt starfish with running-stitch details at the tip of
each or glue gun a real starfish to each top – add a bit of sparkling glitter!
marvellousmelamine
GOOD AS NEW
Yeah! Our fabulous melamine plates and cups are available for hire for your
next party – not only are they bright and bold but you will be doing your bit
for the environment by not wasting paper.
Rice Melamine Cups
R25 each to buy
R5 each to hire
Rice Melamine Plates

R50 each to buy
R5 each to hire
paddingtonbear
GOOD LOOKS
Almost everyone knows that Paddington is a bear who usually wears a duffle
coat, a rather shapeless hat and, on occasions, Wellington boots. Many
people also know that his favourite food is marmalade and that he originally
comes from Darkest Peru. Well, how about a birthday party all about this
little bear?
INVITATION
Send guests a luggage tag with the details printed on a card and slotted inside with a little picture
of PB. Or your son with a little red felt hat? The idea of luggage tags also make great and practical
favours especially for grown ups.
DECORATIONS
Decorate in classic bright red and white and blue decorations - overhead with any or all of these
lovely options:’

Giant White and Red Balloons
80cm
Perfectly Round
R35 each
Paper Daisies
R20 each
Sunbursts
R30 each
Paper Lanterns
20cm R35 each
40cm R70 each
60cm R105 each
Order 4 or more and get discounts
Union Jack Bunting

R240 to buy
R30 each for hire
TABLE
Go Dotty
Continue the bright red and white polka dot theme to the table linen: table cloth, runners and/or
napkins.
IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP AND FOR HIRE

Table Cloths
Available in red and white
R30 each for hire
Red with White

Dots Paper Napkins
R40 for a pack
Table Runners
Available in red and white stripes, blue and
white stripes, red with white dots, blue with
white dots.
150cm x 50cm
R15 each for hire
PB Bear
It is easy to host a “character” themed party without having to buy all the merchandise. As this
party proves the only actual goodies of Paddington Bear are soft toy centerpieces, and the rest of
the theme has been made using every day items and a red and white colour scheme.
Paddington Bears
Large R30 each to hire
Small R15 each to hire
CENTREPIECES
Under the Hat

For a clever centrepiece use an old fashioned suitcase as a cake stand, and arrange marmalade (and
other typical school sarmies) on a cake plate, strategically placed just underneath PB’s hat – just
how the little bear keeps his sandwiches for when he hungry later.
Varying Vessels
Arrange red, white and yellow gerberas or sunflowers in suitcases, jugs and even a pair of wellington
boots.
PLACE SETTINGS
Mmmm Marmalade
Set each place setting with red and white paper plates, cups and napkins. The latter can even be
decorated with ribbon and button trimmings. As a place card and favour in one, give each guest
a small jar of marmalade with a polka dot or gingham fabric jam jar cover and add a place card
shaped as a luggage tag with the recipient’s name.
Melamine Cups and Plates Paper Cups Paper Plates

R5 each to hire R50 for 12 R60 for 12
Bear Necessities
Display cupcakes, sandwiches (wrap with polka dot paper bands) and biscuits on our tiered stands,
and our new range of red with white polka dot two tiered cake stands are just ideal!
High Tea Stand Red Tupperware Bowls

R30 each for hire R10 each
Slurp!
Serve flavoured milk for little ones and for grown ups old-fashioned Coca Cola bottles with straws. Also jugs
of orange juice and other fruit juices will suit the colour scheme.
Take Away
A great alternative is to make up mini snack boxes for each guest that already includes a little bit of
everything. This is a good idea for small kids and they love nothing better than having their own little special
package.
FUN AND GAMES
Guestbook Washing Line

String up some ribbon and add some clothes pegs. Below have a bunch of little note cards and have guests
write well wishes to the birthday boy. You could also photograph these before hand. Then tie them onto
balloons and have a balloon release at the party!
Photo Booth
Hang up a big backdrop and have a large suitcase with a luggage tag attached and a big floppy hat. Have
photos taken with Paddington bear and the birthday boy. These make great photos to email to your guests
afterwards.
Red and White Stripe Backdrop

R30 for hire
Bears Ears
This is also a good opportunity to have photos of the guests sporting homemade Bear ears. It is surprisingly
easy to make bear ones out of furry fabric attached to Alice bands. Or alternatively you could just make these
out of brown cardboard.
Guess the Bears in the Jar

Fill a glass jar with Gummy Bears and the guest that guesses closet to the actual number wins the jar!
Bear Necessities
Download our free printable quiz all about Famous Bears. You will be amazed at how many cartoon
bears they are and to see if you can actually name them all.
FAVOURS
Paddington Bear’s Little Suitcase

