Sambellina's Party - Simple, Stylish Partyware and Stationery

Happy New Year

2012-01-29T14:21:00.000-08:00

Wow - Where did January go ? What a bumper month we have just had ! We thought it might a little bit quieter over Summer, but this has been our biggest yet by far. Many thanks to our fantastic retailers - you have kept us very busy ! 2012 is shaping up to be a wonderful year .... with lots of exciting projects, a growing team, more creative time and gorgeous new products coming our way.... xx

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011

2011-12-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

FETE Magazine - Special Launch Edition

2011-12-17T18:39:00.000-08:00

This month, fete, a new online magazine has launched onto the party scene with the December 2011 special launch issue just released.

The first edition is truly beautiful and has such simple, chic entertaining ideas. The photography and styling is stunning. I was so surprised and tickled pink to see a little girl Eliza's gorgeous 3rd birthday with Sambellina included in the launch edition. A combination of pink, red and rustic kraft - I especially love the cut-down treat boxes for popcorn - what a great idea !!

Congratulations to Annabelle and Jane - it is so lovely !! Can't wait to see Issue 1.

Check it out here.

New cake/dessert size plates

2011-12-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

Our new little sweet plates are a great way to add a pop of colour at cake and dessert time or at a grown up cocktail party or picnic. Premium food-safe gloss quality in sets of 12 - we think they are an easy, affordable way to add a little something to any celebration.

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH - SWEET CAKE / DESSERT PLATES

2011-11-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

New Product Launch - Guess what it is and WIN !

2011-11-03T01:28:00.000-07:00

We are about to release a shiny new Sambellina party product, and thought it might be fun to make it "interesting" ....

Can you guess what it is ?
The first 25 correct entries win a pack of the mystery product !!

HINTS
- These will be lovely for Christmas parties
- Suits celebrations for both kids and adults
- Complements our signature partyware collection
- Exclusively created by Sambellina in 6 colour designs
- Not "seen before".....something new !

TO ENTER :
Please email us your guess to contact@sambellina.com.au and all winners will be notified by email...... Good luck xxx

(NOTE - Open to Australian residents only)

FREE Halloween Printable Letter

2011-10-04T01:07:00.000-07:00

OK, so **poooof** went the year ..... is it really Halloween again ??

We tried this out last year and the neighbours (and us) absolutely loved it. It was a dark, misty and eery night, but there was such excitement in the street.

If you are keen to try it at your place, here is a new version for this year.

Download HERE !! (and in case you are celebrating on the Sunday instead, download HERE)

Enjoy x

SAMBELLINA PARTY TREAT BOXES - IDEAS

2011-08-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

Our new sweet party treat boxes have been so popular - thank you for snapping them up !!

We have had many lovely comments on how versatile they are with many different uses and ways of presenting them. Here are some ideas, but also please visit our album on Facebook for more ideas including some images of gorgeous real parties of them "in action" ... xx

Surprise Tea Party

2011-08-17T02:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my big little girl's 7th birthday. Apparently, it was the most "awesomest" birthday ever.
Birthdays always start in our house with pancakes, balloons and pressies delivered to your bedroom...and finishing with a loud, warm and fun family dinner.

This year, Sam had a surprise tea party to greet her from school. Just her and me. Together. Chatting. With cake. What fun I had setting it all up, and she loved it ( - "like, totally").

Inspired by Ava's Tea Party (lovely writeup by Babyology)....a tragic story, about a little girl lost too soon, and her Mum who beautifully encourages parents with an annual August tea party tradition, to take time out, slow down, forget about the million things going on around you and in your head - for a moment, and just soak them in.

Happy birthday my angel...... xx Kate

Why I love birthday parties.......?

2011-08-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have been asked a few times why I chose a business related to birthday parties .....

For me, it is a very easy question to answer.

The day each of my babies were born - was the most special, mind-blowingly amazing, moving days of my life, filled my heart to the brim and the bond was sealed forever. I love them both to the end of the earth, and every birthday, for me, is a celebration of how lucky I am to be a Mum to these precious children.

Birthdays are just fun !! I love going to every birthday party - everybody is happy, the parents are so proud and the unbridled joy and excitement in the room is always infectious. The light in the eyes of the birthday girl/boy when those birthday candles come out. What is there not to love ?! And on top of that, Mums often get to spread their creative wings and play a little (or a LOT) with colour, paper, balloons, cakes, and sugar.....

Whether a party is one bowl of chips and a birthday cake, or has a giant jumping castle delivered by fairies that spits out smarties, if the reason for having a party is the same - celebration, joy, and fun - then, how can they not be one of the best things in life....

I have one of the best jobs out and love it almost as much as birthday parties ...

xx Kate

{Real Parties} Little Aeroplane Party

2011-07-29T03:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little boy is 4 !! To celebrate this year, we had a very small indoor "do" with family, his cousins and a couple of his very closest friends...

The best part of a party to me - is the building excitement for the birthday boy (and his big sister, event planner Miss Sambellina herself) in the party lead-up. We had so much fun preparing the treat bags together, making styrofoam aeroplanes, setting up the party table and planning the entertainment and games.
I love how completely absorbed and involved they both get with their birthday parties. Being simple and small, it was a lot of fun to put together.

Invitation by Sambellina, Cupcakes by Kiss Me Kate

The hero of the party were the amazing baked goodies custom made by Kiss Me Kate Events. I could gush all day about how beautiful the cupcakes and cookies were. I gave Kate a small brief and our custom designed invitation, and look at how perfectly matched these gorgeous cupcakes are !!!!! They were like little art masterpieces too good to eat, but all reported they tasted as great as they looked. Kate is an artistic baking genius.

Cupcakes and star cookies by Kiss Me Kate, Star Serviettes from Love To Celebrate, Partyware and Treat Boxes by Sambellina.

I would also like to mention the enormous generousity of Gaby from Love To Celebrate in Roseville, Sydney who sent me samples of styrofoam aeroplanes and aircraft party favours to make it so easy to theme everything up. The aeroplanes were great for our indoor air races (to a Top Gun soundtrack of course)....and the kids had fun making them up ready to race. Thank you Gaby !!

My first attempt at tissue pom poms as clouds. They were somewhat amateur but who says clouds need to be neat. Check out the Martha Stewart tutorial - easy peasy.

Retro styrofoam aeroplanes from Love to Celebrate.

A little party table with helium balloons. Kids really do love to find their initials and their personalised place before devouring the party food. We had a little blackboard runway in the middle of the table set out with some of Christian's massive aeroplane collection.

I remembered why I started up a party related business in the first place - they really are so much fun !!!
xx Kate

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH - SWEET PARTY TREAT BOXES

2011-06-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

Sambellina is moving ...

2011-05-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Please note - Our Sambellina office/warehouse will be closed from June 1 - June 13, 2011 to move to a bigger premises, stocktake and computer upgrade - plus a mini stocktake of life thrown in.

We will have minimal contact access during this period, and will respond as soon as we re-open.

We are excited to be re-opening bigger and better....and back ready to launch some brand new gorgeous party accessories for 2011 !!

See you then xx

Polkadots and Stripes - Sambellina Partyware now available in 12 colours

2011-05-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter....

2011-04-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

Wishing you and your families a lovely, safe and fun Easter holiday. For many in Australia, it is a 5 day long weekend this year, with Anzac Day thrown in....I hope you find some downtime to do what you love, with the ones you love (and that includes eating chocolate !!) xx Kate

Channelling our "inner Martha"...

