I can’t remember how I came across Brittany’s website or her blog, but I remember being thoroughly impressed by the parties she featured on her blog, and thinking, ‘here’s a talented new event planner to keep on my radar’, because I had a feeling she would be moving on to very big things. The launching of her fabulous new website and blog, One Charming Party, definitely confirms my suspicions, and I congratulate her on her success thus far. She’s one who considers the environment in her party planning, and I’m sure once you see some of the events she’s styled, you’ll love her work too. Here are a few pictures from some great parties designed by Brittany:

 Pretty tea party

American Girl Pioneer Party

Vintage Glam Barbie Party

I caught up with Brittany some time ago and she gracefully agreed to share a few party planning tips with Creative Hostess, in response to our three questions: 

Creative Hostess Interview With Brittany

What are your favorite kids party & baby shower style trends?

The design trends that I see for children’s parties are a move away from cheesy, cartooney, character parties and more of a focus on vintage themes and using colors to drive a theme. For baby showers I’m seeing more parties based on classic childrens books. Very cute.

What inspires you when planning / styling kids parties & baby showers?

I can be inspired by almost anything when planning a children’s party or baby shower. Often an image or idea will be stuck in my head and then I know that I HAVE to use it at the next party I have. For example, I’ve been saving an idea that I saw for a cake made with soda pop and it has a layered rainbow batter. I finally have the perfect party to use it for and it’s in the works for an upcoming boy’s party.

What baby shower & kids party planning tips / ideas, would you like to share with our readers?

My favorite tip for a baby shower it use decorations that can double as gifts. For example a diaper (or nappy) cake as a centerpiece, an “it’s a girl” banner that can be re-used to announce the arrival of the baby, baby bottles filled with candy that the new mom can keep, pacifiers as cupcake toppers, etc. For children’s parties, my favorite tips are (1) to be eco-friendly and use washable dishes, utensils, cups, table cloths, napkins, etc. (2) save money by using your children’s toys as party activities–if your child wants a car party, use his toys cars to entertain guests in-between activities or while waiting for all of the guests to arrive (3) give party guests one really great take home favor instead of a bag full of cheap toys that will end up in the trash–believe me the parents will love you for it.

Many thanks to Brittany for taking the time to speak with us, and I wish her great success in the future.