Meri Meri Party Supplies

In our search for unique party supplies we were lead to the LA based company Meri Meri. With over fifteen dedication party themes, items ranging from a fairy party to a dinosaur party, Meri Meri will definitely have you covered for whichever theme you select for your little one's soiree. Check out a few of our favorite designs below.

Plate designs we love . . .

Right in time for Easter, we love. . .

Ahoy There Pirate Ship Centerpiece

Toot Sweet Confetti Balloon Kit

Silly Circus Party Hats

In the NYC/NJ/CT tristate area check out these retailers for Meri Meri prodcuts:

• Sweet Lily, Inc. | 222 West Broadway | NY,NY 10013 | 212-925-5441
• Overtures | 216 Hicks Street | Brooklyn, NY 11201 | 718-643-9345
• Village Party Store | 13 E. 8th Street | NY, NY 10003 | 212-675-9697
• Specially for You | 348 Route 9 North | Suite D | Manalapan, NJ 07726 | 732-617-9190
• Truly Yours | 96 Baker Street | Maplewood, NJ 07040 | 973-763-3838
• Elizabeth Richard Gifts | 951 Chase Parkway | Waterbury, CT 06708 | 203-217-0374 

Minnie Mouse Woodland Party

Khaliah of the Party Muse rented our clear chiavari chairs for her little ones first birthday. The theme was super inventive, a woodland Minnie Mouse party. The party was complete with a Minnie eared topped cake, blooming tulips, and a green moss table runner.

For more images from this event head over to Passionistas' blog {http://passionistasinc.com/a-1st-birthday-party-minnie-gone-awesome/}. 

Source It: 

Event Planner + Stylist: The Party Muse

Photographer: Jac & Jules

Calligrapher: Minted Feather

Cake: The Vintage Cake

Cookies: Flourish Cookies

Caterer: Parlene & Mercy Catering

Dessert Caterer: Jenn Choi

Custom Color High Chair: The Flair Factor

Mini Acrylic Chiavaris: Petite Seats

Planning Our Baby Sprinkle -- On a budget

I decided last week that I wanted to celebrate the upcoming birth of Baby Daniel with my coworkers, family, and friends. I don't want to spend a lot of money to make it happen, so I brainstormed on possible venues and DIY ideas. Here is my master plan.

1. Location. . . Location. . . Location

Initially I planned to send an evite and ask everyone to meet at a small restaurant in Harlem to celebrate. After reaching out to three restaurants I decided it was too expensive and I was not prepared to pay $30-$40 per person for a brunch. My solution. . . I decided to google, "privately owned public places in NYC". I got a list of places that were open to the public and perfect for a "meetup" type event. I settled on the IBM Plaza & Atrium at 590 Madison Avenue at 57th Street. 

The space, as you see above, is the perfect location for a winter event. The sunlight and bamboo plants are the perfect oasis within the City. There are 110 movable chairs and 32 movable tables. It is open to the public from 8am to 10pm. Outside food and drink are welcome. AND ITS FREE99! Bottom line: Don't pay for a space.

2. Pick a time between meals

I decided to schedule my event in the early morning hours, 10:30am to 12:30pm -- right after breakfast, before lunch. I asked a good friend, Iris, to create a "gourmet" boxed lunch. We decided on bowtie pasta salad, a cookie, and a choice between chicken salad or tuna salad. For beverages I will go to Costco and get bottled sparkling water. Everything will cost less than $100, perfect for my budget. 

I ordered a large gable box in kraft 9" x 6" x 6" - $6.29 per 10 + $3.00 + Shipping from Paper Mart

Sandwich Presentation

My inspiration

3. Paperless Post is the way to go

Instead of the traditional paper invitation I went to my go to evite source, Paperless Post. No stamps . . . no USPS. . . budget friendly with built in RSVP and message board. 

The evite I choose

4. Make your own decorations.

Instead of making my own decorations, ain't nobody got time for that, I went to Hobby Lobby. I decided on a mustache theme. Here is what I purchased. I am keeping it simple because of the venue. A few balloons, strategically placed mustaches, and the the job is done.

5. Favors

For favors I decided on a gable box with a mix of spa treats -- handmade soaps, lavender, and I have to think of something else.

This baby sprinkle will definitely be no frills and less than $300 to produce. I can't wait to see how everything turns out. Now to find a cute outfit!!

For more information on free public spaces in NYC click here. 

A Tutu Cute VDay--Behind the Scenes

Yesterday I neglected my midwife's orders of modified bed rest and continued with our planned Valentine's Day styled shoot (much to my husband's chagrin).