2011-04-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

We all love chocolate around here - and Easter, is a frightening time of the year for a chocoholic ...Easter egg chocolate tastes so good !! ...This year, we thought we would try egg-dyeing for a fun, non-chocolate angle to Easter. I was always put off by the "blowing out the egg" part of the process so when I discovered you can use hard boiled eggs, it was so easy. I was surprised by HOW much the kids loved it...

The dye was just 1/2 tsp food colouring, 3/4 cup hot water and 1 tbsp white vinegar. White eggs would be easier to dye with paler colours, but for brown you just leave them in a little longer.

We drew patterns on the eggs with Zoom crayons before dyeing them (and apparently, if you want to get serious, you can bake the eggs later to melt the crayon wax on the designs)...and then dipped into the dye for about 5 minutes, and voila !!

What inspired this weekend craftiness ? Martha, of course. For more polished egg-dyeing inspiration, please make sure you turn to Martha Stewart (who even has released an iPad app this year - Egg Dyeing 101.....The app you never knew you needed)..

Happy channelling....xx

Colour Party Inspiration : Easter Bunny Pastels

2011-02-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

Starting to think about Easter ? How can we not, with all of those Easter Eggs staring us down in the supermarket aisles already ......It is still 2 months away - But a great excuse for some colour party inspiration. These bunnies are my most favourite soft toy from Gertie and Me.... have you got one ? xx

Image Credits -

Gorgeous soft bunnies all Gertie and Me

Pastel pails with eggs via Pink Frosting

Easter Bunny cookies and Nest Cupcakes by Martha Stewart

Easter flower pots and table setting by Best Home News

Sambellina Polkadot partyware in blue, pink and lime, available at our retailers

Colour Party Inspiration : Pastel Pink, Berry and Lime

2011-02-15T23:50:00.000-08:00

Some colour inspiration to celebrate our new lime and berry/hot pink partyware arriving.....xx

Image Credits -

Flower arrangement images by A Creative Mint

Butterfly garden party by Sweet Bambinos

Paper fans and party favour pegs available at Pink Frosting

Retro striped straws available at The Party Parlour & Details Details !

Garden grass mats via Sharnel Dollar Designs

Lollipops similar available at Goody Goody Gumdrops

Sambellina Polkadot Cups/Plates & Birthday Girl Invitation available at our retailers

Love Hearts..

2011-02-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

I love hearts....and have always drawn them on everything, so of course have a giant heart up in our lounge room - which I dedicated to my Sam(bellina).

The story behind it (- just in case you were wondering ;-) ......
When Sam was about to arrive, I was WAY overdue, and tearing my hair out as I had nested, prepared, packed, repacked, renested, and was impatiently READY to become a Mum and meet my little girl !! One day - 9 days late - I decided to distract myself and do something creative, so went out and bought a giant canvas. For some reason, I then carried that canvas for about 9 blocks, wedged in between my arm and giant tummy. I was going to paint while I waited, but....about an hour after my trek, I went into labour......

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY ❤

Pirate Party Ship

2011-02-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

Don't you love it when a handy party Dad gets right behind a party theme ?

Check out the pirate ship that was just "whipped" up for our little friend's 4th birthday pirate party by his Dad.....With lookout tower, mesh hammock nets, real "weathered sails" and canon holes, the works ! The kids were in pirate heaven........Very nice work Dad !!

Summer Party Inspiration : Ice Cream

2011-02-03T22:31:00.000-08:00

Speaking of summery, relaxed, outdoorsy parties - what about an ice-cream theme ? I'm sure you have seen many of these before in the blogosphere - but here are some of my favourite ice-cream parties to share for inspiration and ideas, with a big thanks to the super talented ladies who put them all together....

A simply gorgeous Ice-Cream Parlour party and images by Eat Drink Chic

Perfectly vintage chic - the most beautiful "lemonade and sunshine" party by Pen Paper Flowers

What little boy wouldnt love this very sweet and yummy icecream birthday party by Suzanna

at Mon Tresor , for her 3 year old Maddox.

A super-cute boys ice-cream party by Kate Landers Events

Original, delicious baby shower idea - a beautifully styled ice-cream party by Jordan at Polkadot Prints

The most gorgeous wedding idea - a chic ice-cream buffet, styled again by the very talented Polkadot Prints, photographed by Etta Photography

An amazing celebrity ice-cream/toppings bar by the dessert buffet styling guru Amy Atlas

Plus I just had to include this photo of the cutest ice-cream cupcakes ever by Hello Naomi.

Feeling like an ice-cream at all right now ? xx Kate

Summer Partyware Colours (Soft Pastels)

2011-02-03T03:40:00.000-08:00

The combination of these beautiful soft pastel colours make me think of summer - the beach, long afternoons, balmy evenings, outdoors and ice-cream... xx

2011 is here.....

2011-01-07T03:39:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ....!!

I hope you were able to have a relaxing holiday break and life could slow down just a little bit. Way too many celebration calories later, refuelled by perfect quality family time and catching up on lots of big picture planning for 2011 - I'm excited to see what the new year brings.

We reopen for business on Monday and will be processing all wholesale orders placed over the holiday period. See you then......xx Kate

Merry Christmas xx

2010-12-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

After such a busy and fast growing year in 2010, we will be soon closing for a Christmas and New Year’s break to recharge for lots of exciting new plans ahead for 2011.

Thank you for your support, and fantastic feedback this year. It is always such a a thrill to find our products part of a beautiful party setting, or adding that little something special to a simple occasion, or when they set the scene for your own creative stamp !! We continually love to discover how many talented, creative party-passionate people there are ...

For our wholesale customers - a reminder that FOR DISPATCH PRIOR TO CHRISTMAS, orders will need to be placed by this Thursday December 16th. Orders received after this date will be processed and dispatched as soon as we reopen.

We will reopen for wholesale dispatch Monday 10th January, 2011.

Wishing you all a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year with your families and we
look forward to an exciting 2011.

xx Kate

Retailer Spotlight - Christmas

2010-11-25T03:48:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite parts of this business, is to getting to know like-minded retailers who love party paperie and stationery just as much as I do - and seeing their talent and inspiring ideas that go into setting and styling up a retail store !!

Firstly, we wanted to share some of the beautiful Christmas styling we have spotted...... .

The shop window at Love to Celebrate in Roseville, Sydney is always a feast for the eyes. Check out this gorgeous Christmas styling with our red and lime polkadots, and red/white stripes.

The fabulous online party store, The Party Parlour has fantastic Christmas wrapping starter packs to get you all sorted for Christmas (including lots of Sambellina gift tags).

I adore this scene by The Party Studio featuring our red polkadot gift tags and Christmas tags.

A beautiful pink and red candy cane Xmas party by Sweet Little Birdy......

One of our newest stockists, Little Paper Lane, in Mona Vale, Sydney - a perfect paper shop. I would spend a lot of money in this store if I lived nearby - I am certain.

More "spotlights" to come...

xx Kate

Homemade Christmas presents....

2010-11-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my little Preppy's first year of school only has 4 weeks left. Starting to think about pressies and ways to thank our teachers this year. I am thinking up some new ideas, but this one from last year will make a showing somewhere - it's so easy and I love to give something that can be made with the kids.

These new star jars from Ikea will be just perfect for these....team with some gorgeous ribbon and Sambellina Christmas tags....You could fill them up with SO many different things. xx

Birthday Cake Eye Candy

2010-11-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

I spent a lot of time in my childhood pouring over the iconic Australian Women's Weekly Kids Birthday Cakes cookbooks to choose my next birthday cake or dream of it. There are a few versions, but the latest version "More Cakes For Kids" just released is particularly beautiful.

