{inspired by} halloween...already??

It is hard to believe that yet another month has flown by...and it's Halloween this weekend!

My children love dressing up, and have been to many Halloween parties over the years. But, although they have asked many times, I have to admit I have never been very comfortable with the idea of trick or treating....mostly because you just never know who's out there, but also because I don't want to upset anyone who is very against the idea of halloween. 

With my oldest turning 11 this year, he is very keen to go out trick or treating (mostly for the lollies!!) and so the nagging has stepped up a notch.  A dear friend of mine (also with a 10 year old) came up with a great idea...she has invited a group of families who all know each other and live locally to mark their homes to let the other families know the children are welcome to knock for trick or treat. We have about 10 in the group so far, so it should be a fun (worry-free) night!!

So now to think about costumes!! We spotted these sweet no-sew ones over at amazingmoms.com, and thought you might like them!

lady bug - find instructions here

jack-o-lantern pumpkin - find instructions here

We would love to hear how you celebrate halloween?  Are you having a party? Decorating the front garden? Keeping a stash of lollies by the door? or will you be trick or treating?

Happy Halloween!! x

{spotted on etsy} tea party goodie bags

We spotted these adorable little teapot boxes on etsy and couldn't resist sharing!! We think they would make perfect goodie bags for a tea party, don't you? I can imagine them all lined up on a dessert table...too cute!!

you can find them here on etsy along with lots of other goodies!!

{real parties} Mad Hatters Tea Party!

Indigo was invited to a Mad Hatter's Tea Party yesterday, to celebrate her little friend Machaela's 5th birthday ...so sweet!  Machaela's mum, Heidi, did an amazing job of handcrafting each element of this beautiful party, from handwritten invitations and handpainted signs and characters, through to the sweet little cupcakes and cookies...she is one very clever lady!

 A magical door led the children through to the party area ....and 'eat me' biscuits  were on offer for the curious!

the gorgeous birthday girl in a beautiful Alice costume

... and her brother as the Mad Hatter!

sweet little details like mismatched teacups and this clock decorated the party table...

drink me...

eat me... yum!

cute little marshmallow teacups

love this! Please note: eating these mushrooms may make you change size!! - one side will make you grow taller, and the other side will make you grow shorter!

Queen of Hearts, clock and eat me cookies...

Spotted throughout the party area were wonderland characters, including the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat, all handpainted by Heidi! 

..and little lolly jars for each guest to take home!

Happy 5th Birthday Machaela!!

Thank you Heidi for letting us share Machaela's special day, Indigo had a fantastic time...and I think you have inspired a future party theme for The Candy Tree!! Tanya x

{cupcakes} flower pot cupcakes!

This morning we caught up with family and friends to celebrate Maeve's birthday!  Maeve is my cousin Berenice's second daughter... it is lovely seeing all our children together and reminds us of the fun we had all those years ago!

I wanted to share these adorable flower pot cupcakes that Aunty Vernita made for the party....so sweet!! Starting with a plain cupcake, she has frosted them with chocolate butter icing and dipped in chocolate sprinkles to create the 'dirt'. Then topped with a lolly pop and two spearmint leaves for the flower. They would be perfect for a garden fairy party, maybe even something the little fairies could create themselves!

Happy 2nd Birthday Maeve!!

Tanya x