Today, with one head office in Cheltenham, UK, and another in Reno, Nevada in the United States, Meri Meri has 85 employees and sells in 80 countries, through over 5,000 shops and online. Its online retail site, launched in 2017, features a magical mix of tableware, partyware, costumes, and toys, alongside inspirational craft and party ideas.

I love working in the children’s and partyware industry because…

It is completely joyful. I have the incredible good fortune to make fun, happy, and colorful products to celebrate life!

The brand is best known for…

We are famous for our cupcake kits! It’s a product we invented in 2007 to make cake decorating playful.

My biggest achievement to date is…

My biggest achievement, of course, is my two children and three grandchildren. However, building and maintaining a team of extraordinarily talented and kind people also makes me very proud.

We’re inspired by…

We are like magpies; if it’s shiny and new, we gravitate toward it. Our collections are inspired by travel and trends.

The current party trends we’re loving are…

Colourblock rainbow place settings are so much fun. We have a few great examples on our Instagram feed.

Favourite party pieces from the collection are…

I love our large hanging paper flower walls.

My favourite place in the world to skip the crowds is…

I always want to be in Maine. I have a summer house in a historic coastal town called Castine.

The best people to follow for parenting inspo are…

Dr. Becky has the best parenting advice I have ever heard.

And finally, what’s next for Meri Meri?

We are working on projects to celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2025, including a big new collaboration with a 150-year-old heritage brand.

Discover Meri Meri’s dreamy range of colourful partyware on their website at www.merimeri.com, and follow their Instagram at @merimeriparty.

READ NEXT: 4 Iconic Children’s Party Theme Ideas

The post 9 Questions With Meredithe Stuart-Smith, Founder of Meri Meri appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

7 Ways to Entertain Your Children This Summer

Treasure Hunting

Hand-draw a pirate map of your chosen area on brown paper, making it look like a treasure island. Include key locations like Quicksand (park bench), Skull Rock (bandstand), and Coconut Tree (big oak tree). Burn the map’s edges for an authentic touch, roll it up, and tie it with a red ribbon. Dress as pirates and use the map to embark on an adventure, completing challenges and finding hidden treasures.

Bug Safari

Connect with nature by embarking on a Bug Safari. Search under large stones, logs, and branches in your garden or local park to discover a variety of creatures. Aim to find as many different types as possible, from woodlice to newts. Remember to return the stones or logs to their original positions once you’re done.

London Adventure

Plan a bespoke family tour of London, based around museums, parks, or a favourite storyline. Create an exciting narrative with clues and challenges, making the children the heroes of the adventure. For example, uncover the mystery of the Rosetta Stone with secret instructions and a thrilling trail through the city.

Alice in Wonderland

Host a Mad Hatter’s tea party in a park, complete with themed costumes and food. Reenact scenes from the story with activities like flamingo croquet, jam tart decorating, and Cheshire Cat riddles. Let your imagination run wild with Alice-themed games and crafts.

Fairy and Gnome Villages

Build fairy and gnome houses outdoors using sticks, leaves, and other natural materials. Create an entire village with pathways, ponds, and wishing wells. This simple yet captivating activity encourages creativity and patience.

Campfire Cooking

Enjoy the adventure of cooking over a campfire. Prepare lamb koftas, campfire bread, or baked bananas stuffed with chocolate and marshmallows. Whether in a garden fire pit or a park BBQ, this activity brings the family together for a delicious outdoor meal.

Mini Olympic Games

Host a mini Olympic Games inspired by Paris 2024. Choose countries to represent, create flags, and design team kits. Compete in fun events like shoe shot put, break dancing, and paper boat racing. Celebrate with an opening ceremony and carry an Olympic torch to your local park.

Book Some Support This Summer

At Sharky & George we’d love to help out wherever we can, so if you need an amazing guy or girl to come on holiday with you to provide your own private kids club on hand at all times, let us know.  Likewise if there’s a day in the holidays when you’d like us to arrange a treasure hunt, museum trip, quest or day of larking around in the park, just shout. We also run a fantastic holiday camp in Parson’s Green every weekday during the holidays, more information here Bring on the summer holidays, we can’t wait!