To spot some Sambellina partyware in the gorgeous styling is a thrill and a half - and oh my, the cakes, AMAAAAZING - even super simple ones look divine !!

xx Kate

Is it too early to think about Christmas ?

2010-11-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

Can you believe Christmas is less than 8 weeks ?!?! (Heart palpitations, excitement, new lists, long lists, more lists, party planning, pre-party season diet plans ......eek !!)

Last year, we were thrilled (and a little bit surprised) at how popular our little mixed Christmas gift-tag sets were. As such, we are excited to have them again this year for Christmas 2010.

For details on our mixed gift-tag packs, please check out this post from last year..and also this one.

Our favourite Red Polkadot gift tags and new Candy Stripe Red tags would also add a perfect finishing touch for Christmas wrapping this year.....Why not team them up with our new red striped party plates - which would be great for outdoor Christmas festivities, casual BBQs or summer picnics in the sun !!

My favourite comment about them last year was ....
"With very little effort, it can look like you have made a lot !!"....

Happy Wrapping...

xx Kate

New SAMBELLINA Notecards

2010-10-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

"Do you have thank you cards ??" ....and the answer, finally, is yes..

We have just introduced a range of sweet postcards that you can use as cards on their own or as a large tag to add a note to present. The "Sweet Tweet" and "Elephant" note cards work beautifully as a congratulations card on a baby's present, or just as a simple note to a friend.....

I never seem to ever have enough cards on hand, so it is great to have a set of these handy in card drawer.

Available in sets of 12 A6 postcards with thick white envelopes, these are already available at many of our stockists (which is being updated as we speak).

It's always the smallest things that matter - and I think there is nothing more lovely than to receive a thank you note in the mail ....especially delivered by the snail.....

xx Kate

FREE Halloween Printable Neighbours Note

2010-10-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

Image via Love To Celebrate

While we don't follow Halloween quite as traditonally in Australia, it has been becoming more popular in the last few years - and why not, just another reason to celebrate really isnt it ?

The kids ABSOLUTELY love it, and my daughter has wanted to go "trick or treating" for the last 3 years, but we have dressed up at home, handing out lollies to lots of little witches, ghosts, princesses and supermen. This year we are going to hit the streets !

We are borrowing a tradition from our old neighbourhood which was to prepare the neigbours by dropping by a note together with an ORANGE balloon so that the kids will know which houses are happy to have little visitors.....It works really well and helps to gets everyone fired up and into the spooooooky spirit.

This is the note I have designed, and thought it might be nice to share, in case you would like to start something similar up in your neighbourhood. Print out the FREE DOWNLOAD here (A4), and
deliver with a balloon...

Happy Halloween !!!

Pink Polkadot Partyware

2010-10-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Our favourite pink polkadot partyware is all back in stock......Yippee !!

New "Sweet Boutique" Party Invitations.....

2010-10-05T00:02:00.000-07:00

Introducing our new "Sweet Boutique" party invitation range.....We have six sparkling new party invitation designs that are whizzing out to our lovely retailers as we speak. They have all been designed to tie in with our new partyware of which some has already arrived and is being unpacked ready to ship out the door...In the meantime, here a couple of images of some of our new range !!

I hope you love them as much as I do... xx Kate

"Birthday Girl" party invitation & Raspberry Spot Partyware

"Stars" party invitation and Candy Stripe Red and Blue partyware

"Candy Shoppe" party invitation and Candy Stripe Pink and Pink Polkadot partyware

Cupcake anyone ?

2010-09-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

Arriving soon....

Junior Masterchef

2010-09-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

I know this is not party related - but I tend to often celebrate with food (way too often) .....so let's just say it is related ! My kids have always loved to bake, and my little Sambellina is sooo keen on Junior Masterchef (and, um... no, I didn't tape it just so she could watch it and learn to cook gourmet treats for us.... :-).

This recipe was given to me this morning to get the ingredients for - I completely love the "spell it how it sounds" that 5 & 6 year old preppies do...I'm very much looking forward to trying a luscious sounding Banana Cream Cake Sugar Ice Cream Pie .. xx

A spring time party scene.....

2010-09-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

It is officially Spring - September, my favourite month (my birthday !!) ...Melbourne hasn't quite figured out it is Spring yet, but the sunshine is creeping out and blossoms are starting to show ... so it is slowly arriving ....and when it does....a good a reason as any for a party.

Letters on Party Favours

2010-09-04T23:55:00.000-07:00

Hi my lovely blog friends - sorry for my lack of posts lately. We are, among other things, busily finalising everything for our new 2010 Party Range which will be hitting the stores shortly....

In the meantime - here is a fun party favour idea. Don't we all love letters and typography these days ? You can buy adhesive letters at most art & craft stores - just pop onto to a gift tag (a Sambellina gift tag would work nicely).. and voila, you have an instant place setting or lolly bag/box label - and kids love to find things with their own name or initial on it too !

Back soon ...xx Kate

KidsInStyle - What a week !!

2010-08-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

What fun !! Showing at a trade fair is similar to going camping. You prepare for ages. You pack everything except the kitchen sink. You get so excited to see all the "camps" going up around you and these beautiful little rooms being created out of nothing. You get to know your fellow campers really well (and share the trail mix) - we had great neighbours. You never really know what to expect, but I didn't expect to have quite as much fun or for it to be so educational and inspiring.

We launched our 2010 party collection to a wonderful response - new sweet boutique invitations, notecards, striped partyware and new polkadot partyware colours...Stay tuned for these to be available via our retailers in the next month. More details soon.

Thank you to everyone who came to visit us - it was such a treat to talk to our fantastic retailers in person, meet lots of lovely new ones and to chat to so many creative and talented suppliers, bloggers and brands. While exhausted - I was actually sad to "break camp" at the end of the week...

xx Kate

(PS. Kylie and Carolyn - You rock !!)

The Beauty Full Collection {Invitations for Ava Rosemeyer}

2010-07-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

Tea Party Kits available at Details Details ! Images above by Fran at Lumin-essence

Ava's Tea Party - Honouring a beauty-full little girl Ava Rosemeyer - and inspired by a tea party she would have loved...... reminding us to stop and enjoy those sweet little moments with our children and cuddle them up as much as you can.

Sometimes a story changes you, and you remember it often. Unimaginable heartbreak shared by Ava's Mum, Sheye in her blog has touched hearts everywhere. I have the Belle and Boo Ava's Tea Party print on my daughter's wall which I always look at, and I cuddle her up just that little bit more.

So much effort has gone into a very special collaboration by the generous and imaginative girls at Details Details ! and I am so grateful and honoured to have been asked to take part along with 8 other talented Australian stationery designers.

The "Beauty-Full Collection" of limited edition printable invitations have all been designed to inspire a sweet tea party (real or imaginary) and are available for the month of August, but you can print, cut and use at any time. There are also vintage spotty pink tea party kits that you will love.

"Ava's Tea Party is about taking time. Making time. Moments put aside to love and laugh with those you adore" - http://www.avasteaparty.com/

xx Kate

KidsInStyle Melbourne August 10-13, 2010

2010-07-20T00:58:00.000-07:00

We are busily preparing for our first trade event, at KidsInStyle at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, August 10-13. The countdown is on with only 3 weeks to go, and there is still A LOT TO DO !!!

