With a background in fashion design and PR, and now having turned her hand to styling, it's no great surprise that Romi Weinberg's parties are among the most highly coveted invitations in town...
Her daughter Bo’s 10th Birthday Party was certainly no exception. With an incredible eye for style and an innate understanding of what makes an event unforgettable, Romi certainly knows how to throw together a party. We took a look inside Bo’s beautiful pizza celebration and grilled Romi for her tips. Though it may appear to be directly out of the pages of an impeccably styled magazine, this party queen reminded us of the beauty of simplicity, why we need to focus on keeping kids (and parents) happy, and the undeniable joys that can be found in a dollar store. Follow @romi_weinberg | Images: Vicki Lauren
Who were your main suppliers for the pizza party?
My main suppliers were Meri Meri who they do incredibly gorgeous partyware, amazing confetti, paper straws, cups and so on. I also hired all the furniture from Timbermill.
Do you have a one-stop-shop when it comes to party supplies or an amazing online store you scour?
I usually love to create as much as I can for my parties, so Spotlight is an absolute favourite! I also love DAISO which is an incredible discount Japanese chain store. Hot Dollar stores are also great for interesting bits and pieces.
What do you usually do or make yourself vs outsource when it comes to kids parties?
I always outsource baking as that is definitely not my forte. I do love decorating cupcakes and cakes though, so I often order a plain cake or cupcakes then accessorise with figurines, lollies and fun toppers. To keep costs down, I mix the outsourced food with home-made fairy bread, cut up fruit, sandwiches and so on, depending on the theme and time of day. Everything is always colour coordinated and designed to work together. I find that simple ideas can still have a high impact if displayed in an interesting way or if you use fun holders. I try to make as much decor as I can to keep it original and unique.
Is there a sure-fire hit that you always have on hand for parties?
When my girls were a little younger I always gifted some sort of costume for the guests. Most often I made them myself but occasionally outsourced on eBay or the likes. It always adds a fun and playful touch when everyone is in theme.
How do you come up with the theme of your parties?
Themes are collaborative affairs in our house … My kids are always involved and we discuss possible ideas for the look and feel of all ideas at length until finally, we come to the one!
What are some of the big trends for kids parties at the moment?
Certainly bubble soccer, pamper parties and slime parties!
Do you have to keep things like less sugar and food intolerances in mind when organising parties?
I’m not one to be mindful of sugar at my parties … I believe that parties are a time to indulge, have fun and for kids to be kids. We are very healthy and conscious of too much sugar in our home but I believe in teaching my kids moderation. A few treats at a party is fine by me. I do always accommodate food allergies and/or dietary requirements. I usually serve dinner at my parties and will always provide special meals for anyone who needs it.
Is there an easy way to cater for parents as well as kids when it comes to food and dining?
I set up a separate space for the adults with a grazing table of sorts, and rose on ice is mandatory.
Where do you look for inspiration when it comes to parties and entertaining?
Pinterest and Instagram are a constant source of inspiration for me. I have folders on both platforms for absolutely everything in my life … I’m constantly filing images and ideas I find which I refer back to at party time.
If your budget only allows for one splurge for a birthday party - what should that be spent on?
Without a doubt, it would be the entertainment. If the kids are entertained and happy everything, else will be fine. My girls always rate a party by what they did… Not the cake, decor or take home gift!