Let's Party!!

Last April I was told I couldn't go back to 'normal' work by the doctors who had looked after my Premature Twin's Aurelia Violet and Indiana Torah. Most of you may know that on November 2009, I gave birth to my Identical Twins at only 25 weeks gestation. They spent four months in hospital. Indiana came home on oxygen due to her damaged lungs and upon investigation, we were told both girls had a small hole in their hearts. 

All this meant...baby CPR classes and no strangers were allowed to look after my babies. My 'normal' job was a Manager at retail giant Bunnings. I enjoyed working with customers and I looked after a team of over 50 staff. But suddenly...I was home everyday with just two..and as much as I love my girls..this can test anyone who is used to being around lots of people!

Then...Lily Chic Events was born!

I had worked as an Event Decorator for two years before beginning my job at Bunnings and absolutely loved it. My husband encouraged me to find my 'ultimate' job and I knew this was it! I imagined it taking a few years before I could call it my 'job'. I never imagined I would have such encouragement, support and trust from my Facebook fans and peers. But that's exactly what I got! 

My first event...the Fairy Party took me 8 hours to set up and I slept for 4 hours afterwards...I think I was mentally exhausted...it consumed my every thought! And I am so glad that that was my first party. I will never forget attaching over 120 Lanterns and Pom poms to a hard wooden ceiling at midnight...and seeing it 'come alive'. 

Since then...I have never looked back..I am excited everyday..thinking about all my new and upcoming projects...and those yet to come! And so to Celebrate reaching 1500 fan's (and friends), I have come up with a 'kit' for one of you to win..

As I have four daughters...my house is full of pink things..and as my twins were the reason I do what I do...I thought it only fitting that I give away a 'FAIRY PRINCESS PARTY KIT'!

This kit will contain...Candles..

Gorgeous Invitations..

A Party Pack containing 12 Paper Plates, 12 Paper Cups, 12 Party Hats, 12 Party Masks and 12 Lolly Bags!

An extra 12 Party Bags...

12 Favour Boxes..

72 Heart Shaped Pink Doilies..

Battery operated wire heart shaped lights..

Not only will you receive all of these goodies...but you will also get 10 Hot Pink Papar Lanterns and 5 Ribbon Wands from Pinwheels and Pearls! 

And speaking of Pinwheels and Pearls....I have a small SURPRISE for you all....I am so honoured that the gorgeous Kate from Pinwheels and Pearls will become a stockist on Shoppe With Lily! That's right...you will be able to buy these stunning Ribbon Wands on our new Shoppe!! Very Excited!!

Whew...I think that's everything! .........Oh hang on! I forgot one more thing! 

Lastly you will also receive a free full Party Concept from Lily Chic Events..for any party you are planning within the next 12 months!!

AND...20% off your first purchase from the Shoppe! Is this a prize and a half??

All YOU have to do is...

1. Become a fan of Lily Chic Events on facebook...then

2. Come back here and tell me your a fan and which party concept you would love to see me do this year!

EASY!!

BUT..the catch is...I need to get to 1500 fans first...so PLEASE spread the love!!

Lil xx

Sail away with me..

I am in love with Venice...It evokes the feeling of...love. 

The Gondola's are quiet, amazing and romantic. Being with your lover.. floating past front doors that open onto water..creates an awe that only Venice can create.

So with this in mind, I wanted to create that feeling..if only for one day.  To me Venice is Red Flowers hanging in huge baskets along the canal as you sit and eat your lunch... hence my Tissue Heart made with pom pom's and large black pins!  

I love red roses and these ones had the most amazing smell...all sitting in a Gondola shaped glass vase.

When you are sitting on the water, you can't help but notice the striped poles that the Gondola's are tied to. This formed the basis of my next bit of craftiness..my Ribbon Backdrop. I had lot's of fun putting this together and think it really makes the table 'pop'. My large red hearts are hanging by orange and white twine and this ties in with the twine on the Cake Bunting.. which was made by the very clever Amber from Sprowt Graphic Designs. Amber also created all the printables for this beautiful setting!

Other than the food (which I will come back to later), Venice, to me, is Vintage Lace and the very beautiful Venetian Masks. This table was designed for lovers, so it felt right to place the Masks behind the table setting to show the male and female presence. My tablecloth was made from off white Venetian Lace and really set off the mood of the table. European Love..

And lastly..no one can deny that apart from the French, Italian's have the most tastiest food to choose from. The Italian's like to 'pick' at their food so when it came to laying out the food, I wanted to have all three courses on the table at once! 

When I remember Venice, I automatically think of Gelato! I chose Mango & Blood Orange Gelato and scooped them into little balls. My wooden scoops added to the fun of the table. I knew that the Tiramasu was THE signature dessert of Venice...so I made a Tiramasu Trifle with Chocolate and Orange Zest! This teemed with the Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting, Raspberry Jellies, Gingerbread Biscuits in the words 'Sail Away With Me' created by the lovely Lisa of Cakes & Biscuits by Lisa and hot coffee rounded out the Dessert Menu!

Italian's love Pasta and Pizza...but they also love Risotto! I chose a rustic Risotto with Cherry tomato's and Purple Basil. The side salads were made up of Beef Tomato's topped with Pesto and Fetta Cheese and a Mixed Salad with Cherries and Prosciutto. All dishes took me back to the city of Love..

I couldn't resist surprising my husband with Frozen Grapes! They came out and frosted up so nicely that he decided to do a little artwork on the grapes to surprise me right back! These last pics are of my family...because even though we are not in Venice...I am so in love with all of them!

HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY!!   

Lil xx