We are really looking forward to being part of a beautiful trade fair alongside lots of other fantastic suppliers and brands, and hopefully be able to meet some more of our retailers in person.

It has been a lot of fun to plan and prepare and we are very excited to be launching some "sweet boutique" additions to our invitation and stationery range along with some gorgeous new partyware for 2010.

If you are a retailer and would be interested stocking our range and would like to see our collection up close, please come along and see us .....We would love to meet you.

For more event details, check out http://www.lifeinstyle.com.au/.

xx Kate

Donna Hay Annual Kids 2010

2010-07-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

And...as expected...the Donna Hay Annual Kids Magazine 2010 is stunning !!!

What a thrill for us, on our birthday, to receive our magazine and spot our polkadot partyware sprinkled through the magazine in lots of inspiring beautiful photos !! A fabulous present to mark our anniversary..

For everyone who loves to throw a party (and even those who dread it) - this magazine is a must each year to add to your bookshelf. I am especially appreciative that Donna has ideas on ways to make my cakes look half way reasonable with stylish "cheats guides" to birthday cakes. You'll love it...

xx Kate

SAMBELLINA'S BIRTHDAY

2010-06-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

Next week ...Sambellina turns one !!

I couldn't be more proud with how much we have grown in just one year and to have joined forces with so many beautiful retailers in Australia and internationally.

Just like when my babies had their first birthdays - I am so happy to have had the best year seeing it grow and change and I am excited to see what happens next and all the new developments around the corner.

We have met so many fantastic people through Sambellina and get such a thrill to see our party products helping to create the simple pleasure of a beautiful party....

xxx Kate
Image by Martha Stewart

BAMBINI DIRECTORY - SAMBELLINA SPOTTED

2010-06-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

We have some very new and exciting things coming around the corner, but in the meantime, I just wanted to share this gorgeous photo.

I was so thrilled to find our products scattered through the latest lovely big 2010 issue of the Bambini Directory (and yes, spontaneous happy newsagent dance was had). Inside, there were some beautiful party images, including this cute but chic setup featuring our multi-blue party tableware thanks to and courtesy of our fantastic online retailers The Party Parlour and Pink Frosting.

xx Kate

THANKS

2010-06-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

My computer is a time machine. It eats time !!
When designing or visiting the great wide blogworld it does, that's for certain....

The online world is such an incredible resource full of eye-candy and inspiration...Just tonight I have decided to repaint the lounge room, cover a chair in my studio, cook a self-saucing pudding and oggled some beautiful birthday parties. A big shout out to everyone following their creative passion and then for sharing it with the world.

And especially to the lovely inspirational & sweet girls doing exactly that ...and for generously linking to my little boy's Train party !!
You must check out their blogs for your next parties.....LittleSooti, Party Perfect, & TomKatStudio

xx Kate

TRAIN PARTY DETAILS

2010-06-16T05:36:00.000-07:00

Just to share a couple more of the party details...

Beautiful quality fabric bunting by Giggleberry Creations - perfectly customised to match our colour scheme.

For lunch we had a sausage sizzle for everyone. Each child also had their own lunchbox, with a drink, biscuits, bottle of bubbles, and party blower which they got quite a kick out of. Lunchboxes and hampers are great as kids love "their own personal" box and you can prep in advance - putting in mini bagels or croissants, sandwiches, honey joys / chocolate crackles, chips, fruit .....anything.

"Playdoh" style fondant train on the cake made by me on a track of licorice and chocolate sticks. This was actually eaten up by one of the little party guests ( - ewww ).

Martha Stewart cake stand from Spotlight with striped ribbon wrapped around the edge.

Kraft lolly bags were from a $2 shop with ribbon stapled to seal the top with a train gift tag. Vintage style blue / white straws were from Mon Tresor (also available at The Party Parlour) with recycled bottles from Woolworths. Another hit was a portable hot water urn for cosy Winter warm drinks. Sambellina partyware and tags.

A perfectly scaled down old fashioned mini railway all running on either steam or diesel. Most of the parents remembered coming there as kids too (and it wasnt just the kids squealing in the tunnels). For those in Melbourne, it is the Diamond Valley Railway....Great for a Sunday family day out.

xx Kate

COOKIE PARTY FAVOURS

2010-06-14T03:02:00.000-07:00

The cookies - I was speechless when these adorable creations arrived !!

Sharon Wee is the amazing talent behind these train cookie favours. With a perfect eye for details, the delicious biscuits were customised to match the Sambellina Train invitation exactly - and tasted as good as they looked .....Sharon also offered to make a super-cute toadstool cookie to match our Garden invitation, which I love.

So, if you are looking for some gorgeous customised cookies to match your invitations or party theme - pop over to Wee Love Baking - You will be in awe of what can actually be made using fondant....xx

Images via Wee Love Baking

CHRISTIAN'S TRAIN PARTY

2010-06-12T19:53:00.000-07:00

What fun !! I had such a ball creating this party for my little guy....A bit of a challenge to pack up everything we needed in the "party bus" to get us to the railway with interesting clouds looming, but with a bunch of excited rugged up kids, a "giant" mini trainset to ride on and loads of food, everyone seemed to have a great time - especially the little grown up party boy. All the details in the next post !!

xx Kate

SAMBELLINA PARTIES : CHOO CHOO TRAIN

2010-06-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

My beautiful little boy turns 3 this week...and last weekend we had an outdoor (brrrrr) birthday party for him at a miniature railway park ! He had the best time EVER and was in complete amazement that all the attention was actually for him....I loved putting this party together especially as Christian was so aware and excited and could be involved, along with his big party planner sister in most of the organisation and preparation. More details on the way...!!

WORLD CUP 2010 Soccer Fever

2010-05-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

I think it is so fitting that our international retailer in South Africa, In Good Company sent us these images they had put together for soccer parties for the FIFA World Cup 2010 coming up in June....Don't they look great ?

I have a soft spot for this new company as my husband was born in South Africa but mostly because of their fresh and inspiring take on celebrations with worldwide products - and how they can jampack so many party ideas and beautiful images into their regular Good News and Good Guides !! For the party obsessed (and we know there are a lot of you out there....), I highly recommend you sign up for these....xx

Little ONE Baby - SAMBELLINA spotted

2010-05-24T17:12:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the latest Little One Baby issue ? It is almost like a silky coffee table book (without the price tag) for nursery / bedroom design - but with heaps more inside (eg party ideas, real & honest stories, new hip products). It is the type of magazine you spend a long time devouring - not just a quick flick through..... It is such a lovely read.

I Love....

2010-05-24T04:24:00.000-07:00

Yep - me too !!! Have you seen these divine little books by Anna Walker ? I love her illustrations -sometimes intricate, sometimes simple - all innocent and beautiful...I think there is "I Love My Mum" too ! These books inspire me to "draw some more" ..

New photo gallery

2010-05-14T05:11:00.000-07:00

Just to share a new little addition to the Sambellina webpage - a photo gallery . I have had this on the "to do" list for a while and wanted an easy way to view our party collection to hopefully help with inspiration using our products. We will be regularly adding new product photos, party scenes and other ideas up so please pop by.

Question - Are there any Sambellina party happy snaps floating around ? I would love a "Real Parties" category......

Please check out our new photo gallery here and I hope it can help you when styling up your next "do" ..... Simple. Stylish. Sweet.

xx Kate

Polkadots for princesses...

2010-05-13T03:04:00.000-07:00

Apparently, "official" studies have confirmed that a man's heart will race when he sees the colour of Ferrari red, and a woman's when she sees Tiffany aqua blue.

