UK Party Trends of 2013

Party Styling is becoming ever more popular in the UK, not only for big events and weddings but for smaller occasions, childrens parties, and get-togethers! Some of the trends are truly modern, others I feel definitely harp back to past decades, I hope you like them!

1. Non-Branded Patterned Tableware

The UK trend is following those in the US and Australia away from character/cartoon based themes. The trend towards non-branded partyware has allowed a greater variety of party themes which can be better and more uniquely personalised to the child/occasion (Beach Party, Parisian party, arty party, western parties, Sweet Shop Party, Construction, automobiles... the list is simply endless!).

Patterned tableware in particular has been hot this year, polka dots, stripes and chevrons continue their popularity, in addition look out for more patterns such as houndstooth, plaid, harlequins and other printed shapes!

2. Colour Combining

It is becoming the norm to consider colours when styling a childs party. Rather than the usual explosion of multicoloured balloons and 'last thought' paper plates parents are now approaching childrens parties as if styling an adults celebration or wedding (albeit on a much smaller scale). Choosing a palette of two or three colours to fit their theme is a simple idea with a big impact, producing a more cohesive look.

Pretty Little Party Shop  - Deasogmia Blog  - My Little Day  

3. Photo booths and Photo Backdrops

Photo booths have become increasingly popular at weddings and adult celebrations and fast becoming a regular addition at childrens parties. From professional hired walk-in photo booths to a simple string of coloured bunting, a defined photo area provides guests with an everlasting memory of the party.

Pretty Little Party Shop, Oh Happy Day, Babyccino Kids, 100 Layer Cakelet

 

4. Cute Accessories

There are so many gorgeous products on the market currently that can be used to transform your party table into something unique and wonderful. Paper straws, disposable cutlery and drinkware can be prettied up even more with some glitter tape, bakers twine or charming stationery.

 

Mason Jars - The TomKat Studio, Milk Bottle Labels - Torie Jayne Blog, GlitterTape - Papermash, Carnival Tickets - Thatch and Thistle, Divine Twine - Cutetape, Rainbow Bakers Twine Box - Pinterest,Wooden Cutlery - Etsy, Washi Tape Napkins - Hello Happiness Blog, Cake Flags - Herriott Grace 

 

5. Personalised Touches

As party styling has become more creative it has also become more personalised. There are plenty of talented individuals and companies specialising in producing products that give that extra personal touch. For the more creative amongst us we can get personal with the help of a little washi tape or a laser jet printer!

Personalised Party Crackers - Tille Mint , Industrial Letters - The Letter Room , Personalised Cup - Papermash Personalised Bag - Bags Buttons & Bows , Persoanlised Badges - Edamay , Personalised Napkin DIY - A Subtle Revelry

 

6. Fun Food

Modern parties are about more than just the decor! Childrens parties inparticular are a great opportunity to get creative with Food. Bento style food*  is becoming really popular in the US and I think we'll be seeing more of this trend on British shores soon. Children go crazy for food that looks great, a sandwich train or a cucumber caterpillar, it really is true...we eat with our eyes!

 

*Bento - a Japenese style of serving food where the food is prepared as much for the eyes as for the palette, traditionally served in a Bento Box, a box with compartments.

All images from Pinterest

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