To find out more on Sharky & George head to: www.sharkyandgeorge.com/

READ NEXT: The Best Gifts For New Parents

The post 7 Ways to Entertain Your Children This Summer appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

Some gifts are nostalgic collectibles that will serve as an emblem of this special time while the baby grows; others are lifesaving and practical. We have included delicious and nutritious By Ruby meals to stock the freezer with and an Elodie x Morris & Co. changing bag to fill to the brim with newborn necessities. Then there are the gifts that simply elevate the everyday, like Emma Elizabeth’s embroidered tractor and ballerina bags.

Dive into our round-up of the very best gifts for new parents.

Elodie x Morris & Co, Soft Cotton Blanket, Owl & Willow, £34.90

MORI, New Arrival Set, £87

Joma Jewellery, A Little ‘New Arrival’ Bracelet, £17.99

Emma Elizabeth, ‘Old MacDonald’ Everyday Bag, £28.00

Elodie x Morris & Co, Changing Bag Soft Shell – Pimpernel, £69.90

Treat Republic, Personalised Silver Alphabet Money Box (10cm), £35.00

English Trousseau, Silver Baby Brush & Comb Gift Set, £43.00

Atelier Choux Paris, Ivory Cotton Babysuit Gift Set, £143.00

Emma Elizabeth, ‘Pretty Ballerina’ Everyday Bag, £28.00

Beatrice & George, Beige Teddy Bear (32cm), £45.00

By Ruby, New Parent Bundle, £83.22

READ NEXT: Must-Have Tech For New Parents

The post The Best Gifts For New Parents appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

OUTFITS 

Whatever the price tag, you can’t deny the appeal of that show-stopping baby outfit to see your little ones through the wedding season. From pretty smocks and florals for younger ones, cashmere blazers for boys, to breezy whimsical dresses for those who are a little bit older, we’ve rounded up some of our favourites. It is also worth packing baby ear defenders to protect their tiny ear drums and to help them get to sleep so that you can have a dance! 

GIRLS

BOYS

NURSING

Breast pumps, nipple cream and hard core breast pads are all worth considering to help you with feeding on these big occasions. 
Ideally the Elvie will come to your aid at big events – with its electric hands-free breast pump it has revolutionised pumping with its discreet design and smart app. It stores data so you can track things like the time since your last pump, and the amount of milk you pumped in a session plus no one will know it’s in there. If your conscious of breastfeeding make your muslins go further by buying swaddle size – that way they can serve as a blanket, cover, swaddle, milk sick protector or a nursing cover when needed. It also cuts down on the amount of stuff you need to think about packing in order to leave the house.

BUGGIES

Invest in a pram that will grow with your baby, serving as a bassinet in the early weeks, and later a comfy chair for walks, naps and daily journeys. Your stroller should be compact enough for your car, and must be able to handle the environment in which you intend to use it. Also super important with Autumn or winter weddings to have the correct layers, we love this special Green Gingham Check Daisy Foldable Pushchair Footmuff from The Five of Us – not only for affordability but style credentials too.

BABY CARRIERS

There’ll be many moments when you want your hands free, but the baby does not want to be put down. A good supportive baby carrier can help to solve this conundrum. They’re not just for walks or buggy-free hands for that canape or glass of champagne, but baby carriers are a lifesaver if you have a baby that needs calming, a contact nap or soothing during the “witching hour” at a wedding. Our favourites below –

CHANGING MAT, NAPPIES AND NAPPY BAGS

You’ll get through a lot of nappies. Make sure they fit well and are soft on your baby’s skin, to make them as comfortable as possible. Equally as important is the changing bag you keep the nappies in when you’re out and about. Lots of storage and compartments are key and most importantly don’t forget nappy bags as its (very) unlikely there will be nappy bins at the wedding!

DUMMIES AND TEETHING TOYS

Dummies can help to settle cranky babies for that key moment when your loved ones are walking down the aisle, and teething toys can soothe irritated gums. Personal choice comes into the equation here, but if you’re shopping for soothers, start with these simple, BPA-free teat-shaped dummies.