I reached out to Abby of Pretty Posh Events a little over two weeks ago and asked if she was free to style a shoot around a stationery suite designed by Meghan of ML Shaughnessy Designs.Being  the event styling diva she is, she readily agreed. We settled on a photo studio in Little Falls, NJ.  Abby didn't want to follow tradition with the hearts, reds, and pink colorscape. She jazzed it up with blush colored sequins, pastel pink and purple, gold, with a touch of black.

This shoot marks our fifth or sixth (pregnancy brain🤔) styled shoot. The four hour block dedicated to the shoot went off without a hitch! We worked with baker Yulissa of Yulissa's Creations, who baked a beautiful lilac and gold colored two-tiered cake. Yuly is our go to cake designer for the last three shoots. We also worked with Priscilla of Perfectly Styled and Sweet. She rocked out several sweet treats with a week lead time. She created the unfinished cake bits, chocolate covered Oreos, chocolate heart lollipops, and heart shaped Rice Krispie treats. They were all delicious and indeed perfectly styled.

Our team

We had the pleasure of working with photographer Stephanie Massaro to capture all of the cuteness and pastel wonder.  

As with planning a party, the key to a flawless execution of a styled shoot is in the initial planning. Check out some of the storyboard I created to get an idea of the detail involved.

Each model's attire was selected prior to arrival. 

There were a few technical issues with sizes, but everything worked out for the best thanks to patient Mommies and a few strategic safety pins.

Mila, Paris, Alessandra, and Olivia were absolute dolls and sooo photogenic. 

Prep work

Abby decided our clear chiavari chairs were the perfect complement to the theme. 

The professional pictures will be our next post.😘 

Zhuri Nova is 1!

We had the pleasure of providing our mini ghost chairs for a party that could only be described as magical! Tricia Smith Brown, along with her team, produced an over-the-top first birthday extravaganza for the princess of the King of Basketball and his lovely wife, LeBron and Savannah James. The party was under a pink draped tent complete with pink carpet. The theme, "You Must Be My Lucky Star", was outfitted with celestial symbols and a soft girlie colorscape of metallics, blush, and pinks. Check out the awesomeness below.

The amazingly beautiful flowers were created by Hens and Chicks Designs based out of Pittsburgh, PA. 

More floral delights ... 

Tricia is known for her use of multiple cakes displayed on elaborate dessert buffets. Zhuri's  was no short of spectacular with five cakes, including her intricately designed smash cake. All created by Lovely Cakes based out of Stratford, Connecticut.

Stars...pink...blush...oh my

Now let's talk about the sweet treats... Cookies...Cake pops...ChocoOreos...Lollipops. Snickerdoodle Sweets and Events, based in Gilroy, CA, created the personalized cookies to complement the theme. Zoe and Pea, based out of Secaucus, NJ, designed and created the remaining sweet treats.

Ijorere the Invitation, Inc. masterfully created a stationery suite fit for royalty. The invitation itself had so many design elements...acrylic... engraving...gold mirror...die cut...foiling...glitter. Let's just say it was truly couture.

Our mini ghost chairs with a custom vinyl decal were the perfect complement for the custom rose and blush sequins linen from the Fininshing Touch in Hicksville, NY. Yes, those three little tables in the foreground of the top picture are the kids tablescape.😗

Last but not least, what's a party without entertainment. Prima ballerinas for this sweet first birthday. 

All images from @TriciaSmithBrown IG page. Photography credit: Brittany Gidley Photography

I want to give a heartfelt shout out to Cris of Evolution Event Rentals for making this event a reality for us. I brokered a deal to provide our ghost chairs and his supply to meet Tricia's event needs. It worked out seamlessly. Teamwork is dream work.😘 

Dani Turns One

We had the pleasure of providing our mini ghost chairs for the fabulous Tina of Oh So Fabulous! The first birthday party was in the exclusive Hampstons, on eastern Long Island, New York. Check out some of the images below.

Source It:

Balloons: Hampton Balloons

Rentals: Party Rental ltd

Mini Ghost Chairs: Petite Seats

Custom Cake: Sweet Love Cake

Favors: Jars by Dani

Photography: Fred Marcus Studio

Fall 2015 Client Pictures

Halloween Party 

Love seeing our chairs featured! #Repost @prettyposhdesign with @repostapp. ・・・ Thanks to @HWTM for featuring our race car party!!!! Thanks to all my #amazing vendors@whimsical_baker @petiteseats ......... #kids #party #racecar #racers #eventplanner #partyplanner#sugarcookies #birthdaycake #classiccar #corvette #dessert #cars #eventdesign #decor #birthdayparty#instacars #partytime #mustang #camaro #aprettyposhevent #childrenchiavarichairs#childrenpartyrentals #childrensparties

Shout out to my vendors!   @gumballnecklacedivas @theflairfactor #ValentinaTurns1Photo credit: @keshalambert

November Special

One more weekend in our November special!