I'd like to add that that palpitations over this way also occur with polkadots, especially pink ones. Loving this gorgeous party from the blogosphere yesterday - as seen on one of my favourite spots for party inspiration - For millions of ideas for your next party, make sure you add Party Perfect to your reading list....(...I'm sure you have already !!)

So who made up Mother's Day ?

2010-05-01T00:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you to whoever did ...Genius idea !!

Is this phrase familiar ? "Muuummm-eeeeee, when is it children's day ?" followed by "Everyday !!"

How good is it for Mums to get their own universal day ? I feel so lucky to be a Mum, so to have a day where breakfast in bed, sleep-ins, and/or hand delivered cups of tea are close to "mandatory" too ? ....Well, high-5 to that !!

xx Kate

RETAILERS (NSW) : DONNA HAY GENERAL STORE

2010-04-23T00:43:00.000-07:00

I know I am not alone when I say I have always adored anything "Donna Hay" does. She is an Australian icon, a styling genius with the most beautiful recipes, presentation and party ideas !! I have spent hours drooling over her magazines and cookbooks, and of course, especially the annual Kids Party Issues.....To say I am thrilled to be sending off our first Sambellina partyware order to The Donna Hay General Store in Woolhara, Sydney is an understatement ....Yippeeeee xx

SAMBELLINA PARTIES : PARTY BIRDS

2010-04-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

Nesting Mummy bird in the tree waiting for her little one to arrive...

Thank you take home cake boxes to carry home extra afternoon tea goodies.

My sweet friend is about to have her first baby and her sister put together an intimate afternoon tea to celebrate and asked me to help her on the creative styling part of the project ...of course I jumped at the idea, especially as my friend loves "finishing touches" and appreciates lots of details. What fun I had..and I was so happy to be able to help her family give her a warm memory to treasure.. Here are a couple of the ideas to share from the little soiree...

A super simple fondue recipe from the ever fab 4Ingredients cookbook.

Using her favourite Sambellina Party Birds invitation as inspiration we chose a taupe / chocolate, red and white colour scheme. First thoughts that came to mind were chocolate, strawberries and marshmellows....which then led to a yummy orange chocolate fondue served with skewers of strawberries and marshmellows along with many other afternoon tea treats.

Flowered Chocolate Royals

Sugar flowers attached with melted chocolate.

Notes for Mummy and Baby in a keepsake box.

I cant wait to meet her little mini-me..... xx Kate

SAMBELLINA PARTIES - TRAIN

2010-04-13T04:54:00.000-07:00

The party planning bug has hit again, and I am thinking about my little boy's birthday coming up in June. It is FREEZING then in Melbourne, and chances are it will be miserable - brrr, but I am taking bets on the weather and hoping to set up a cosy (?!) outdoor BBQ at a miniature ride-on railway (where even adults get a kick out of it). Scaled down diesel and steam trains with tunnels, stations, signals and bridges. Christian is mad about trains (choo-rains) and our Sambellina "choo-choo" train invitation was designed especially with him in mind. First step was to order some gorgeous custom bunting from Giggleberry Creations - isnt it perfect ?

And...just as I have put on the planning hat on for all things train, up comes this super gorgeous train party below for added inspiration from the The Party Dress - how adorable is that train ride ? Check out the details here.

Next stop, I have speak to somebody about the weather !!

xx Kate

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2010-04-12T00:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Wedding Anniversary to my husband Chris today !!! He is my best friend, biggest supporter and the best guy for me in the world. 8 years, 2 beautiful children, a few big life and career changes and a sparkling new business later .... He is the definition of "If you believe you can do it, then you will !!" and just makes things happen !! (Can a blogpost count as a present ? We are a bit slack with the anniversay presents :-)

xx Kate

Happy Easter

2010-03-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

Have a fantastic Easter break this weekend..... (I personally have been celebrating it for about 6 weeks now by "pre-buying" eggs and then eating them all up - it really isnt my fault that Easter Bunny's helpers put them on the supermarket shelves so early, is it ?). I'm looking forward to our traditonal family Easter egg hunt we started just after Sam turned 1. Each year the "collection" of eggs found gets more and more supersized (hmmm not unlike our tummies afterwards :-).

Image via Pink Frosting

Happy hunting and happy Easter xx

Sambellina Partyware Parties - Blue / Red and White

2010-03-28T03:07:00.000-07:00

Following on from my recent post about loving the red, white and sky blue colour combination together, Katena sent me some photos from her little man's 4th birthday party. Lots of polkadot goodness to be found....I'm also loving the cupcake stand - who can ever get enough of that stitched ribbon ? Most of her goodies were purchased at one of our very stylish retailers - Details Details ! Check out more over at her blog.

I absolutely love to see any party photos where Sambellina has helped style up the party scene....thanks Katena. xx

Paper plates - not just for food..

2010-03-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how much Sam is loving school. Each night she comes home and holds a "kindy session" for Christian where she shows him what she has done all day at school. Yesterday she set the playroom all up so they could make fish (????)......and this is what I discovered in there this morning !!!! How cool is that ? They made some at school....and Sam brought the idea home for her brother.
Maybe you could hang them from the roof for a mermaid or under sea party...?

Things I love....my view

2010-03-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

This is what I am looking at right now - my view from my PC....the tree will change a lot over the year (where is that rake ?) but for now, it definitely is a beautiful green outlook. This is taken from my desk in the "home office" which is undergoing a mini renovation (thanks Ikea). You cant see it under the boxes right now, so when it surfaces I will share some more pics...Have a great week. xx

On my window sill...

Colour Combinations : Blue, Red, White

2010-03-12T05:02:00.000-08:00

Some colour combinations just float my boat (and I seem to think a lot about colours) !!!
I have a giant "inspiration folder" packed with magazine clippings, cards, wrap, old sketches and have grand ideas to sort it out one day into colours. Now that would be fun - but might need to wait for those flying pigs to take off.

In the meantime, thought I would put together a few mini colour boards that might help in "teaming" our partyware for your next do. This is one of my favourite mixes of colour. Images by me and one from the many party ideas from the fabulous online party store The Party Parlour. xx Kate
(PS. Looking forward to my little Christian to graduate to a big boy bed to deck out his room properly with this combo)..

Sambellina Partyware Parties - Red

2010-03-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

We went to a birthday party for a super gorgeous 1-year old on the weekend. I forgot my camera, but here is a little happy snap of the effort my sweet friend went to. I especially loved the ribbon around the chocolate mousse and frog-in-the-pond cups, and the roving ladybirds - all to tie in with red polkadots. (PS. My Sam is in the background with her hands on some of the many delicious baked goods consumed - my hands were usually on the Mars Bar slice - mmmmmm)... xx

Shop4Kids - Autumn/Winter 2010

2010-02-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

Is it ok to do a happy dance in a newsagent ? When you see your own product range in one of your very favourite magazines, it is something quite special. The new Shop4Kids Autumn/Winter 2010 issue is out this week, and it has a great party planning section where I spied our invitations and polkadot partyware. Check out this issue - hundreds of gorgeous buys for your people. Many thanks to you Shop4Kids xx Kate

I'm dreaming of...

2010-02-19T03:05:00.000-08:00

...a baby shower....

At the moment, my head is jam-packed !!! Just full...... a never ending party of list-creating going on up there. One of my favourite "topics of the moment" vying for attention, is thinking and dreaming up ideas for my beautiful friend's baby shower. I'm so happy to be part of her "creative team" on the job. One of her favourite invites is our Party Birds which is inspiring me to go down a non-standard baby shower road for her - red, taupe and white. Chocolate, marshmellows and strawberries all tied in with fondue. I just wish I had a thousand days to put it together as I would love to create what I have in my head, but lets see what actually happens. xx

Be still...