Fill our gable boxes with treats to make up a little “baker’s box” of goodies:
Jar of Marmalade (glass jars available from Consol Glass)
Scone and/or Muffin from Woolies
One little birthday candle with a ribbon tag saying, “”Make a Wish”.
Bamboo Knife
Tie with pretty ribbon and luggage tags
Bamboo Knife Gable Box Sambellina Red Spotty Luggage Tags

R2 each R7 each R50 for 12
Ebony and Ivory Classic Tags

R20 for 6
OTHER IDEAS
Paddington Bear Memory Game

Print our free Paddington Bear Memory Game Sheets. The game is played exactly like one would play the
traditional Memory Game. Also, for each pair one has the word in English of the picture on the card, and it’s
matching pair has the word but in German, French and Italian.
HOW TO PLAY THE MEMORY GAME

Lay the cards face down, in random order.
A player turns over any two cards to see if they match each other.
If they match, the player keeps them and turns over two more cards. This player continues playing in this way
until the two cards do not match.
If they do not match, the player turns the cards face down again in the same location and the next player
takes his or her turn.
If they match, the player keeps them and turns over two more cards.
Results: The winner is the player with the most cards at the end of the game.
Variation
A player must correctly identify or read whatever is on the cards when he or she finds a matching pair. If the
player cannot do so, he or she turns them face down again in the same location and the next player takes a
turn.
Print a Party
The ideal printable party is our Red Spot Printable Party, and has tons of other great things to make and use
for the Paddington Bear Party.
Red Spot Printable Party

We are just dotty over our Polka Dot Printable Parties! This collection includes:
• Invitation • Envelope • Note card • Place card • A4 Paper sheets (to use to make paper chains/lanterns/
wrapping paper/crackers etc.) • Cupcake Wrappers • Food Picks • Four box • Pennant Bunting
R50 per pdf. file

Customisation available from R20 to R100 depending on complexity.
downtothewoods
GOOD ON PAPER
You are in for a big surprise! This month’s free downloadable cupcake wrapper is
just too cute for words: our little Teddy Bears Picnic Collection. All you need to
do is visit our website, click on GOOD TIMES, DOWNLOADS and then under
miscellaneous, click on Cupcake Wrappers. And if you like the design, why not get
the complete Printable Party in our shop for as little as R50 for the complete pdf.
file, which also includes a set of printable bear ears that can be fashioned on a head
band for your little guests (and just for the girls there are little bows too!).
nosewbunting
IN GOOD HANDS
Our love for bunting is unsurpassed, but sometimes it is bit tricky to make one –
namely if you don’t sew! Never fear, hear is an easy version that looks just as good.
MATERIALS DIRECTIONS
10cm x 100cm Fabric 1. Using the pinking shears cut 10, 10 x 10cm squares.
Pinking Shears 2. Hang up each square as you would the washing with little wooden
3m String/ribbon pegs, one per square onto the ribbon or string.
10 Wooden Pegs 3. String up your bunting and enjoy!
cavallini& co.
Cavallini & Co. was founded in 1989 in San Francisco and they produce the finest
quality gift and stationery products in the marketplace. Simply put, they love
what they do. And so do we! Their versatile collection makes for great gifts and
packaging.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Rubber Stamps R300 for 10, Butterfly Gift Tags R170 for 36, Greeting Rubber
Stamps R300 for 10, Bird and Nest Stickers R155 for 100, To Do Sticky Notes R145 in a a gift tin,
Vintage Office File Folders R130 for 12.
THIS PAGE: Paris Gift Tags R170 for 30, Love Eraser (4 x 6cm) R40 each, Pencil Eraser (4 x 6cm)
R40 each, Keep Calm and Carry On Notebook R100 each, Vintage Toys Thank You Cards R145 for
10, English Alphabet Magnets R195 for 26.
littlehedgehog
GOOD LOOKS
Creating a good party look can easily be achieved by selecting a ceramic figurine
and working the rest of the stationery, linen, decorations and tableware around it.
Like how we were totally inspired by these little hedgehogs!
Creature Comfort
A warm inviting tablescape is created with the use of a brown table linen but brightened up with a pink
plaid runner. Each napkin is tied with raffia and little leaves. Creamware and chunky cutlery is used to
continue the country and autumnal feel about the table.
A Prickly Printable Party
Our Hedgehog Printable Party includes a fill in invitation, thank you card, table number card and party circle
tags, for R50 for the complete pdf.file.
Tree Stand
Serve dessert that mimics hedgehogs – in this case vermicelli truffles were placed inside cupcake
wrappers. And for an authentic “cake stand”, use a piece of a cut tree for a base – decorated with
leaves and “woodsy” flowers like chrysanthemums.
Polka Dot and Plain Trio Pink, Red, Cyan, Baby Blue, Grey
and Black R90 for a set of 3.
Green, Polka Dot, Grey, Stripe, Salmon and Grey Square
R120 for set of 5.
party+bag
GOODIE BAG
Beside parties, our second love at In Good Company must be handbags, so we

