Real Party! Mary Poppins Theme Birthday Tea Party

When Australia’s party planner extraordinaire Sharnel Dollar’s daughter decided she wanted a tea party for her  birthday, it was a toss up between a Fancy Nancy or a Mary Poppins theme. But with a spoon full of sugar and an extra sprinkle of magic after seeing the musical, she went to work planning a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious bash! She commissioned Loralee Lewis to design a unique invitation. After a brief description of theme and colors, she incorporated a carousel into the design.

So the first item on Sharnel’s agenda was to find a carousel. She sketched it out and took the concept to discuss the best way to
construct it. “The base of the table was an MDF half circle that was attached to a folding trestle table.  The back board was again made of MDF.  I had the canopy and centre pole custom cut at Kool Foam (polystyrene manufacturer).  The brass poles were just piping that I spray painted gold.  I painted it the week leading up the party and stapled fabric and bows to the base of the table to finish it off.”

The table settings looked darling on the day. “I had tablecloths and chair sashes custom made to match the parasols.  Each table had a teapot full of fresh roses in the centre and each place setting was set with a matching teacup and napkin.” The carousel dessert table was painted to match the table décor.  “I simply took the fabric to the hardware store and they colour matched for me.” Sharnel managed to find a single carousel horse and stood it next to the presents table. Loralee also made the more gorgeous banner with Olivia’s name on it and was attached to the cart. “The tea cups ride fit in perfectly color and theme wise.  We had to pry the kids off that to get them to sit down and eat!”

Petite fingers foods were the order of the day, including mini cupcakes, meringues, raspberry cheesecake, country style chicken pies and individual quiches. Pink lemonade and guava punch were offered as refreshments. Her desserts fit flawlessly with the classic movie’s theme. “We did it by watching the movie and doing a little research on the Victorian era.  For instance, the Banks children munch on toffee apples while at the fair, so I incorporated them into the fairy floss cart.”

When we asked her what her favorite part of the day was, Sharnel had a difficult time limiting it down to one. “I loved table settings
and dessert table and the look of the fairy floss cart.  But seeing how excited and thrilled the children were to be there was the most
special part of all.  The kite making activity was a real hit.”

“I have to say this is the most enjoyable party I’ve ever hosted. The children AND adults had an absolute ball. The little ones were transported into another time and place, they didn’t stop smiling all afternoon. It is very very satisfying when you receive text messages from the guests thanking you for inviting them to the best party they have ever been to.”

Thanks Sharnel for sharing chim chiminey tea party with us!

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