2010-02-05T03:40:00.000-08:00

Seeing as we were on the topic of love hearts and all of my flowers, how could I not post these divine images from the creative icon Martha Stewart. LOVE !!

BIRDY LOVE

2010-02-03T03:20:00.000-08:00

Given Valentine's Day is next weekend, I best talk about love hearts. (Not that we technically celebrate it, as apparently it means more to receive flowers NOT on Valentine's Day, which I do get :-) BUT - it does seem I am as obsessed about love hearts as I am about polkadots. I draw them on everything (dockets, bank statements, shopping lists).... It is probably why the Sambellina logo has both !

My friend had a "do" recently where we were asked to tap into our creative resources and bring along something "handmade" - great idea hey ? Loved some of the things brought along. I was in gorgeous company and also met a very inspiring and lovely Caitlin from Pippi Joe.

Above was my contribution...What do you think ? I love the little bird holding a heart leaf under his arm - is he taking it off the tree for his little friend or putting it back on..... ?? Either way, he is working hard. xx Kate

Starting school life..

2010-01-28T20:50:00.001-08:00

A little bit emotional about my baby starting school next week.....but, already, the school memories are flooding back to me (I must remember it is not ME starting school). We picked up Sam's "book box" today and with all of those fresh pencils and exercise books, the stationery addict in me went a little bit wild with excitement (aaah...the little things !!). My little guy was especially unhappy not to receive a giant box of stationery just like his big sister :-(

PS. Speaking of stationery...My MOST prized possession growing up were my Derwent Colour Pencils (check out the 500 colours above). Read more over at Babyology.

Things I love...polkadots

2010-01-23T04:22:00.001-08:00

It's no secret how much I love polkadots....sweet, fun and timeless... they can be modern, classic or retro all at the same time. I obviously gravitate to them as I have so many favourite spotted finds - here are some of them. Gertie and Me bunnies. These are the BEST soft toys around - so unbelieveably adorable. I have found many excuses to buy these over the last couple of years - I think my kids have about six different ones between them. See them also at one of our stockists The Hip Infant.
Huckleberry Lane PJs - we have lots of these soft cuddly numbers !! Check out that nightie - could you not die ? Sam has it in pink and aqua. It looks so adorable on (and I have been told that it just wouldn't look as good on me). They have a beautiful range - My other favourite is the vintage aeroplane design for boys.

Red Polkadot Fabric Bunting from Festoon. Lovely thick double-sided quality.

Strawberries and Cream Bunting from Giggleberry Creations. This one is a best seller.

Would you believe Santa bought me this for Christmas ? I just HAD to have it. No reason. I just had to - My daughter has hundreds of tea sets, so this one is especially for me. I justified it thinking it might come in handy for photo styling sometime in the future. It is from T2 Tea and it all came in a red picnic basket.

Cupcake wrappers from The Cupcake Wrapper Co - often my cupcakes can look a bit dishevelled after coming out of the oven, so with some well placed icing and these little wrappers you can end up with a great finished look (and easily...).

Cupcake patty cases from The Cupcake Courier. Oh and incidentally, these would look very sweet alongside some Sambellina partyware for your next little occasion (I had to throw in a plug for our own polkadot goodness, didn't I ? )....xx Kate

It has been decided....

2010-01-17T18:28:00.000-08:00

Sam announced yesterday that she has decided that she would be loving (ie. having) a butterfly garden party for her next birthday. Hmmm... 8 months notice should be fine - having said that, she has started the plans already and is designing exactly how it should be. (And of course, I have it brewing in the back of my head now). I think maybe a pink / green theme ? Some colour inspiration............
How beautiful is this paper buttefly chandelier from Pottery Barn (oh how I wish this store was in Australia - and how my purse does not). I'm on the search for something like this for a hanging light in Sam's room.
The pondering and design process has begun... (and I can't wait to help her put it all together). Although, I think starting school in two weeks will distract her for a while ...xx Kate

Things I love...jewellery

2010-01-16T01:16:00.001-08:00

One of the best things about starting a business, is discovering an amazing world of other people doing "their own thing", pouring out gorgeous creations for me to get my little hands on. Here are two of my favourites (and I hope to find time to post about lots more) - My beautiful Koolaman Designs silver necklace - whipped up for me by Lisa and Stacey at Magnolia Square. I have barely taken it off since. Its like wearing my heart around my neck. It is on an 80cm long chain, with tags for my hubby and our wedding anniversary, both of my babies and their birthdays and my puppy. I seriously LOVE it ! Plenty of other stylish designs also available - you can buy online here. xMy other favourite necklace is my sterling silver heart necklace made for me by my very clever mother in law. She designs and makes all sorts of customised silver hearts and one-of-a-kind Pandora style glass beads (all inspired by Australian landscapes). Her attention to detail on every piece is always perfect. Have a peek over here at Etsy at her lovely pieces..

Heartfelt Thanks...

2010-01-06T23:27:00.000-08:00

The new year is already in full swing, and I wanted to say a sincere thank you to our fantastic and supportive retailers who have helped us launch into the world in our first six months. We could never have imagined a bigger or busier beginning for our new company. I have shopped at many of these stylish spots before, and am so thrilled to be part of them.

We have lots of exciting plans and new ideas swirling around for 2010, and can't wait to bring them to life...

If you are looking for some Sambellina party products to simply style your next sweet celebration, please visit our Stockists page for details..... xxx

Happy New Year !!

2009-12-30T12:42:00.000-08:00

Dance, skip, sing, sip champagne, summarise New Year's resolutions down to one page, cross out half of them, dance some more ....hello new decade (what will you be called ?) !! xx

Santa is coming ... xx

2009-12-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a beautiful Christmas with your families and a safe, relaxing break....I am so grateful to have found the job I love - and forever thankful for the bucketloads of support and encouragement I have had since launching this year. Thank you !!!!!!!!! See you next year for an exciting 2010 ahead and have a very happy Christmas (and may Santa be very kind) xx Kate

Reindeer Cupcakes

2009-12-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

I'm always on the lookout for simple cooking ideas for Christmas !! I came across a gorgeous little gem of an idea on New Idea TV the other day, and HAD to try them (and share some pickies). Aren't they cute ? We set up the kids table like a cooking show with everything in bowls ready to go (...just like the pretend cooking shows my best friend and I would have when we were 8) . The kids (and I) had THE BEST time decorating them that way....The ingredients ready to go..simple basic cupcakes, marshmellows, jaffas, brown M&Ms (and you might just have to eat all of the other colours - don't want to waste them), and Curly Wurlys.

Chocolate butter cream (or any chocolate icing would do) ...
You can cut the marshmellows in half width-ways so they are a little less "googly"... and also a good idea to stick the brown M&Ms on with a little bit of icing.

Add a jaffa nose, Curly Wurly antlers and pretzel mouths - you could also use the pretzels for the antlers as another idea... and voila !!

This is the 2 year old version of the same cupcake that my little guy made. We miraculously didn't eat a single one - and they are all ready to go for a Christmas party tommorrow. Lots of fun !! xx

Excitement is brewing...

2009-12-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

Samantha has a pen in her hand at all times and we need about 1000 walls to show her art... At night, she "draws" herself to sleep and this was last nights' creation.

