Whimsical Party Location: The Eloise Room at The Plaza!

For those who's birthday girls prefer the precocious antics of Eloise to the tulle of Cinderella, look no further than The Eloise Room at The Plaza for your next party. That's right, THE Plaza hotel in NYC is home to a room completely dedicated to its most popular literary guest. Decked out in pink, black and white, your party can enjoy dress up, salon services, crafts, movies and a tea party. Contact the venue directly for pricing. Don't forget to book your character services through NY Princess Party and have Eloise herself make an appearance!! NYPP's Eloise has been lucky enough to have received numerous invites to the plaza in the past couple of years. She'll provide face paint, assist with sparkly make overs, conduct story time and even dine with the guest of honor. Book her today!

                              

Don't fret if NYC is too far flung of a location, or perhaps The Plaza a little out of your price range. We've also recently pinned together an inspirational board on Pinterest to put together your own plaza worthy party.  Let us know your thoughts! Share your pictures with us on Facebook, and don't forget to subscribe :)

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Living Social Deal!!

Now through September 11th, we're offering a Living Social promotion offering you over 50% savings! Our 30 minute princess visit is great for that small family get together or even an after school play date. With this much flexibility and the opportunity to add on extra time, activities and children the sky's the limit on your next gathering. Click on the image below to be directed straight to our deal page. 

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New Boards On Pinterest!

We've been pinning away over on our Pinterest page adding all sorts of creative boards for your party (P)insperation. Some of the most recent include:

Mary Poppins Party

2012 Olympian Party

London Calling

Tea Time Recipes

Obviously we got inspired by all the attention on London this summer. How could we not?! Now that we're getting ready for fall and back to school we'll be letting our imaginations run wild with some crafty learning. What are you planning for your next themed party? Stay tuned for more boards and blogs :)

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Free Gift with Party Booking

Don't miss out on our August special!! When you book your party by the end of the month your little one will receive a FREE GIFT from her princess at the time of visit. So don't delay! Book today :)

Imagine the gleam in your child's eye when she comes face to face with her favorite princess.

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A Tea Time Recipe

Traditional Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS

• 4 pieces of bread (your choice)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• 1 Cucumber

PREPARATION 

1. Remove the crust from all pieces of bread. This is a good task for little ones 5+ who can use a butter knife. 
2. Spread cream cheese on 2 of the pieces of bread.
3. Peel cucumber (kid job if you have a safe peeler). Slice cucumber thinly and lay slices on top of bread with cream cheese. 
4. Top with remaining bread slice and cut each sandwich into quarters. 

Fun fact about cucumber sandwiches: During the victorian era, authors would typically include a detail like the eating of cucumber sandwiches to let readers know the character was upper class. For an example, just take a look at Oscar Wilde's use of them in Scene 1 of The Importance of Being Earnest. 

Algernon: Please don’t touch the cucumber sandwiches.  They are ordered specially for Aunt Augusta.  [Takes one and eats it.]

Jack: Well, you have been eating them all the time.

Algernon:  That is quite a different matter.  She is my aunt. (Wilde 2224)

Throughout the entire scene with Jack, Algy is sitting there eating cucumber sandwiches.  He ends up eating all of them. So when Aunt Augusta finally arrives and inquires after the cucumber sandwiches Algy had promised her, Algernon and his servant, Lane, pretend that there had never been any in the first place.

Algernon: [picking up empty plate in horror]   Good heavens!  Lane!  Why are there no cucumber sandwiches?  I ordered them specially.

Lane: [gravely]  There were no cucumbers in the market this morning, sir.  I went down twice.

Algernon: No cucumbers!

Lane: No, sir.  Not even for ready money.

Algernon: That will do, Lane, thank you.

Lane: Thank you, sir.

Algernon:  I am greatly distressed, Aunt Augusta, about there being no cucumbers, not even for ready money. (2228)

Good gracious! No cucumbers  you say?!?

Now grab your fanciest hat, dust off the tea set and see who can do the better British accent for an afternoon of tea with your little one. If you're in need of additional inspiration, visit our Pinterest page for more Tea Time Recipes!

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Mary Poppins Party

Earlier this week we brought you to a magical party location that whirled and twirled with beautifully decorated animals and music. Le Carrousel in Bryant Park that is! I know when we think of carousels Mary Poppins is one of the first characters who come to mind. Our Mary Poppins has been lucky enough to get quite a few invitations to parties this year. Which makes her pretty popular over here at Princess Headquarters. So we put together an inspiring pin board to help you pull together your very own Mary Poppins party! Of course no party would be complete without a visit from Mary herself :) But before for we get ahead of ourselves....here's some highlights from the board.

PARTY SET UP

Most Mary Poppins parties can be broken down into two themes. Jolly Holiday with the carousel, light pastel colors, and some supercalifragilistic on the side. The other theme we noticed was the "all the other time Mary Poppins." With a more traditional black and red London color theme, kites, chimney sweeps and a giant Mary Poppins bag. We've compiled a little of everything. Who says you can't have it all?!

Cute themed invitation.

Non-Jolly Holiday color theme. LOVE the wall decal decorations. 

Pretty carousel inspired sweets stand.

"Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down"

Sweets and treats inspired by a day at the races.

ACTIVITIES!!

NYPP sincerely believes that no party is complete without some inspired activities. These are just a few examples below. The best part is that these activities can be adjusted to fit an age range of 3-10. So great options for mixed gender and mixed age parties!!