Only one more weekend to take advantage of our November special! We are offering a 35% discount for rentals on the days listed in the image for our November promotion. The discount does not include delivery fee and NJ tax. Please visit our website and complete the form on our "contact us" page to receive a quote. www.petiteseatsnj.com All invoices must be paid within 5 days or they will be cancelled. Once invoice is paid there are no refunds. #kidschair #kidsparty#kidsrentals #njkidsevent #nyckidsevent

Sequins & Pearls Birthday Party Styled by Pretty Posh Events

We had the pleasure of providing Abby of Pretty Posh Events our acrylic mini ghost and chiavari chairs for an over-the-top kids party. Check out the details captured below by  Aida Malik Photography.

Source It:
Planning, Design, + Florals – Pretty Posh Events
Photography – Aida Malik Photography
Cakes – Whimsical Baker
Stationery – Bushel & Peck Paper
Acrylic Toppers – Oda Creative
Children Tables + Chairs – Petite Seats

October Special

We are having a promotion for all October rentals!! Here are the deets:

☆ All #PetiteSeats on sale as follows:

-White Chiavaris $3.00 to rent

-Pink/Clear/Gold Chiavaris $5.00 to rent

☆Must book and pay invoice by 9/30/15

☆ALL PAYMENTS ARE NONE REFUNDABLE, NO EXCEPTIONS.

☆Delivery or pickup options are available. ☆ ☆For more information email us at info @petiteseatsnj.com 

Spring/Summer 2015 Client Pictures

I love to share the amazingly designed events our clients' produce using our Petite Seats. Here are several from this season's events. Enjoy!

3...2...1... Cayden's Space Adventure

A Modern My Little Pony Party for Ava + Everly

From Angi and Co.

Photography: Lauren Kallen  @laurenkallenphoto  Party Decor: Clafoutis Creations @clafoutisny

From Glam + Envious Affairs

Birthday Traditions: The Annual VideoChat

A fun and memorable way to commemorate each year of your child's life (starting at around age 3) is to create a 20 questions video interview. Doing this annually and reviewing the previous year's video is a great way to see how responses change year to year. 

Here are a list of questions you can ask your little ones:

1. What is your name?

2. How old are you?

3. What is your mom’s name?

4. What does your mom do during the day?

5. What is your dad’s name?

6. What does your dad do during the day?

7. What is your favorite color?

8. What is your favorite thing to eat? (what don’t you like to eat?)

9. Who are your friends?

10. What is your favorite song? Can you sing it for me?

For more questions check out original post here.

Title the video, "A Conversation with ______". The Paper Nook has a free printable of annual birthday questions  here.

DIY Lace Party Crowns

Interested in a cool, easy to assemble children's party favor/decor element?! Check out this post dedicated to creating a do-it-yourself lace crown.

Materials List:

• Lace - 13-15" {depending on desired size}
• Aleene's fabric stiffener 
• Metallic paint or a paint pen
• Wax paper
• Paint brush
• Plastic gloves
• Round container {e.g. coffee can}
• Glue gun
• Shallow dish
• Clothes pin

PROCEDURE

Step one: "Wrap the container you plan to use with plastic wrap or wax paper.  I used a small coffee can for newborn sized crowns, and the large one (pictured) for bigger kids.  If you don’t wrap the can, you will get rust colored stains on the lace."

Step two: "Cut the lace to the desired length.  15 inches works for newborn crowns."

Step three: "Pour some of the fabric stiffener into a shallow container. Rub the lace in it and squeeze out the excess."

Step four: "Wrap the lace around the container. Secure with a pin or clip."

Step five: "Once it’s dried, peel the lace off the container. Glue the ends together."

Step six: "Embellish it."

-- For original source with images click here.

Here is an alternative method for creating these super cute crowns. Click on image above.

Food Art for Your Picky Eater

I have two daughters who's personalities and eating habits are polar opposite. My eldest only wants to eat five things - french fries, cheese pizza, alfredo linguine, french onion soup from Panera Bread, and pancakes. Her younger sister will eat a cow -- what ever you put in front of her she will eat. I've tried a host of strategies to get my oldest to eat and the only thing that has worked has been to create food art. Being an avid pinner I found super cute ideas to create. Here are a few of my go-to favorites:

Edible Eiffel Tower -- Raspberries, Banana, and Blueberry

Bunny Pancakes with Chocolate Chips, Banana, Shredded Coconut, and Strawberry

Fruity Fish

Fruit Race Cars -- Strawberry + Banana

Butterfly Snack- Orange, Grapes, and Carrot

Spaghetti Girl

Of course for these edible pieces of art let your imagination take over. Essential tools are a sharp paring knife, tooth picks, and vivid imagination. Have fun!