Showing our little family, Santa, his reindeers and of course pressies. The excitement level this year for my little 5 year old especially, is at an all time high with her little 2 year old "assistant" following closely along....I love this time of year !!

Christmas presents for teachers ?

2009-12-03T19:20:00.000-08:00

I dont know about you but this time of year I search around for pressies for the teachers that are not cheesey, or that won't be put straight in the back of the cupboard (or worse - regifted)... I am a big fan of FOOD as presents - and I find, generally that most other people are too. So this year, what about a jar of homemade cookies, or chocolates ?

Grab a jar from IKEA (these little bargain babies are only $3.99 each - and the bigger versions are only $5.99 !!), and tie it with a stylish Sambellina gift tag and some stripey ribbon...... and there you go, instant style with a warm feeling behind it. I know this is seriously cheating - but I have found the BEST packet mix for choc-chip cookies. Try out the "Betty Crocker - Milk Chocolate Chunk Cookies" - all you add is butter and 1 egg and BING - you have very yummy cookies. They can be easily be entirely made by kids. I have cooked them with my kids quite a few times now - each time, they come out chewy, round and taste very similar to MRS FIELDS cookies - gold !!! (Hmmm...should I be admitting this ?)

You could even buy some chocolate macadamias or bon bons or anything really and do the same. Happy cooking !! xx

Remember Swapcards ?

2009-11-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you wonder where your ideas and inspiration comes from..I have been a stationery fanatic since forever and had a GIANT collection of swapcards. Remember them ? My favourites were my Betsey Clark and Hollie Hobbie cards...I was obsessed. They were my "Disney Princesses". I remember going to one 6 year old birthday party, and there they were - those cute little girls - on paper party cups !! I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It sounds made up but I remember every single detail of that one party table.

When I recently saw them on the very lovely Lark Blog, it sparked up so many memories. I dont know if this is where my partyware obsession started, but who knows, it all adds up...Anyway, I just wanted to post this so I would remember them forever xx

Getting all wrapped up for Christmas

2009-11-09T00:27:00.000-08:00

Introducing a new range of simple, classic Sambellina Christmas gift tags designed especially to appeal to all ages. You can dress up a present, jar of cookies/chocolates (for the teacher), kraft bags or just about anything that could be finished with a stylish Sambellina Christmas label.

There are two types of mixed Xmas gift tag designs to choose from:
- A mixed pack of 12 sweet Christmas Birds tags (3 designs)
- A mixed pack of 12 classic Christmas lettering tags (3 designs)
RRP $6.95

These are heading out to stockists as of today....please let me know if you need to find a stockist near you who will have them ! ...xx Kate

Little One Baby - NEW ISSUE

2009-11-07T01:45:00.000-08:00

Issue 2 of Little One Baby landed on the newsagent shelves yesterday and I was ABSOLUTELY thrilled to find Sambellina gracing the party pages. I was jumping for joy to see it as this was our first moment in 'print' - thank you very much Little One Baby (Amys :-)

This new magazine is really popular and definitely a MUST - especially for all of my new-mummy and preggy friends / sisters in law..... It is brimming with the most gorgeous nursery decorating ideas, maternity wear (hmmm lots of very nice options now), and interviews with Mums etc etc...It is SUCH a beautiful magazine and I am so so proud to have our products on their pages. Thank you again Little One Baby xx

Trick Or Treat

2009-10-27T05:34:00.000-07:00

Time to break out the witch mask again (and yes, it WAS a mask), fill up bowls with lollies (Note to self : Remember to buy lollies - trail mix just didnt cut it last time) and follow my children around the neighbourhood. One of our lovely retailers told me that Halloween was bigger in the party shops than even Christmas - I was amazed to hear that ...

I like these cute Halloween party cupcakes from the Women's Weekly Kids' Party Cakes book for the more creative bakers out there (aka, not me).

I also love the idea of setting up the street to make it "Halloween-Ready" with an orange balloon on the letterboxes of houses who have treats....Read more over here at Love to Celebrate !!

Have a spooky fun time on Saturday everyone xx

My own lolly bag...

2009-10-25T03:50:00.000-07:00

I don't think you are ever too old to appreciate a lolly bag !! Over the weekend, my gorgeous friend had a birthday party (one of the more glamourous Saturday nights I have had in a while)....AND as a fun touch she gave us all a lolly bag as we left. Quite fabulous to get one all of my very own (as opposed to stealing lollies out of the kid's ones). Seems you never grow out of them - well, not me anyway !! xx

HAPPY SUNNY DAY

2009-10-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

They have been few and far between lately in Melbourne...so when that big yellow ball shows itself in a sparkling blue sky, I just feel happier and suddenly start thinking about entertaining. Our life moves outside and with handy disposable pretty polkadot partyware on hand our garden can be transformed into a picnic scene or garden tea party simply....Why not put a little table outside, some cupcakes and a sweet tea set and you would have some pretty excited little people. xx

Product Catalogue 2009 - Party Collection

2009-10-10T02:17:00.001-07:00

Our new 2009 Product Catalogue has just arrived. We are thrilled to have our own little look book printed. There is something about having "stationery" in your hands - something to flick through and browse at your leisure....

If you are a retailer, and interested in stocking Sambellina party products and would like us to send you out a copy, please email us your contact details to contact@sambellina.com.au.

Stay tuned for more party products in the wings...lots more ideas brewing...

xx Kate

Style Collective

2009-10-05T02:37:00.000-07:00

We have been featured on one of my most favourite stylish blogs....Style Collective. Be sure to check out this very funky, recently revamped fantabulous online home for fashionable finds and great ideas...a gorgeous ever-updated online magazine reviewing fashion, kids, weddings, and interiors. I'm very grateful to Amanda for featuring us in the Style Junior section - thank you very much !! xx Kate

A few gift tag ideas

2009-09-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

A few people have asked recently for some ideas on how to use gift tags. Here are couple of ideas of how to put together party favour bags and boxes....Handy also to have a little pack of gift tags on hand for those moments when you can't find a birthday card to jazz up a present.

My first interview...

2009-09-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

When I started up Sambellina, I dreamt about one day being "blogged" about... which I am so thrilled to be....and I'm so excited to have been interviewed !! I wanted to thank Jen from one of our wonderful retailers Mummy's Favourite for asking me to take part in an interview......I really appreciate it. Check it out here xx Kate

Age Invitations - Two By Tractor

2009-09-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

For some reason, party invitations in our house that had a big number on it were always the favourites. Reaching that 'next age' is always such an exciting goal - to be a "big girl" or "big boy" and kids are so keen to get to the next one (...and we just want them to slow down). This definitely was the inspiration behind our new range of AGE invitations.

Here are a couple of photos of our 'Two By Tractor' invitations.
Check out our other age birthday designs for 1-5 year olds here ... xx Kate

What else to do with those cups ?

2009-09-09T22:25:00.001-07:00

After a cafe brekky or two where the kids were given pencils in coffee cups, I thought it would be a fun idea to set up Sam's desk using some polkadot cups ....so a set of 12 cups would give you quite a few holders - a cheap simple stationery holder and easy to replace when they get all grubby !! Plus you could change colours in a snap depending on boy / girl, colour of the moment, your mood etc etc...

