Parisian Par-tea

"Parisian Par-tea"

Sun.Star Davao, Feb. 21, 2009

Chelsea Denise Uy is one stylish little lady who knows what she wants even at a tender age of six.

Last 2008, she personally chose “High School Musical 2” as the theme for her fabulous 5th birthday bash complete with different game and food booths, giant inflatable slide, mini golf, outdoor ‘Broadway theater’ and other fun-filled

activities.

And, for her recent 6th birthday celebration, Chelsea was equally hands-on again with the preparations.

“Chelsea wanted her 6th birthday party to have something to do with baking, crafts and tea so when we met with Annie Paz-Lim, our party planner and decorator, we thought of having a tea party—Paris style”, says Cherylyn, Chelsea’s proud mom.

Doting parents Dennis and Cherylyn were only too happy to oblige to their cherie amor’s tea party wish.

Ooh la la

“Annie and I both fell in love with Paris when we visited the city on separate occasions. We were so fascinated with how the Parisians had tea by Champs Elysees...it was truly a sight to behold!”, describes Cherylyn.

The jetsetter moms wanted to share that beautiful experience to Chelsea’s party guests.

Days before the special event, personalized teapot-shaped invitations in shades of pink and brown with lace patterned from French parties by Annie were sent out to close friends and relatives.

Annie and her team creatively decorated the Uy family’s auxiliary room into “Chelsea’s Little Tea Shoppe”.

“Tiffany chairs and tables were dressed up in baby pink satin silk. Teddy bears, pink silk flowers, jewelry boxes with pearls and mini replicas of the Eiffel Tower served as centerpieces”, illustrates Cherylyn.

In one corner, a cream-colored wooden dresser was set up with dainty hats of all shapes and designs completing the Paris look of the tea shoppe. The kids couldn’t resist admiring themselves in the vanity mirror wearing satin headbands, pearl and crystal necklaces and bracelets which were given as party favors by Chelsea.

There was also a dessert bar of heavenly cupcakes, cookies, heart-shaped candies, lollipops and cheese balls.

Meanwhile, the energetic boys gathered at Chelsea’s playroom where they busied themselves with various toys such as Concentrix, blocks, etc.

Parisian Par-tea

Chelsea welcomed her guests wearing an adorable aqua-colored multi-layered cotton silk dress with a bow accent. Her outfit was especially designed and made by one of Manila’s most sought-after young designers, Atelier Debbie Co.

At Chelsea’s Little Tea Shoppe, the kiddie guests were each provided a white apron with ruffles, chef’s hat and a cupcake/cookie set.

Baby Cakes’ Kaye McDulley-Gempesaw and Maite Iñigo-Gempesaw taught the eager junior pastry chefs how to decorate their cupcakes and cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles.

Ellen Garcia, the gracious party host, demonstrated to the girls how to eat like a princess. Proper table manners such as the correct setting of utensils; how to use the table napkin, eat cupcake and drink ‘tea’ (substituted with the more child-friendly hot chocolate) in a lady-like manner were among the important lessons.

Chelsea’s splendid three-dimensional fondant birthday cake by Tanya Tan of All About Cakes consisted of three gigantic teacups and saucers adorned with flower, leaf, lace, pearl and polka dot designs.

In addition, there was a touch of Paris in the adult area. The gorgeous lanai was converted into Champs Elysees with tiffany chairs; and centerpieces of teddy bears, pearls, lace trinket boxes and rose topiaries.

The tea and dessert bars were to die for! Blu Gre Coffee’s scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake, Decadence Cake, Belgian Chocolate Cupcakes and Mini Ensaymadas and Macaroons from one of Manila’s best places for dessert, Bizu (no less!) were the perfect combination to the wide variety of imported tea and coffee available.

Unlimited treats from Allegro Ice Cream were also enjoyed by the young and old alike.

While the guests feasted on the sumptuous buffet by Yummy Foods, they were serenaded by romantic songs by live performers.

After dinner, thrilling games followed at the fountain area with prizes such as heart pillows, stickers, cupcake recipe books, toy cars, Bakugan Battle Brawlers, teddy bears, princess purses, feather pens and pretty garden hats.

Girls came home with brown teddy bears, flower-designed tea cups and saucers, pink place mats, chocolates and a feather pens inside personalized hat boxes as give-aways while boys received Smart Cubes, candies and chocolates.

Certainly, Chelsea’s party guests revelled in the one-of-a-kind experience of having a glimpse and taste of Paris without leaving the comforts of Davao...Magnifique!

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com.