Petite Marie Antoinette Styled Shoots

Petite Seats is officially one year old! A year ago today we embarked on the journey of providing children sized Chiavari chairs to the tri-state area and we accomplished our mission. During year two we will continue to get the Petite Seats brand exposure and grow our presence in Maryland. We will make more alliances with special events companies and purchase more specialized inventory.

We decided to commemorate our first year with a Marie Antoinette inspired styled shoot. We were fortunate to partner with the Grand Historic Venue in downtown Baltimore to produce this over-the-top styled shoot. We worked with fifteen vendors in create a one-of-a-kind kid's inspired celebration. Check out the video created by Nikki of MaeB Films below.

Kids Style: The Perfect Party Dress

Having the perfect frock can serve as the foundation piece for your princess' birthday celebration. Your invitations, cake design, and decorative elements of the soiree can mimic the design the dress. Below are some of our favorite designs of the season. Enjoy!

At Sak's Fifth Avenue | David Charles | Girl's Glittery Tiered Tulle Dress |  $380 | 7-14

At Shan + Toad | Mischka Aoki | She is Stunning, Isn't She? Dress | $983 | 1-12 

At Sak's Fifth Avenue | David Charles | Girl's Embroidered Floral Lace Tulle Dress |  $335 | 7-14

At Sak's Fifth Avenue | Oscar de la Renta  | Silk Taffeta Party Dress |  $395 | 7-14

For added panache check out these accessories {Click on image for purchase information}.

Cinderella: The Movie

On March 13, Disney is releasing their 2015 version of Cinderella. We are anticipating many spring and summer parties to mimic the cinematography of the film. I can not wait. Check out several of our favorite Cinderella themed parties below the trainer.

Real Party Inspiration from Around the Web {Click on images for original source}

Pink Pastry Parlor

Before launching Petite Seats we researched businesses that catered to special events for children. One business we were enamored by was the Pink Pastry Parlor (PPP). No longer in business, the second location of the PPP was based in Alpharetta, Georgia. It was a one-stop shop for exclusive girls' parties. Tiffany Young, the owner, starred in the OWN network's reality show called, "Party at Tiffany's". In spite of the show only being on for six episodes, viewers were given the opportunity to witness Tiffany and her team in action as they created one-of-a-kind events with lots of pink and oodles of fun. 

The PPP was a girl's dream come true. Check out the various rooms in the venue:

• Pink Pillow Fight Room
• Spa Room for Makeup, Manicures, and Pedicures
• Catwalk with Stage for DressUp
• Shopping in the Pink Pastry Store Outfitted with Miniature Pink Shopping Carts
• Cupcake Boutique
• Classroom for Baking Classes
• Tea Room
• Game Room
• Movie Room

For more information about Tiffany Young's journey check out this article from Cuisine Noir Magazine here.

Pastry shop owner Tiffany Young started her own business near Atlanta after struggling in the job market. She followed her dreams and is now teaching business skills to her young employees. (Dec. 29)

A Mommy + Me Valentine's Day

Here is our blurb about the shoot:

In honor of Sweethearts’ Day Petite Seats and The Flair Factor hatched an idea for a Mommy and Me styled shoot. Infused with subtle vintage sophistication, bold touches of pinks, purple, and red with a splash of gold our shoot exhibited a stylish charm.

The story line for the shoot was inspired by fabulous, haute mamas and their posh tots. Beautifully detailed with milk glass, hobnail vintage fancies, sweet treats, and fresh florals, we celebrated friendship and motherhood. We added the sparkling effect of gold sequin for a bit of pop.

These 16" paper mache letter were spray painted pink and gold and served as a simple, DIY photo prop     {purchase here}.

The undeniable charm of this shoot may be reproduced detail-by-detail by using only store purchased items.  We love Target’s $1 section and Hobby Lobby for crafting. The style and theme can be transferred a birthday celebration, baby shower, or even a girl’s night in.

We decided to have a Mimosa bar for the Mommies, but didn't want to leave the little ones out. Our idea was a Mommy + Me Mimosa and Mini-mosa setup complete with champagne and sparkling cider.

L O V E is in the air . . .

Our Gold Chiavari Chairs are the perfect complement for a Valentine's Day celebration.

Who doesn't love strawberry milk?! And it was organic, a refreshing treat for the little ladies. The centerpieces created by Natasha are featured triad of her rental Fenton Hobnail  Milk Glass collection.

Vendor Credits:

Photography: Digna Toledo Photography {www.dignatoledo.com}

Concept + Producer: Petite Seats {www.petiteseatsnj.com}

Creative Director + Design: The Flair Factor {www.theflairfactor.com}

Florals: The Flair Factor

Cakes + Cakepops: Store bought

Macaroons: Trader Joe's

Jello Shooters: Petite Seats

Tissue Paper Backdrop: Petite Seats

Milk Glass Rentals: The Flair Factor

Children Chiavari Chairs: Petite Seats

Attire: Models Own