Disney Princess: Culture Bash

The world is getting smaller. Like most big cities, Sao Paulo has its share of multicultural families and that population continues to increase.



Photos by Camp Fotografia

I thought designing a party for the daughter of an American mom and a Brazilian dad was going to be pretty straightforward. The theme was Disney Princess, a popular choice. Anticipating the party, the couple had brought a bounty of Princess themed party goods in their move from New York to Sao Paulo, so we were set on supplies. But I didn’t anticipate the clash of culture that occurred over a 3-year-old’s birthday.

Catering by General Prime Burger

For most in the States, a birthday party consists of pizzas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and birthday cake. But a Brazilian birthday party involves much, much more. The idea of having an elaborate sweet table, well, it kind of scared this Manhattan mom. And with good reason. Some sweet displays can get quite outlandish if put in less attentive hands. She also didn’t understand the typical children party menu and why mini-hotdogs and brigadeiro were a requirement. Honestly, with a child that was only two, she didn’t have much experience in this arena as it was. But the Brazilian family and friends that were to be the guests of this event has certain expectations.

So what did I do? For one, I backed off the Brazilian bling.

Cupcake tower/cake by Carla Prado

We made the cake table simple. A lovely, themed cupcake tower with some Disney Princess dolls and a garden of sweets calmed her fears.

While children’s birthday parties in Brazil are usually light on adults, she had invited quite a few and as it was being held on a Saturday, we knew they would probably show up (especially since many were Americans). So we included a gourmet buffet complete with cocktails. To balance out the Brazilian elements, we injected some American party activities like a piñata.

In the end, everyone, Brazilians and foreigners alike, felt in his or her element. And of course, the party princess had a fabulous time at very her first Brazilian bash.

Photos by Camp Fotografia

Toy Story Time Out



Photos by Camp Fotografia

 What to do when your limited on both budget and time?


As Buzz would say, "Sheriff, this is no time to panic."

Planning a party at the last minute might seem a bit nightmarish, but you'd be surprised what you can pull off under pressure.

For this party, the theme was an easy one. "Toy Story 3" had been released not so many months prior and because it was another Disney hit, party supplies weren't so hard to come by. But monetary constraints meant that a shopping spree wasn't the solution for this last minute soiree. So what was going to make this celebration of a little boy's 3rd year spectacular? 

Toys!

After a few phone calls and emails to friends and neighbors, I was set with plenty to adorn the party room. Lucky for me, the Toy Story franchise wasn't limited to Disney licensed products. 

Classic kid playthings like Mr. Potato Head, piggy banks and blocks helped in adding to the arsenal of Toy Story characters I was able to collect.

Going with primary colors, I made it easy to brighten up the room with balloons. Add some personalized labels on water bottles and candy, plus a stack of cowboy hats, and the theme is complete. 

Despite being short on time and budget, the party was a success. How could it not be when it was all about... toys?