COTS/SLEEP

Newborns might be small, but they require a lot of equipment even at events. A sleep pod like Dockatot for daytime naps is almost essential so that your baby doesn’t spend the whole day in the pram and perfect for destination weddings so you can pop them in the shade. Bedding is key to creating the optimal sleep environment for a better rest for your baby (and you). Invest in soft, temperature controlling sleeping bags, and extra layers of blankets as the evening gets later and cooler or muslins for sleep on the go and hot wedding days. If your staying over SNOO is a smart cot that rocks your baby to sleep, keeping them settled for longer and is perfect if you’re attending a wedding at a venue where you can pop it inside with a baby monitor. It also compiles data, allowing you to track your little one’s sleep patterns.

TRAVELLING ABROAD

The key to travelling for a wedding abroad with your child is: prepare, prepare, prepare! If at all possible arrange your flights there and back around nap times (resist that reasonable flight that gets into Stanstead at 11pm – it won’t be worth it!) always arrive early to the airport and consider and prepare well for your final destination.

GIRLS OUTFITS

BOYS OUTFITS

OUTFITS FOR YOU

There’s so much choice at the best of times, so if you’re a new mum who has chosen to breastfeed and is therefore looking for functional fashion at a wedding, choices can be a bit of a nightmare. To help, we’ve scoured high and low for brilliant dresses that are practical and chic to get you through.

Related Articles: What to Wear to a Wedding When Your Pregnant

The post Essential Guide To Taking Your Baby To A Wedding appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

Luxury Gifts

BANWOOD, BALANCE BIKE VINTAGE BANWOOD – GREEN, £ 149

Royal Twins Mise – Little Sister And Brother, £37

Elodie x Morris & Co, Soft Cotton Blanket, Owl & Willow, £34.90

GENTS BY AGE OF INNOCENCE MARCUS SUEDE KHAKI, £67.80

Vilac White Wooden Rocking Horse (77cm), £90.00

Beatrice & George, Beige Teddy Bear (32cm), £45.00

MORI, New Arrival Set, £87

Emma Elizabeth, ‘Old MacDonald’ Everyday Bag, £28.00

Musical Ballerina Box – Blue Floral, £110.00

Trotters, Thomas Brown, Pale Blue Stripe Baby Alexander Bib Shorts, £50

Tonies® Learn With Peppa Pig, Peppa Pig, £14.99

NOA Mini, Yellow Gold Diamond Elephant Necklace, £1,200.00

Treat Republic, Personalised Silver Alphabet Money Box (10cm), £35.00

English Trousseau, Silver Baby Brush & Comb Gift Set, £43.00

Atelier Choux Paris, Ivory Cotton Babysuit Gift Set, £143.00

MORI, Wooden Baby Toys Gift Set, £42

PEPPA PIG x Trotters, Peppa Willow Collar Dress, £86

LE TOY VAN, Cherry Tree Hall Wooden Dolls House, £269.95

Little Butterfly London, Kids’ Bestseller Set, £79

LE TOY VAN, Vanity Star Beauty Kit, £34.95

SCANDIBORN, Little Dutch Retro Roller Ride on Car – Olive Green – £138

Trotters, Le Toy Van Barbarossa Pirate Ship, £60

Age Of Innocence, MILO KING, £82

BANWOOD, TRIKE VINTAGE BANWOOD – CREAM, £149

Age of Innocence, AGNESE 2.0 SILVER/PINK, £104.00 GBP

The Toniebox, from £79.95

Childrensalon, David Charles, Girls Ivory Satin Round Handbag, £122.00

Little Belle, Fairy House Nightlight – Porcelain, £99.95

Related article: A Guide To Manifesting For Kids With Roxie Nafousi 

The post The Ultimate Luxury Gift Guide For Children appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

Picture this: dainty smock dresses adorned with delicate floral patterns, reminiscent of a blooming garden in full springtime glory. These dresses, with their soft pastel hues and fluttering skirts, are quintessentially spring and perfect for our little flower girls to twirl and dance in.

