Monday, January 19, 2015

Downton Abbey Murder Mystery Party...

 
Detail on a cocktail dress, thrifted for $25, and worn beautifully by my gorgeous girl. Black lace over ecru, with the most divine art deco sequinned detail....a steal.
 
More photos of her fifteenth birthday party with a Downton Abbey Murder Mystery Theme.
 
Guests were invited to dress 1920s style, and join in solving the mystery of  the recently, and suspiciously deceased, Mary Baker. An interrogation room was set up, and each guest assumed their identity as detailed in their invitation.
 
Much fun was had interrogating them all, with few guessing who the real murderer was!
 
Here's the cake. You can see more photos of it here.
 
 
Sparklers were used in preference to candles, just for fun. Did you know that the quickest way to light sparklers is with another lit sparkler? Just touch the heated bit where it's 'sparkling' to the tip of the next sparkler. It works beautifully!

 
The girls went all out with stunning flapper era inspired hairstyles...


 
...and bejewelled headbands.


Party favours included a pair of handmirrors, painted with pearlised paint and embellished with a single crystal, tied together with lashings of black tulle ribbon...

 
....and glittering masks.

 
The girls were utterly gorgeous, singing Happy Birthday in harmony, and embracing the theme of the party with relish!
 
My daughter laid her pretty head in my lap that night, and said 'Mum that was the best party, and the best cake ever.'
 
What more could a Mum want?
 

19 comments:

  1. What a great party you put on for your girl, Mimi! She will never forget it I am sure. Love the photos.

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  2. Oh, my giddy heart! Mimi, how beautiful!! What fun to put together and the mastery behind the theme cake is exceptional. Tender little moment at the end. Xx

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  3. Thankyou Flora! The cake isn't perfect, but do you know how hard it is to make the requested 'Victorian sort of era, dressing table set thingy...you know Mum?'. Yes, feel good Mummy experience all round...x

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    1. Laughing re 'thingy' it's a Proper noun these days....even the A+ ones use it!!!

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  4. What a fantastic party, Mimi! I do wish I had the opportunity to plan and organise a girl's party...although it is fun doing a party for a little boy :) Attention to detail is the key to everything x Fiona

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    1. Fiona, you're right there. I had just as much fun doing parties for my sons when they were young. We did Transformers cakes, a Space Invaders cake, Teddy Bears and Robots. Never perfect, yet always memorable :)

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  5. love the whole theme Mimi, the cake was beautiful, the dress has given me some ideas of what to wear to DD's 30th birthday party. She is having a 20's prohibition party, she has a friend who loves baking so I won't have to make a cake thank goodness.

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    1. Thankyou Maggie. What size are you? Happy to lend the dress! A 20s Prohibition party sounds awesome!

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  6. Mimi, I'm sure I am much bigger than your DD at 14-16. I saw one today in an op shop that would have been perfect except it was slightly too small, however it did make me think I could make my own. I have enough fabric and several suitable patterns, don't know why I didn't think of it earlier, especially as making myown clothing is on my to do list for this year.

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    1. Yes! Making your own could be quite simple. A flapper style dress is just a basic shift with sequins and fringes. What a great idea!

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  7. Love seeing the details Mimi. I really adore the hand mirror favours... that is a gorgeous idea.
    The whole thing was beautiful and will be remembered forever by them all. Really money cant buy that and what a beautiful group of girls. There are plenty of 15 year olds roaming the streets these days sadly.
    I also love the hairstyles! How pretty and romantic!
    These things take a lot of time and effort. But its worth it. I know you treasure everything.
    I think I will be studying Downton Abbey for ideas on luxuries... as you point out the op shop provides some very good things to use to add to our own glamour! Many thanks for sharing glimpses of what youve been up to! xxx

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    1. They are a gorgeous group Annabel. And yes, so different to some of the 15 year olds out there. Kids are criticised so often and yet some of them really don't deserve it. The hairstyles were precious too, weren't they. I'm so glad they all love Downton Abbey. It really is a glimpse into a more lovely era....well visually at least. Certainly NOT a high point in terms of political correctness or rights of women and the downtrodden! Thanks for your lovely comment...xxx

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  8. Fun! Love DA, such a great series!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY.
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  9. What a gorgeous party theme! I love that the girls enjoyed it so much. And the mirrors were a true inspiration.

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  10. Oh wow, I adored this Downton Abbey Murder Mystery Party! I loved how perfectly it was planned and executed. So pleased that everyone had such a brilliant time over there. My husband is turning 40 years old and I too would like to use this theme idea. I am definitely going to book one of the historical NYC venues for this party.

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I love hearing from you! I always respond to comments, so don't be shy! Mimi xxx