A party girl extraordinaire shares her tips and tricks
In no time at all, Pret-a-Party has become a go to resource for kids parties, baby showers and stylish entertaining supplies. And we’re so glad they’re here, because before this online party store came along, we tended to stagger under the weight of indecision each time an anniversary approached for one of our children.
After getting inspiration from them for a bash recently, we were keen to meet up with owner and founder, Kirsten Fox, and find out a bit more about her whirlwind, trailblazing entrée to Singapore. We caught up with the New Zealand native at home with her two adorable tots, 3-year-old Ella and 3-month-old Tom.
Hello, Kirsten! We really love what you’re doing. How did you get started setting up Pret-a-Party?
I was planning my daughter’s birthday party and all I could find was Disney-type decorations and party supplies. I wanted something fresh, unique, and of high quality – but not with the expensive price tag. It gave me the idea to offer products like this in Singapore. It helps that I also love planning and hosting parties!
You have such great taste. Tell us about the Pret-a-Party products.
We offer an amazing range of decorations and supplies for children’s birthdays, baby showers, brides-to-be events, or just for fun and elegant entertaining. The essence of it all is that these products make it easy to create a party look that is special yet simply achieved.For childrens parties we have some pretty lovely themes to choose from like Ballet Dancers, Princesses or Pirates, etc. My favourite is Toot Sweet, a carnival-themed range that is great for any occasion and gender. We also sell wooden cutlery, gifts, paper pompoms and lanterns, etc that really enhance any theme you go for.
OK, we need help. Parties are not our forte unless we have loads of time. Any timesaving tips you can share with us?
When planning a party, the main thing is to deecide on your venue early. If it’s at home, that’s easy, but if it’s a condominium function room or another venue, make sure you lock it in. Personally, I wouldn’t hold a party somewhere that was weather dependent just because it adds an element of stress on the day when there is so much else to focus on. Singapore’s climate is so unpredictable!
Once you know the venue, you can start planning – the guest list, food, drinks, decorations, invitations, entertainment and cake suppliers can all be secured.
Finally, make a list of everything. Write down every detail you can think of, and that way you won’t get flustered 10 minutes before a dozen children arrive at your doorstep and realize you haven’t got goodie bags for them to take home. Having said that, some minor party disasters can end up being the funniest moments to look back on!
Customised birthday cakes are so popular now but rather expensive for flour, sugar, and eggs. How do you go about sourcing cakes for kids?
I prefer to make my own birthday cakes. Even if they don’t turn out perfectly, they are made with love. I adored the birthday cakes my mum would make me each year as a child. I always bake cupcakes as they are easy to make, and can look impressive using themed cupcake bases and cupcake toppers. It’s so nice to give a party your own personal touch rather than perfection.
Let’s move on to another big part of your life: kids. What do you love most about being a mum?
It might be cliché but I love the sense of achievement being a mum gives me. While it has been a huge challenge, knowing that I am responsible for making two little people happy is really satisfying, and makes me so happy in return.
You clearly adore your kids. How do you overcome parenting challenges?
For me, and I am sure I am not alone, the main challenge is in juggling all my different roles and doing them well – mum, wife, friend, daughter, sister, auntie, and now small business owner. I don’t know that I’ve overcome it as it’s an ongoing, changing thing. But I’m constantly looking for ways to bring about a better balance and love hearing about other women who have achieved this.
My practical advice is I think we all need to take a step back and give ourselves a break (figuratively and literally)! A 20-minute coffee break before school pick-up, or indulging in a glass of wine and some mindless TV once the kids are asleep can help make the challenge of being ‘everything to everyone’, a little bit easier.
With so much on your plate, things must be overwhelming at times. How do you keep your sanity?
While I think being a mum is the most difficult, rewarding, frustrating, scary, and wonderful job on the planet, you need to do something for yourself too – whether it’s work, a book club, or a fitness regime. It revitalises you and reminds you of who you are. Managing Pret-a-Party keeps me busy, and I meet a group of intelligent and interesting women from all walks of life at my monthly book club to chat and laugh with.
You have a gorgeous home. How do you unwind after a long day here?
We moved to a landed house recently and it gives us more space to entertain friends and for Ella to play. Once the children are in bed, my husband and I love sitting outside under the fan to catch up on the day over a glass of wine.
Thanks for the lovely chat, Kirsten. Now, it’s time we get our hands on something sweet from Pret-a-Party, like this pretty cupcake kit!