But what’s a flower girl without her accessories? We’re talking about charming headbands adorned with tiny blossoms, darling bow clips that add a touch of whimsy to any hairstyle, and dainty floral bracelets that shimmer in the sunlight. These accessories not only complement the outfit but also add an extra sprinkle of magic to the ensemble.

Embracing the spirit of spring, we’re particularly drawn to sunny yellow tones that evoke the warmth and joy of the season. Imagine your little one walking down the aisle, scattering petals in a lemon-yellow smock dress paired with white Mary Janes and a matching floral headband – an absolute vision of innocence and grace.

Whether it’s a traditional church wedding or an intimate garden affair, these flower girl outfits and accessories are sure to steal the show. So, as you plan your springtime celebrations, don’t forget to deck out your little ones in the most enchanting ensembles that capture the essence of the season. After all, every flower girl deserves to shine brightly amidst the blossoms of spring.

Flower Girl Outfits

Childrensalon Junona, Girls Beige Floral Tulle Dress, £365.00

AGE OF INNOCENCE ELIN GLITTER WHITE, £115.00

Monsoon, Sequin ombre bomber jacket purple, £45.00

Childrensalon Sophia Webster Min, Girls Patent Lilac Blue Chiara Shoes, £225.00

Chilrensalon, David Charles, Girls Blue Satin Dragonfly Handbag, £98.00

Childrensalon, Beatrice & George, Girls Purple Handmade Lavender Garland, £35.00

Self-Portrait, PINK JERSEY AND TULLE DRESS, £180

The Toniebox, from £79.95

Lavender & Lace Smocking, Lemonade Lane Dress,

Age of Innocence, ELLEN SEQUINS GOLD, £110.00

Florence London, Children’s Bracelet, £75.00

Self-Portrait, BLUE ORGANZA LACE MINI DRESS, £185

Jellycat London, Amuseables Sun, £28.00

Childrensalon, Tutu du Monde, Girls Lilac Purple Tulle Bow Dress, £165.00

Emma Elizabeth, ‘Pretty Ballerina’ Everyday Bag, £28.00

Childrensalon, Monnalisa Girls Purple Flower Sunglasses, £74.00

MIRABAI DRESS PETUNIA FLORAL WITH ROSE WHITE AND ROSE RED HAND SMOCKING, £85

Little Belle, Fairy House Nightlight – Porcelain, £99.95

Childrensalon, Graci, Girls Pink & Green Tulle Floral Dress, £289.00

Age of Innocence, EVA PINK, £85.00

Childrensalon Tutu du Monde, Girls Blue Sequin Star Hairband, £66.00

Joma Jewellery, Create Something Special, prices from £15.99

DIANA SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS WITH SEASHELL HAND SMOCKING, £125

Age of Innocence, MILA GLITTER GOLD, £98.00

Three Fairy Friends Tulle Dress, £210 by House Of Carousel Made to Measure

Childrensalon, David Charles, Girls Ivory Satin Round Handbag, £122.00

BANWOOD, BALANCE BIKE VINTAGE BANWOOD – PINK, £149

Our Editors’ Favourite Flower Girl And Pageboy Outfits

The post Our Favourite Flower Girl Outfits and Accessories for Spring appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

What inspired you to write a book on manifesting for children? 

When I reflect on my own struggles, I realise many stemmed from my childhood. I deeply felt the need to equip children with tools for building a more grateful attitude and managing their emotions. Witnessing the extreme emotions children experience, coupled with the pressures of social media, fuelled my compassion. I wanted to offer practical guidance to help them navigate these complexities, both now and in the long term.

Can you share more about the four steps to manifesting for kids and why you chose these steps for a younger audience?

The four steps to manifesting for kids are specifically tailored to address crucial aspects of emotional intelligence and personal development. Let me break them down:

STEP 1

Understanding Emotions: Emotions are energy, and it’s vital for children to understand that these energies can get stuck within us and manifest negatively later in life, such as anxiety or depression. In my book, I guide children to recognise six key emotions — guilt, embarrassment, worry, fear, sadness and anger — and provide them with a toolbox of coping mechanisms for each emotion, such as breathing exercises and talking to someone.