Create your own kite! Or for little ones under 5 provide the kites pre-constructed and ready for them to decorate with stickers and crayons. 

A music station with instruments lets anyone become a one man band. Or become a group band and let Mary lead a sing along!

Remember the amazing chalk art that Mary, Bert and the kids jump into  to go to the races?  Hand out some chalk and let your guests go to town on the drive way or sidewalk. 

Dressing for a party is almost as fun as attending the party. Encourage your guests to come in their afternoon English best. Hats and white gloves? Oh why yes please!

In other Mary news...our very own Mary Poppins will be at Pier 1, Riverside Park on August 18th for FlyNY Kite Festival. She'll be there beginning at 11am and providing FREE face painting!! See you there :)

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Whimsical Party Location - Le Carrousel in Bryant Park

Ooh! Aaah!

As we covered in our 2012 Olympian blog post, us New Yorkers need to make the most of this beautiful summer weather! So today we explore the whimsical party location of Le Carrousel in Bryant Park. (Among some fun linkage to other carousels in NYC). First, a little history lesson! According the internet (which is always reliable) The word "carousel" has been traced to twelfth-century Arabian games of horsemanship called "carosellos" or "little wars." The game consisted of riders tossing a small perfumed clay ball from one rider to another. By the 16th century these games spread to France where the events were elaborated; people wore fanciful costumes and engaged in tournaments of drama called "Carrousels." Eventually the art form became more tactile, as artists began to sculpt crudely shaped horses. In the late nineteenth century American artists broke from European tradition. To the dashing horses, artists added an entire menagerie of elegant animals, often accompanied by flowers, bells, plump cherubs, and flashing mirrors.

The carousel in Bryant Park was built specifically to compliment the aesthetics of the park by artists located in Brooklyn. They offer all sorts of GREAT birthday party packages starting for as little as $360. When you save that much money on your party location, it gives you the perfect excuse to add a little extra something special....like a visit from Mary Poppins and Bert! We had the privilege to attend a party at Le Carrousel earlier this summer and had a blast!! Contact us for pricing starting as low as $275 for a character visit and activities.

Don't get discouraged if Manhattan isn't your Burrough. Time Out NY Kids just came out with a list this past month of carousels all over the 5 Burroughs! With these whimsical party locations, the sky's the limit on your theme party this summer. Next posting we'll be sharing some Mary Popppins themed party inspiration straight from our Pinterest page. So......

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Calling All Olympians!

With the 2012 Olympics well underway in London and the fantastic summer weather here in NYC, it could not be a better time for an outdoor Olympian themed party! We searched our memories for our favorite field day activities growing up, as well as did some Pinterest scouring to put together an amazing new board for your party inspiration. Let's take a look at some of the highlights!

SET THE STAGE

Greet your guests at an athlete's registration table and provide any materials for the party. (Team jersey, favors etc.)

Cupcakes are an easy way to serve guests quickly and don't require extra tableware. 

This is an adorable and creative themed table.



ACTIVITIES!

A relay race gets pretty silly when each contestant must relay in the style of card selected.

3 legged race is the ultimate team work!

This looks hilarious and fun! Shower caps are put on and topped with shaving cream or whip cream. Then the team mate must see how many cheetos they can get to stick a landing.

A small balance beam is an easy DIY with a couple blocks and a 2x4.

Kids can get crafty with a medal decoration craft.

Lucky for you we have characters AND party coordinators who can lead children through games at your Olympian party! Better yet, book your party before the end of August and your birthday child will receive a free gift at the time of our visit!!

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Whimsical Party Location - Alice's Teacup

If you have a little lady on your hands that loves to play tea party be sure to take a look at Alice's Tea Cup. With three different locations in Manhattan  you can surely get  your tea and crumpet fix no matter which neighborhood you reside. Let's take a look around :)

Alice's Teacup Upper West Side location

Upstairs room at Alice's Tea Cup Upper East Side Location

Party room at Alice's Tea Cup Upper West Side Location

Delicious cupcakes :)

Fairy dress up costumes

Alice's Tea Cup has an extensive list of teas and DELICIOUS scones as well as a full lunch and dinner menu!

I think you can see why Alice's Tea Cup has become a favorite among little princesses in NYC. Suri definitely knows quality when she sees it ;)

Upon arrival, your little ones will be greeted by the Alice's staff and immediately asked if they would like to partake in some magic fairy dust before embarking on their whimsical tea time. They have the option to don an adorable tulle and sparkle embellished fairy dress and wings as well. You must go to tea in style!! Since NY Princess Party has had the privilege to provide Alice's characters for the past 3 years you also have the option to arrange a real life meeting with Alice!

Already craving to go?? I know it's one of our favorite places to visit :) See you there soon!

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Craft Party!

We are super excited to announce our most recent NYPP team up with the wonderful folks at The Craft Studio (Upper East Side)!! This super fun packed party location has been open for over a decade and perfectly combines toy store with craft studio. Whether picking up supplies or coming for an afternoon of crafting we're positive you'll be leaving all smiles :)

Impressive right?! I know we were blown away on our first visit. They are most famous for their super creative party ideas and flawless facilitation. With over 18 themes to choose from the sky is limit! Let's take a peak at some of the crafts.

So beat the heat this summer with a crafty indoor party! Since we're now preferred vendors of The Craft Studio, inquire about adding a character to join your party. (Prices start at $225) Hope to be partying with you soon!!!

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