Turning Two In Style

Written by Amanda Whitley

My very good friend Barb is the most stylish person I know... one of those effortlessly put-together people who could make a hessian sack look like high fashion. So it stands to reason that the second birthday party for her beautiful daughter, Isobel, would be equally fabulous.

Here's a peek into the celebrations...and maybe some inspiration for your next "little" birthday event!

Proof that you don't need to spend loads of money for a perfect party, most of the little touches for Isobel's party were handmade. Vintage-inspired fabric "balloons" set the vibe for the invitations and the patterns echoed in the muslin gift bags, each personalised with the initial of the lucky guest.

Gifts were simple and age appropriate - a couple of chocolate freddos disappeared quicker than you can say "not until after dinner" - and a funky little notebook and multi-coloured pen from Smiggle kept Olivia, my 2.5yr old, busy for hours. Baby Sophia loved chewing on her rubber ducky's nose and grinned at it all the way home in the car.

Suspended pink and white tissue paper pom poms took the place of balloons and created a fairy-like atmosphere (find out how to make your own here - thanks Martha). Sugar blossoms topped the pink and white cupcakes, adding to the feminine floral theme.

So, there you have it! A beautiful, girly birthday party without a Dora or Wiggles character in sight - thanks for sharing, Barb!