STEP 2

Self-Belief: Celebrating uniqueness and fostering self-belief are paramount. Children need to feel confident in themselves and their abilities. By instilling a sense of self-worth, children are better equipped to navigate challenges and setbacks with resilience.

STEP 3

Gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful practice that can rewire the brain for positivity and resilience. In my book, I encourage children to develop a more grateful attitude by focusing on the good in life and replacing complaining with appreciation.

STEP 4

Goal-Setting: Introducing children to goal-setting empowers them to envision their dreams and take actionable steps towards achieving them. Techniques like vision boards and visualisation are effective tools for manifesting success and fulfilment.

Each step is accompanied by engaging activities and exercises designed to make the journey accessible and enjoyable for kids.

In addressing the pressures of modern society on children, how does your book provide practical tools for them to navigate challenges and foster resilience? 

My book serves as a comprehensive toolbox for resilience, equipping children with practical tools and strategies for navigating the pressures of modern society with grace and confidence. Social media and peer pressure can significantly impact children’s mental health and well-being, which is why it’s essential to teach them emotional resilience and self-care practices from a young age.

The interactive elements in my book, such as breathwork exercises and coping mechanisms, provide children with tangible tools for managing stress and anxiety. By fostering gratitude and a positive mindset, children learn to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Ultimately, my book empowers children to become resilient, emotionally intelligent individuals who can navigate life’s challenges with confidence and grace.

As a parent, you emphasise helping children become their best selves. How does the book serve as a guide for children and a resource for parents to support their kids in the manifesting process? 

I would love every parent to read my book. Understanding manifesting not only benefits children but also provides parents with practical tools and strategies for supporting their children’s emotional and personal development. By incorporating manifesting practices into their daily routines, families can create a supportive and nurturing environment where children feel empowered to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges with confidence.

My book provides parents with practical guidance on fostering open communication and emotional intelligence within the family dynamic. By leading by example and instilling the values of gratitude, self-belief, and goal-setting in their children, parents can create a positive family environment that nurtures joy and appreciation.

With your background as a bestselling author of manifesting books for adults, how does this new book for kids complement or differ from your previous works? 

My new book for kids builds upon the principles of manifesting explored in my bestselling books for adults, offering a child-friendly approach to personal development and self-discovery. While my previous works are geared towards adults, my new book has a totally different tone, for kids and takes a more playful and interactive approach, making complex concepts like gratitude and goal-setting easy for children to understand and apply in their daily lives.

The tone of my new book is lighthearted and accessible, and it includes an eight-week daily journal for kids to apply what they’ve learned in a practical way. By empowering children to take ownership of their thoughts, emotions, and actions from a young age, my book lays the foundation for a lifetime of positive habits and personal growth.

For more information head to: https://roxienafousi.com/

Related Article: Inside Aimée Kelly’s Hospital Bag

The post A Guide To Manifesting For Kids With Roxie Nafousi  appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

The Lanesborough offers a choice of stunning private rooms available individually or in combination, with the intimate St George’s Room with views of Wellington Arch, to the palatial, Murano mirror-lined Belgravia Room with views of Hyde Park or indeed the Grand Regency dining room under glittering chandeliers with a domed glass ceiling available for buy-outs.

Each and every private event space at The Lanesborough is highly unique and beautifully decorated, no two rooms are the same.  From the princess powder blue of the Belgravia Room with its sparking chandeliers and etched mirror pelmets – perfect for Frozen, Ballerina and Princess parties; to the wood panelled, leopard printed carpeted St Georges Room facing out onto Green Park – perfect for a Pirate Party, Jungle party or most recently a Bob the Builder construction party and finally our whimsical Westminster Room, adorned in floral De-Gournay wall paper which makes for the perfect Flower Fairy or Garden picnic parties! 

Theme ideas…

Princess Party:

One of the most perfect themes for the Belgravia Room is a Princess Party, so dreamy! From pink castle back drops, pink balloon clouds overhead, dining tables decorated with mini tiaras at each place-setting and bejewelled cakes, lollipops and sweet treats to dazzle the eye!  

