Children’s Party Inspiration: ‘Threechella’

Take notes from a super fun Dubai-based garden party with a stylishly bohemian twist

With the afternoon sun gently setting over a field strewn with tepees, a miniature pony trots along the side of a lake. Glitter-adorned children run from headdress-making stations to marvel at novelty balloon artists, grabbing a flamingo-shaped biscuit on the way. It’s a children’s party, but not as we know it.

Celebrating the third birthdays of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Editor-in-chief Louise Nichol’s daughter Leo, and Teddy, the son of Heidi Raeside, founder of the award-winning website, Tuesdayschild.me, last weekend’s shindig eschewed more traditional children’s themes, adopting Threechella – a take on the US music festival Coachella – as its theme.  Held at Reform Social & Grill in the Lakes Club, Dubai, Al Tamimi Stables provided the pony, while Lafayette Gourmet laid on festival-inspired fare for the children, including pineapple-shaped biscuits and a colourful smoothie-making station. The birthday cakes, a bohemian bird for Leo and a bright yellow smiley face for Teddy, were custom-created by Maison Sucre in Abu Dhabi. In the free-spirited festival vibe, a cake smash ensued, much to the delight of the assembled guests. In a bid to burn off all that excess sugar, the team from Cheeky Little Events kept little ones entertained with balloon artistry and impromptu games, while headdress and beaded necklace-making stations, courtesy of The Happy Box, upped the bohemian festival fashion ante. Party supplies specialist Party Camel provided flamingo-shaped balloons and golden streamers, but perhaps the most popular touch – for children and parents alike – was glitter face and body art by Glitter Box UAE, which lent a fairy-like feel. Children’s parties never looked so chic… Scroll through our gallery above and get a glimpse of the glitter-fuelled day.