I love the concept of pop up parties, but in reality can be a bit hard to do.  Especially with a toddler in tow.
So I thought how cool would it be to create a pop up space at home -  a little extraordinary in the ordinary, a little bit of fantasy for just one evening.

I wanted to set the table up in the garden surrounded by fairy lights, but some heavy rain storms meant it had to be plan B, our wide hallway.  I threw down a rug and moved our outdoor table and pillows indoors for the evening.  Then I strung the glass doors with fairy lights and lit candles to create a romantic glow of light.

Watermelon and lime agua fresca kicked off the evening, followed by a delicious Mexican inspired menu made by my amazing hubby.  Wraps with lamb, pomegranates and honey coriander yoghurt, or deconstructed chorizo with jalapeno green sauce, chunks of pineapple dusted with salt and chilli powder, and a grapefruit granita with a mojito sauce to finish.   Delicious!

I found gorgeous bunches of natives in yellows and oranges at the flower seller this morning. 

Wax flowers, pin cushions and kangaroo paw form a zesty base that could be Christmas or fiesta.  I made a low arrangement for the table centre with a few candles, finished with white plates and white napkins.  Fresh, fun and simple.

Sitting on cushions on the floor with the glow of candlelight and fairy lights, what fun.

The space was transformed, it didn't look like our house at all.  All the fantasy of a pop up party, with all the comforts of home and a fully equipped kitchen close at hand.  I didn't use anything I didn't already own, I just moved things into unexpected places.
I hope you are inspired!  Go on, string up some lanterns or fairy lights, and throw a pop up party of your own at home too.  Make sure to tell me what you created!

All images by Eva Burgess of Build House Home, except 5th image by Graeme Myburgh.

Its a good time of year to sort out the toys, Christmas is around the corner and our lucky children are sure to be getting presents.  They have been good so it will be presents rather than coal.  

Its the perfect time to sort through what we have:

• throw away the broken, 
• regroup the sets that have become scattered, 
• separate preloved toys for regifting

This year in addition to their own stockings, my children will have a regifting santa sack where they can put toys that can be passed onto children who need them.  

It is hard to find places in Australia which will accept quality preloved toys, but I have managed to find a few places who do take them: 

• Your local police station may accept soft animals that children in a traumatic situation can be given to cuddle, 
• Family refuge centres (like Ozcare) will also accept toys if they have a family with children of the right age, 
• Foster care centres will pass age appropriate toys onto children in care
• Childrens Hospitals
• Lifeline shops accept games and books.  

If anybody has any other suggestions please let me know, I do hate the idea that old toys just go to the tip.

Back in the mists of cyber time (about 5 years ago) I doubted that I would buy much on the internet.  

How hilarious!  I have bought clothes, shoes, lamps, bed linen, a lawn mower (! not kidding) any amount of fabric and craft stuff, hardware, books... the list is endless.  This year I am doing my Christmas shopping online.  I know its early but I am going to be super organised, I am not going to scrum down in the department stores, I am going to miss the traffic and find wonderful, thoughtful, reasonably priced presents for all.  Sharing is caring, so I hope you find some ideas here you like too.

Gifts online for under $30: 
Half Full print and Bird pendant by Courtney Oquist on Etsy. Charm with your child's actual foot print or hand writing by J4J Charms.  I really really want one with Ella's handwriting, what gorgeous keep sakes for any mum and they do cuff links for dads. Click Clack Critterz Frog from Biome.

More online gifts under $30:  
Fetch tea towel from To Dry For.   
Sweet Orange, Cedarwood & Sage Hand wash and Mandarin & Rosemary Body cream from Grown.  My personal favourite range for home.  
Cotton fouta or french bath towels, the perfect light beach towel or sarong in gorgeous french style stripes and colours.  Look on eBay, lots of suppliers and any colour that you like.

Apps for the littlies, tested and approved by Little Miss J:
These are good sanity savers for long journeys or doctors waiting rooms.
Both the Duck Duck Moose range and the Hairy Maclary books are very interactive with the figures reacting to the patting and poking of little paws.
Apps are great gifts to send when loved ones are far away, and super reasonable at under $6 each.

I am only including things that I would like to give or receive myself (we will see which of my family read the blog won't we).
Pop in next week to see my selections for under $50 and under $150, also I have an idea which I think will revolutionise family gifting forever.