Rainbow Unicorn Party:

Such fun and always captures the imagination for all the little dreamers out there.  It’s a party colour scheme that embraces colour from soft pastels to bright neon.  Always an abundance of creative ballons installations from flouting clouds and rainbow tassels to great big wonderous rainbow arches. One can even have a mini unicorn pony to meet and greet guests.

Swan Lake Party:

This theme is especially popular at Christmas time. The most fantastical has seen the Belgravia Room covered with a  mirrored floor, twirling Ballerinas performing, under bowers of pink blossoms, soft pink tuille draping from the chandeliers ceiling, and children in awe as their favourite ballets come to life in front of their eyes as they sip on pink lemonade.

Paddington Bear Party:

Paddington Bear is a perennial classic theme and great for boys and girls alike! Paddington station tube signs, dining picnic style on the floor in gingham blankets, eating yummy jam sandwiches, crumpets and  and cakes from mini suitcases washed down with mini bottles of apple juice.

Room hires start from £2,750.00 inclusive of VAT.  No minimum spend. Children’s Menus from £67.00 per child. All rates are inclusive of VAT. For enquiries contact The Lanesborough Events Team at: events@lanesborough.com or call +44 207 333 7360

Related article: Inside: The Launch Of The Mini Edition With Childrensalon At The Lanesborough 

The post 4 Iconic Children’s Party Theme Ideas appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

Frameless, Marble Arch 

Be prepared for your toddler’s (and your) mind to be blown. Works by Picasso, Munch, Rousseau and the likes spin, twist, and cascade across vast spaces in a disused underground station. Toddlers chase shards of Klimt’s classics across the floor and marvel at animated versions Salvador Dalí’s clock faces, melting down the walls. The curators behind Frameless have created something special that appeals to the whole family – you’ll see people of all ages, their backs against the walls, their eyes fixed on the magic unfolding, their mind tripping a little as the mirrors add a layer of illusion to this truly spectacular art show. The adjoining minimalist cafe is superb, with plenty of options for fussy eaters. frameless.com

Afternoon Tea

Peter Rabbit at The Peninsula

Beatrix Potter books are passed down generations like precious heirlooms, particularly The Tale of Peter Rabbit which stirs nostalgia in the parents pawing its pages under a bedside lamp. So, while this playful, creative afternoon tea is aimed at the little ones, it’s really a hoot for the whole family. The Peninsula makes sure of this with an opening glass of Champagne for well-deserving parents who’ve scrubbed up the sprogs for a fancy family outing. Set in the grandiose main lobby, with its pillars, chandeliers, murals and grand piano, this fancy afternoon tea begins for the little ones with a cuddly Peter Rabbit toy (smart – it entertains them for a blissful few seconds before their juice turns up in a Peter Rabbit mug).

The main event arrives on two levels, a marvel for any afternoon tea first-timers, with a carrot jam sandwich (in the shape of a carrot, of course), as well as bunny-shaped smoked salmon and round chicken numbers. But it’s one tier up to the sweet stuff where the chefs’ creativity runs wild, with an edible chocolate plant pot, a bunny’s white chocolate feet poking out of a burrow (a macaroon) and a glossy strawberry-shaped pastry plucked from Mr McGregor’s garden. Pocket-sized scones ensure parents don’t need to monitor intake, and can focus instead on their own gourmet morsels (crab and caviar tart, asparagus mousse on a seeded cracker…) followed by soft, generously-filled sandwiches (egg mayo, roasted veal, tuna and capers, smoked salmon). Everything riffs on Mr McGregor’s garden and the Lake District itself, with the beef hailing from this velvety green pocket of England where Beatrix Potter and her fictional characters lived. A long list of teas can be topped up throughout, though we’d recommend the delicious sparkling tea from Hong Kong on a balmy summer’s afternoon. peninsula.com/en/london/peter-rabbit

