A Mary Poppins Party

The women's organization of our church just celebrated their 175th anniversary!  To celebrate, we decided to throw a Mary Poppins-themed party.  We decided that there were many life lessons that could be learned from Mary Poppins in helping us to become "practically perfect in every way."

For the invitations, I downloaded an image from the internet and added the party details.  I would reference a source, but to be honest, this image is widely available and I can't remember which site I actually got it from.  I also made matching posters.

The centerpieces were put together using mainly items from the dollar store where I purchased black umbrellas, dark blue flower pots, easter hats, silk flowers, floral foam, and moss.

I spray painted the hats black.  I purchased the cherries from Amazon and glued them

to the hats, along with the daisies.

I cut the plastic handles from the umbrellas and slid the remaining metal shaft into a section of pvc pipe that had been previously painted black and secured in the pot with plaster of paris.  I made some measuring tapes from paper to match the one used in the movie and wove them in and out of the flowers.

To make the backdrops that flanked our movie screen, I dyed some sheets a nice blue and added a whimsical skyline using blue and black fabric.  I purchased the fabric from WalMart for $1.47 a yard.  Its lightweight, almost like interfacing, and is at least 60" wide.  I just glued it in place with a hot glue gun.  The Mary Poppins and chimney sweep silhouettes were cut from black cardstock using my Cricut and adhered with tape.  I made a kite bunting from paper and ribbons to add along the top of the backdrops.

For extra fun, I found a large bag at a thrift store, along with some tapestry-like fabric and covered it using a glue gun.  I postioned a mirror, hat, "hat stand," gloves, and plant, coming out of the carpet bag.

For the food table, I used white skirting that I had previously made from sheets and added another separate layer of ruffles made from thrifted fabric.  I added a piece of wrought iron fencing that I already had, along with more kite bunting, and a "Cherry Tree Lane" sign I made using my Cricut.

The sister that was in charge of food decided on an English theme.  Our menu consisted of Cornish Pasties filled with meat and veggies, a variety of salads, and strawberry/blueberry trifle for dessert.  It was yummy!

We watched various clips from the movie and discussed the lessons learned, such as, not judging by outer appearances, self reliance, kindness, gratitude, service to others, positive attitude, using our words carefully, and setting priorities.  At the end of the program, the ladies took home a booklet that we put together filled with quotes and information to help them set goals in the various areas that were discussed.  They were also able to take home a treat bag filled with a cute Mary Poppins magnet, a bird seed ornament with the tag that read, "When life gives you crumbs, feed the birds," and a strawberry cheesecake truffle wrapped with tulle around a plastic spoon and a tag that read, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."

It was a great evening and well attended.  I think the ladies went home that night feeling not only physically fed, but spiritually, too!

I like to link to these great parties!