Checkout our range of cups to start some stationery styling !! xx Kate

Love to Celebrate

2009-09-09T05:38:00.001-07:00

One of our gorgeous new retailers, Gabi from "Love to Celebrate" sent us some photos of her new window and product displays in her boutique children's party shop in Roseville, Sydney. Doesn't the window look beautiful ?? Many thanks again Gabi for sending these through !! What fun you must have putting together these displays. It would be like going to a party everyday ??!!

xx Kate

Fantastic Blog Sites

2009-09-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

I have a giant "to do" blog list but here is one of the first cabs off the rank :-)

Recently, I have had a lot of lovely comments from people saying they have seen our Sambellina products on the fabulous blogs of Babyology and KidsStyleFile. Thank you very much for doing such a stylish launch promotion for our new party collection and product range ( - and thanks to Mel at The Hip Infant). Be sure to check them all out - they are jam-packed with the latest and greatest of beautiful fashion and treasures for kids (..and for Mums too). Brimming with fantastic finds from around the world !!

xx Kate

Birthday Pressies

2009-08-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

As one of her birthday pressies, I gave this picture in a white frame to my big-little girl as I get such a burst of happiness when I see my children sitting like this together (...plus I dont think a picture of a tug-o-war will have the same sentimental pull later on in life). They are great buddies and I hope it stays that way but I also hope I am not kidding myself. I think I drew it to keep it in my head forever :-)

xx Kate

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Samantha.....

2009-08-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a little something from the weekend - My baby, Samantha turned 5 !! I cannot believe it. I can still remember my time in hospital as if it was 3 seconds ago. Now it is a lot of fun being able to tell her all the tales from then (leaving out the gory bits of course).

Sam and I always come up with ten million ideas for her party, and we both get super super excited, plus I tend to go on a bit about birthday parties (?!?)........but, ironically this year we ended up being so busy, that we decided on an arty party down the road at the local art shop.

Sam is always alongside me crafting up some sort of new ingenious creation out of a cardboard box, string and whatever else she can get her hands on for her latest "installation" - (think 90% of my cleaning time is right here !!). Her gigglepot brother Christian is following very closely behind - he is often covered in glue and stickers. And so an arty party perfectly suited the "brief" and she had an absolute BALL with all of her little buddies which is most definitely the main thing.

Happy birthday my sweetheart.

xx Kate

Sambellina Partyware Parties - Red and Pink

2009-08-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Recently, Sharnel from The Cupcake Company and My Life My Loves created the most delicious looking party setup for her daughter Olivia's 5th Birthday. Her party dessert buffet looked absolutely beautiful and made it onto the gorgeous party blogs of the styling genius Amy Atlas and the uber stylish Party Perfect.

Sharnel complemented her colour scheme with some of our new Sambellina partyware and sent them to me so I couldn't resist popping them on here. Check out our red and pink polkadot tableware in action below.

The divine photos were taken by Leanne Stamatellos and as I popped into her blog for a squiz I discovered lots of stunning pickies - I absolutely love this one with the balloon below - dont you just want to skip along with this little darling ?

Simply Gorgeous...

xx Kate

Magnolia Square - Party Pack Competition

2009-08-13T03:43:00.000-07:00

We recently ran a mailing list competition through the Magnolia Square Snippets email that members receive prior to the start of each event.

Thank you to everyone who joined our mailing list and to enter to win 1 of 4 SAMBELLINA party packs - (A set of boxed party invitations, gift tags and party plates & cups - valued at $39.35).

Congratulations to the following WINNERS (as drawn by my daughter from a big hat) : Rebecca Taylor, Joanne Ma, Martene Staples and Tracy Stanley.

If you would like to join our mailing list to hear of new Sambellina products & promotions, please send your name/postcode to mailinglist@sambellina.com.au.

Likewise, make sure you sign up to the Magnolia Square email list to be in the know for their upcoming events and news...

Thanks again (and also to Nic for running the competition for us), and please keep us in mind for your next party or stylish "do"..

xxx Kate

Magnolia Square

2009-08-10T11:58:00.001-07:00

Well, what can I say about the time I had at Magnolia Square last week. Right from the moment we walked in bright and early on Thursday morning, and saw everyone setting up their beautiful stands, I thought WOW - this is amazing !! To be surrounded by so many creative and talented people was truly a privilege. Malvern Town Hall was transformed into a beautiful spring setting with blossoms, tulips and birds everywhere - I had no idea of the wind and rain going on outside - we were all in a delicious springtime bubble......

What fun I had meeting many wonderful people, including some of our lovely new retailers, and also to hear the response and feedback first hand from customers. Our children's tea party table was a big hit - especially with little visitors..... (we even had a cupcake swiped by a little friend and was chased through the stalls by her Mum - sorry Mum....).

I felt completely honoured to win equal runner up for the Visual Merchandising Award, which is voted on by the other retailers at Magnolia Square. I was absolutely gob-smacked and thank you so much to everyone who voted for our stand. Congratulations to the very talented Kathryn at Maggie & Sparrow who won the award (2nd time in a row I believe) !!!

Chris, my very handy hubby worked extremely hard to construct our stand, the beautiful red velvet cupcakes were made by Jess at Sugadeaux and the sweetest red polkadot bunting was by Jenny at Festoon.

Just thought I'd share a pic of me too .....I met so many amazing and inspiring retailers, but I particularly want to mention my stall neighbours - Annabelle from Harry & Co (the cutest shirts for boys ever), Lisa & Stacey from Koolaman Designs (you should see the necklace I have now) and Fiona at The Wall Sticker Company (so cool) .... all such gorgeous girls and thank you for your company and helping me to "acclimatise" over the 3 days. Other fabulously talented girls to mention were Michelle at Kids With Crayons, Pru at Little Bird Photography and Sophie at Ellani Petite.... xx

And last but not least, a very special thank you to my lovely Claire, Nadine and Sarah for helping me out - you are all so generous and FAB - thank you again !!!!

Off now to "regroup" ...and to get ready for my daughter Sam's birthday this week.... bye for now.

xxx Kate

Magnolia Square : August 6-8, 2009

2009-07-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

We are having our official "launch party" (aka. first public appearance - eeek) at the gorgeous Magnolia Square - a boutique pop-up market up the road at Malvern Town Hall - in 2 weeks today !!! I have always been absolutely mad about this market and have never come away empty handed (at a minimum with a cupcake in each hand) - so it is such a treat and a privilege to be a part of the line-up this time.

There is something at this delicious event for everyone (ok - maybe a little less for the discerning man-shopper) and so best not to miss it.

So if you are in Melbourne, please pop in and be sure to come by and see us for some party polkadots, princesses and pirates.

Thank you also to Brooke for your blog love in Magnolia Square Snippets....

xx Kate

My favourite book..

2009-07-21T17:40:00.001-07:00

My most favourite story of my childhood was "Chipmunk's Birthday Party" in Richard Scarry's Best Story Book Ever... I can still remember how it felt when my Dad read it to me over and over with his funny voices. My parents gave it to my daughter when she was 18 months old and I still love reading it to her every time... Wonder if this is where it all started ??

And the winner is....

2009-07-12T23:39:00.003-07:00

Congratulations to Angelica who was the winner of the Skout competition.
We will be sending out a party pack of your choice soon....

xx Kate

WIN A SAMBELLINA PARTY SET ...

2009-07-09T12:29:00.001-07:00

Hello everybody,

We have had a very happy heartwarming first few days at Sambellina - a giant thank you to everyone for being so positive and warmly welcoming us.

I wanted to let you know about a launch competition Skout is running to win a complete Sambellina party set with all the trimmings (your choice of a boxed invitation set, and a set of plates, cups, and gift tags).

Visit the Skout Trade Fair blog to find out the details.... 2 days to go.

xx Kate