Details: Every day, from 25 March to 28 April 2024

Price: £95 per adult and £55 per child

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at 1 Aldwych 

1 Aldwych’s subterranean restaurant is an insider spot, right in the heart of theatreland. This wildly underrated hotel has curated a fantastical Charlie and The Chocolate Factory-themed afternoon tea for both adults and children. The grown-ups can expect a glass of Champagne or fun mocktails on arrival, while wide-eyed sprogs can dive straight into the sweet stuff with whipped-cream topped hot chocolates and caramel noir teas. Imaginative twists on the classic (teeny palate-friendly) sandwiches arrive as young children scribble on the back of the menus, buying their parents a moment of peace. The Willy Wonker magic reveals itself with the ‘Scrumptious Sweets,’ all of which adorn a sort of mini wooden flotilla (expect candy floss sprouting from the top, glass bottles of chocolate milk slotted into its edges and fun caramel-squiggled, soft meringue-topped and whimsically wobbly puddings. Onealdwych.com

London Transport Museum, Covent Garden

Now this really is one of London’s best kept secrets for those with young children. Located in the far corner of Covent Garden’s main square, London’s Transport Museum is as thrilling for the grown ups as it is for the wide eyes sprogs. As their parents wrap their heads around the Underground’s inception and those early, Wes Anderson-esque train carriages, toddlers will be clambering into the front of double deckers, and opening tool boxes in the fun play zones. There’s a little insider festive secret here too – avoid the crazy Santa-meet queues across London and simply book your LTM spot. We recommend a family lunch at the warm, atmospheric Balthazar after you’ve tested out all the vintage buses and trains, which is conveniently just across the square. ltmuseum.co.uk

Paddington Recreation Ground, Maida Vale 

Some of the best things in life are free, but this is so rarely the case when looking for the best things to do with toddlers in London. Paddington Recreation Ground or ‘Paddington Rec’ as the locals know it, is one of those small-but-mighty parks that parents hot foot it to when they done with dropping £60 on a morning’s outing, and young children can’t seem to get enough of . This could have something to do with the mini row of pastel terraced townhouses for them to scurry into, the enormous oceanliner to scramble up and slide down, or the train to hop on. There’s a great café here too and a zip wire for any older siblings. playfinder.com

Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Bus Tour with Brigit’s Bakery

Peppa Pig fanatics listen up. From Thursdays to Sundays, Brigit Bakery’s top-drawer pastry chefs craft delicious Peppa-themed afternoon teas for the whole family to tuck into. The catch? They’re spread across a double decker bus, with Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Nelson’s Column, and all the main London landmarks drifting past as you munch yet another pink-glazed biscuit. Peppa Pig activity books keeps tots busy between courses, and the onboard entertainer (expect Peppa singalongs and immersive games), will keep any travelling boredom at bay. b-bakery.com/london/bus-tours/peppa-pia-afternoon-tea

National Army Museum, Chelsea 

Helicopters, flamboyant uniforms, tanks… Chelsea’s Army Museum is a hit with toddlers before they’ve even sussed out the soft play. And with parents too, mainly for the (keep it to yourselves) squeaky clean, monitored and miraculously uncrowded soft play zone. You need to book sessions in advance, and be warned, if you turn up late, they won’t allow you in. Such is the militaristic mindset that keeps a soft play orderly, and oh-so polished. It’s also remarkably reasonable for London and the museum puts on fun creative workshops and half term sessions for toddlers. It’s worth hanging around for lunch, with plenty of high chairs and tot spag bol-esque lunch options in a chic café. nam.ac.uk

Battersea Park Zoo 

There’s no denying that London Zoo in Regent Park wears the crown for the city’s best animals and activities, though it’s crowded and often involves queues. Head south instead to Battersea Park – one of London’s many green lungs, with lakes, swans, fun pedallows to rent and, unbeknownst to many, a pocket-sized zoo. Come here for the impressive adventure playground, the badger goats, the coatis and the squirrel monkeys. batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Disney On Ice

Everyone’s favourite characters come to life through Disney On Ice, a mesmerising live ice-skating show gracing Wembley Arena this month. Celebrating its 40th year, the event is hosted by the beloved quartet of Mickey, Minnie,, promising an enchanting experience adorned with award-winning music, stunning costumes, and state-of-the-art special effects.

