Kate Middleton's Parents Know How to Throw a Party

Filed under: Fun Stuff, Parties & Entertaining, Holidays

Thanks to their company, Party Pieces, Kate Middleton's parents will bring party planning know-how -- and perhaps some paper plates? -- to the upcoming royal wedding.

Any member of a royal family ought to know how to put on a fab party. Lucky for Kate Middleton, who recently announced her engagement to Prince William of Wales, her parents know quite a thing or two about entertaining. They own and operate a party company. And while the goods may not bring a smile to the Queen's face -- no fine china here -- they certainly made us happy.

The Middleton's mail-order company, Party Pieces, based in England, touts 60 different party themes for kids as shown in paper or plastic plates, napkins, party bags, streamers, centerpieces, etc. It also offers a mix of classy and funky party goods for adults. Much of it is disposable, so you won't have to slave over the dishes after everyone has gone home. They also sell unique gifts and baking essentials.

We took a tour of the site. Our verdict? They are tapped into the logos and designs that we love, whether it's for one-year-old babe (seriously, there is an entire section on the site devoted to this age group) or for grown-ups.

Would we use the site to buy party goods? Actually, we would, but not when you consider the awful exchange rate right now.

Still, here are a few "grown-up novelty gifts" you can give as pressies -- British slang for presents.


Here are our top 10 wants!

1. Gold Lacquered Party Platter
If you have to use paper or plastic plates, fine. But don't look cheap! This "gold lacquer" rectangular platter, measuring seven inches by 10 inches, would easily hold crackers and hard already-cut slivers of cheese or cookies. And under dim lighting the gold surface will glimmer.

2. Camper Van Alarm Clock
Yes, the '70s are over. But the VW-van icon lives. This would be cute and groovy on a nightstand or packed into your suitcase for vacation. Which leads to this question: Do you think Kate brought this with her to the luxury log cabin in Kenya where Prince William proposed?

3. Chocolate Cake Candle
We all love the smell of cake baking in the oven, but on some days that just isn't going to happen. Life gets in the way. That's when you can fire up a few chocolate-cake scented candles, and take in the sweet smell. Light a few just before guests arrive, too, and no doubt they will be in a good mood.

4. Vintage Football Plates and Cups
The World Cup may have come and gone, but for a new take on a sports-themed party, dump an NFL match-up and instead, invite friends over to watch what Europeans call "football." These vintage-look plates and cups are perfect for folks who adore mid-century mod designs. (Note: the Brits might want to pick up Liverpool, Manchester, Chelsea or Arsenal party packs, which Party Pieces thoughtfully offers.)

5. Eco-Friendly Sky Lantern
Non-flammable, bio-degradable, wire-free and farmer-friendly (um, we're not sure what that means either), these lightweight lanterns float up into the sky as an ode to your party -- or to a personal celebration. An ancient Chinese tradition, this might be a fun way to close out the night.

6. Pink Cadillac Party Food Tray
Have you ever seen a cuter personal-sized serving tray? Even boring potato chips or chopped celery is going to look good on top of this pink Cadillac. We think you might even be able to insert a plastic flute into the cup holder ...

7. Pink Lace Cupcake Wrappers
Inject some fancy into your next batch of cupcakes by wrapping each little sugar-y treat into one of these. (Note: also comes in ivory.)

8. Hen Party Invitations
A Hen Party is what the English call a bachelorette party and, of course, that's the kind of bash Kate's going to be the guest of honor at soon. We think she should ask her gal pals to load up on these Hen Party invites.

9. Mini Cake Plates
Categorized under a girl's-party theme (Truly Scrumptious Tea & Cake Party), three Shabby Chic-type designs for a smaller-size paper plate come in one pack. Mix and match for a wine-and-cake night or your own take on afternoon tea.

10. Red Reindeer Plates
We would be remiss to not include a product we could use this Christmas. Our eyes fell onto this red-and-white reindeer design, a reminder of the traditional holiday and Santa Claus, but with a modern twist.

Looking for updates on the upcoming nuptials? Our sister site AisleDash has it covered! Check out details on the wedding venue, the dress and more details about the royal wedding.

Want to read more about throwing an awesome party?
Entertaining tips from Shelterpop & Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams' Party
The New Rules of Entertaining

 

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