Happy Spring to those Down Under

1st September marks a significant and much loved season for those of us living in the Southern Hemisphere. I really do love winter or what we call winter, because to be honest we are pretty soft here in Brisbane. We don't get a 'true' winter here at all.

But spring to me is such a beautiful season. Flowers are starting to bloom, the smell of jasmine is in the air and we spend much of our time outdoors.

I thought I would repost some images of a dessert table I designed this time last year for the Spring Racing Carnival. Hope you enjoy the images beautiful captured by Naomi V Photography.

Concept and design by Sharnel Dollar Designs.

Stunning footed bowl are available here.

These beautiful square cake stands are available for purchase here.

Cupcakes made by me. Style Me Gorgeous designed the horse silhouette and I printed it onto edible imaging fondant sheets.

Style Me Gorgeous designed the chocolate bar wrappers and thebackdrop especially for this event.

If you would like help creating a fabulous party of your own contact me about our event styling services. You can also purchase many items I use in my parties here.

It's a Jolly Holiday with Olivia

It gives me so much pleasure to share with you these images from my daughter's recent 7th birthday. Thank you to Amy Atlas for sharing this party with you all.

This year Olivia asked if she could have a tea party to celebrate her birthday. After much discussion it was decided we would host a Mary Poppins Jolly Holiday Tea Party with a group of her closest friends.

I have a few thank you's I would like to make before I show you the photos.

To Loralee Lewis for designing the most beautiful paperie including invitations, banners, drink bottle labels, thank you tags, straw flags and cupcake toppers I've ever seen. Loralee's work is original, darling and beautifully presented. Thank you Loralee for everything - it was practically perfect!

I need to thank Leanne Stamatellos for capturing the day so well. Each and every detail was documented. Leanne, as always you do an amazing job. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To Jodie Randolph-Birch for arranging the beautiful blooms and her help on the day.

To Michelle Winson my wonderful neighbour who sewed the tablecloths and chair sashes.

I have to say this is the most enjoyable party I've ever hosted. The children AND adults had an absolute ball. The little ones were transported into another time and place, they didn't stop smiling all afternoon. It is very very satisfying when you receive text messages from the guests thanking you for inviting them to the best party they have ever been to.

I popped open a bottle of bubbles just as everyone arrived, downed a glass and jumped straight on the tea cup ride!

Penguins were kindly borrowed from Addie & Me. Thank you Shelby & Caroline.

Invitations Loralee Lewis

Costume by Miss Em

Water proof drink labels & straw flags Loralee Lewis

Straws Sharnel Dollar Designs

Tea Set Favours with thank you tags by Loralee Lewis

Custom made carousel dessert table by Sharnel Dollar Designs. Available for hire in the Brisbane area.

Vintage pink Hull pottery from my own collection

Mosser milk glass cake stands available here

Custom cupcake toppers by Loralee Lewis

Milk glass cake stands available here

Concept and styling by Sharnel Dollar Designs

Umbrellas, tablecloths, chair sashes all available for hire.

Pink and blue tea cups available here.

Pink teapot available for sale here. Flowers arranged my Jodie at W.edding & Co.

Glass Jar available here. Macarons from Authentic French Macarons (the best!)

Blue teapot available here.

Stunning carousel horse from Addie & Me

Penguin Making was provide by Ted E. Boutique mobile teddy bear making. They can be contacted on 0415 049 499.

Toffee Apples were from Designer Toffee Apples

I purchased the flower cart from Shoppe with Lily

I painted it and attached the beautiful banner from Loralee Lewis.

The mint green riser is a piece of foam I had cut to size and painted myself.

Catering by In a Pickle. Always the most delicious food and with wonderful service.

Kite making kits were purchased from Kite Magic. The kids absolutely loved them and they fly really well. This is a great activity that gets the kids moving and is not too expensive either.

Cake made lovingly by me! The flavour was neapolitan.

Scalloped treat boxes available here.

Thank you tags by Loralee Lewis.

Winner announced

Anna's entry - "My mum usually made us 'clock' cakes... round chocolate cakes with smarties and cachous telling the time (our age). It was great because you could easily tell what birthday it was in the photos. I remember that when I turned 12 I had a big party so she made a whole grandfather clock so there would be enough cake! I also remember a Dolly Varden cake when I turned 6 and we lived in England. It was a really pretty doll, but the cake tasted like sand. My favourite cake is a pumpkin fruit cake with lemon icing, and Mum made me that for my 18th and 21st. She's a good Mum!"

Anna please shoot me an email with your address details and I will get your prize to you pronto. My email address is sharnel@sharneldollardesigns.com.au

Thank you to everyone for entering!

All Australian Party Giveaway

Who's ready for another giveaway! ME! Good. This one is open to all readers - yes if you live in the far flung corners of the world I will post to you. So good luck to each and every one of you.

The prize pack consists of:

The Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book - Vintage Edition. The is Australia's most famous cake book. It was first published in 1980 and is an icon here in Australia. Many of you will remember the thrill of choosing your own birthday cake from this book.

Donna Hay's Annual Kids Magazine 2011. Donna is a our answer to Martha and Amy combined. You will love this mag, the styling is to die for and the ideas inspirational.

Set of 12 mini glass bottles. All us Aussie party girls use them and I get so many emails from overseas about them. So I'm offering a set to you!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here on this blog post. Tell me your favourite birthday cake memory from your childhood. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries close Monday 8th August 5pm EST. Winner will be notified Tuesday 9th August via a blog post and email.