Dream Big brings Disney’s timeless stories to life through world-class figure skating, captivating audiences as heroes pursue their dreams. Skating sensation Sean-Isaac Parry, who has been gliding on ice since the age of 10, shares his excitement, calling it a “dream come true” to portray beloved childhood films on ice and inspire a new generation.

You and your little ones will marvel at Moana and Maui’s daring quest to return the heart of Te Fiti, swoon as you witness Rapunzel and Flynn go to great lengths to fulfill her dreams, and sing to the top of your little lungs with the likes of Ariel and Belle as they elegantly dance across the ice with their friends in tow. Join in on a captivating journey, traverse the Land of the Dead with Miguel from Coco, and get entangled in Rapunzel’s hair-raising adventure.

This spring, diving into the kingdom of Arendelle with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf, rediscovering the timeless strength of Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Belle, and Cinderella is certainly a must-do and Disney On Ice Presents Dream Big promises an unforgettable experience, uniting generations in the magic and wonder of Disney tales on ice at the iconic Wembley Arena. www.disneyonice.com/en-gb/

Related content: 7 great UK honeymoon hotels for families

The post Insider Things To Do With Toddlers In London  appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

Whether it’s a golf trip or a bone fide ‘work trip’, solo parenting whilst your partner is gallivanting across the globe can come with reasonable resentment/enormous envy

I’m two weeks deep with a two year old & even though I adore my partner, watching him tick off my entire bucket list for ‘work’ whilst I raise our very snotty & slightly stroppy daughter single handedly is intense

Sometimes it’s geniunely not even the looking-after-a-child-part that I find hard, it’s all the other bits that feel easier with another pair of hands. The never ending tower of washing, the chef-ing, the chauffeuring, the cleaning… I’m extremely lucky to have a wonderful family who would normally step in Mat’s shoes, however they are all coincidentally scattered across the world so I’ve had to rally round my golden girls.

I thought I’d use this article (my first article) as therapy & help you if you’re borderline bitter, holding up the fort like the phenomenal human being you are. So here are my 3 golden nuggets, whether you’re on your own for a weekend or a month, with one child or 5…

Riding Solo: Parenting 101

1. We’ve heard it multiple times since we gave birth but *take* the help you’re offered. If your friends are adamant to support you, tell them exactly how you need supporting. Whether that’s picking your child/ren up from school or coming over to help with bath & bedtime, maybe it’s having them to stay a night so you know you have company, someone to pass the baton & take a slither of the mental load in the morning
2. Think of your 80 year old self, what would she want you to do in this season of your life? Get caught up in the ‘I wish we could swap lives’ narrative or just try embrace the chaos. We can sometimes forget that a walk in the park or any greenery you can find is an adventure for them, eating their dinner in the bath is an adventure for them, try to remember the mini adventures that felt massive for you at your childrens age
3. Your children are not going to judge you for the mess left over from dinner or the unfolded, bunched up laundry you’ve just taken out of the tumble dryer. Just do little bits when you can & make cleaning the house a game for them, set a timer on your phone for 2 minutes & see who can pick up the most crumbs before the music goes off. The winner gets to choose a book before bed or gets to pour mummy a glass of wine & give her a massage (imagine!)                                 There have been many moments & there will be many more moments to come where I feel lonely, frustrated & ready to self combust. But I’m taking my own advice & instead of looking back on this time as tough, I want to remember it as special time just Auraelia & I. 

Whenever you’re feeling the natural feelings that come with riding solo, remember all the other parents out there who have conquered & those who are conquering! Imagine them all in the room with you, wrapping their arms around you. Repeat after me ‘I am doing the best I can & I am a remarkable human being’. Sending you a giant squeeeeeeze x

Caveat // I am in no way comparing this to single parenting, one of my best friends has bought her daughter up by herself from 4 months to 4 years old. ‘Solo parenting’ is temporary & I appreciate how lucky I am to even have an incredible husband. 

Founder of www.welcometobabyhood.com
Instagram: @chessiekingg

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