kind of thought the best thing then must be a party’s goodie bag. With this in
mind, we decided to give our Meet the Reader column a bit of an overhaul, and
instead of asking 20 questions, we would rather ask you to show us your handbag
and the top 5 goodies inside that you just can’t do without and that best describes
you, and in exchange we will send you our Goodie Bag of the Month! Bonus
points if you tell us the weight of your bag!
movingmobiles
IN GOOD HANDS
Recently I visited Copenhagen and was immediately taken by the Flensted

Mobiles, not only by their beauty in their simplicity, but their party potential. I
came home with the hot air balloon design, but really had my heart set on the
elephants but I think so had many other tourists.
So I figured whilst it is definitely by no means even close to the high standard of the Flensted mobiles, here
is my little Sunday Afternoon DIY project. With such an easy project you could make many custom mobiles to
suit your party theme.
MATERIALS: DIRECTIONS
Template 1. Trace around your template onto each piece of coloured paper. Work
Coloured Paper in odd numbers for an aesthetically pleasing look.
Scissors 2. Cut out each template.
Pencil 3. Tape or Prestik a piece of cotton thread to each cut out.
Cotton Thread 4. Bend the wire into an arch shape and tie each piece of cotton thread
Silver Wire to the wire. Tie another piece of cotton thread to hang the mobile
Tape/Prestik from the ceiling using Prestik or double sided tape.
FLENSTED MOBILES
On the island of Funen in Denmark, where Hans Christian Andersen was born, you can find a present-day
fairy tale - Flensted Mobiles - a family business that designs and makes mobiles at “Frederiksminde” the old
village school at Brenderup. Flensted Mobiles cover all facets of life, for even in an apparently completely still
room the mobiles catch the slightest current of air. There is a Flensted mobile for every festive occasion and
there are Flensted Mobiles for all settings domestic of otherwise. So do visit their website for some stunning
inspiration and make your world move.
linen | tableware | decorations | favours

The Party of 2010: Mystical Mermaid

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What party themes are featured in the newsletter?

What party themes are featured in the newsletter?

What items can readers hire or purchase from In Good Company?

What items can readers hire or purchase from In Good Company?

good

ISSUE NO. 25 | January, 2011

the party of 2010

good looks good life

good, bad & ugly goodie bag

IN GOOD COMPANY FOR HIRE

Cream Bird Cages Embers Red and Pink Ribbon

IN GOOD COMPANY TO BUY

Based on this one account of mermaids, I decided

The colour scheme is natural sand tones, mixed

Each place setting featured a “bubbled”

3. Avoiding the Party Store

5. Print, Cut and Party!

6. Save & Splurge

10. Down Size

a bit about kate

2. What do you do for your birthday party?

3. What is your favourite new party colour scheme?

4. What do you think works well for party favours?

5) Any “secret plans” for 2011 you want to hint at?

FLIP FLOPS, CHOCOLATE BALLOONS, WREATH AND WATER BOMBS

IMAGES: PEPPERSPOLLYWOGS.COM, HOW DOES SHE DO IT? AND KAREN CHENG.

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP Vintage Glass Bottles

Sambellina Mermaid Tags

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

Made of stretched canvas

Mermaid Band Playset

IN GOOD COMPANY FOR HIRE

IN GOOD COMPANY FOR HIRE

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

Starfish Cake Topper

DRESS UP AND FAVOURS

Mermaid Skirts and Wands

Rice Melamine Plates

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

Union Jack Bunting

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP AND FOR HIRE

Red with White

Under the Hat

Melamine Cups and Plates Paper Cups Paper Plates

High Tea Stand Red Tupperware Bowls

FUN AND GAMES

Guestbook Washing Line

Red and White Stripe Backdrop

Guess the Bears in the Jar

Paddington Bear’s Little Suitcase

Bamboo Knife Gable Box Sambellina Red Spotty Luggage Tags

Ebony and Ivory Classic Tags

Paddington Bear Memory Game

HOW TO PLAY THE MEMORY GAME

Red Spot Printable Party

R50 per pdf. file

Beside parties, our second love at In Good Company must be handbags, so we

Recently I visited Copenhagen and was immediately taken by the Flensted