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Summer Christening Party Table Setting - One Small Child

How to Plan a Summer Christening

 

What could be better than a summer christening?  Summer is the perfect time to plan an outdoor christening!  Flowers are in bloom, a light breeze rustles the leaves, birds singing–it all is so enchanting.

 

Guests

Having guests sign in upon arrival is a fantastic way to commemorate the day. All of those signatures by loved ones are a visual display of “we love you THIS much” that baby will appreciate in years to come!  A great way to do this is to have a guest book or, better yet, a christening party signature frame that can be hung on baby’s wall.

Table Settings

Feel free to be creative when it comes to the table setting.  With summer time, anything goes! You can be more personable and have name tags next to each plate or have embroidered napkins with the guest’s name on them.  Or keep it casual and use pretty paper plates and napkins with plastic utensils.   Either way, be sure to add a touch of summer with some live flowers and a crisp tablecloth. Also, it is a good idea to make sure no sprinkler systems will be turned on during the festivities.

Food

For the main course, go for something that is versatile and easy.  For example, sandwiches can be little and fancy or can be customized by providing all the fixins’ to accommodate any taste buds. Fresh chilled fruit is always a great addition to a summer meal.  You can do fruit kabobs, fruit pizza, or just have a pretty bowl with your favorite fruits mixed together. For dessert, a cake is always a yummy option, as a bonus, it can be decorated to be part of the decor.  Have the bakery add a cross, embellishments to match your table setting, or baby’s name to make it extra special.

Pictures

We can’t stress enough the importance of pictures.  It is the only way to capture baby’s special day in vivid detail.  The best way to make sure you do capture every moment, in its truest form and lighting, is to hire a professional photographer.  There are many talented options out there.  Talk to more than one to find the photographer that will be the best fit for you.  Ask questions before booking: find out the cost, what is included with that cost, what type of photos they will be taking (you will want someone who can blend in with guests so they can snap moments and not just staged photos), what is their shooting style, and ask to see some of their previous work.  You will be glad you have these photos, and they will become more precious as time goes on.

Summer Christening Gown/Outfits

One of the most important things to consider for this special occasion is baby’s christening attire.  You want something that will hold up to the challenges only baby can bring.  We love these little people and want them to look adorable but also be comfortable. Here are a few things to look for:

For Girls

  1. Lace with a light lining and cotton slip. Why? Both are a breathable material and will feel cloud-soft against new, tender skin.
  2. Short sleeve, silk, and open-back bonnet. Why? Short sleeves for obvious reasons but silk is another lightweight material that is great for warm weather events.  The open-back bonnet is not only an adorable vintage style it also allows for a cooling airflow as well.

For Boys

  1. Outfits made with 100% cotton broadcloth.  Why? It is crisp by nature to bring out the handsome and, above all, it is light and airy.
  2. 100% silk or polyester shantung romper.  Why? Both materials have an irresistible luster in the summer sun.  However, be sure to look for a short sleeve option and (if possible) a shorts style. These materials, although stunning, are less airy than cotton but are still a great light-weight option.
  3. Bodysuit tops, overalls, or rompers.  Why?  This is just a good rule in general.  All babies are precious and all babies LOVE TO WIGGLE!  With a one-piece style, you can rest at ease knowing you will not spend the day adjusting your little man’s outfit or tucking his shirt back in.

Thanks for reading and letting us share our ideas with you.  We hope these tidbits will help spring forth a plethora of your own amazing ideas as you plan your little’s magical outdoor summer christening.

Christening Invitation - One Small Child

Guest Post: Christening Invites by Paperlust

We are so excited to have a guest post today!  Paperlust creates amazing invitations for any special event.  Check out some of their great christening invitation tips and designs below.  Enjoy!

Christening Planning Guide: Christening InvitationsChristening Invites | Christening Invitations

A christening, baptism or dedication is a joyous time for a family, celebrating and thanking God for the gift of a new baby. It makes sense to want this sort of occasion to be perfect! One of the most important things to plan is the christening invitations. They not only ensure all your guests get to the right place at the right time, but they often serve as treasured mementos for years to come. We’ve put together this guide to getting them right.

Who to invite to a christening or baptism

The baptism of a child is usually a family event, with the child’s cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents invited. Close friends of the family are often invited as well, especially if they are religious. It’s always a good idea to check with the church before you send out your invitations to see if there is a limit on the number of guests you can bring. If so, you might choose to limit the number of guests at the actual christening but host a big after party that everyone can attend. Just make sure to specify this on the invitation.

When to send your christening invitations

Christening invitations should be sent out 4-6 weeks in advance of the big day to give guests ample time to plan and leave the day free. The early lead-time is especially important if anyone is going to be traveling in order to attend. In fact, it’s a good idea to give any key guests (your parents, the godparents of the child) as much notice as possible via a courtesy email or phone call so there’s no danger of them missing the occasion.

Christening Invites | Christening Invitations

Wording your christening invitations

When writing christening invitations, you should make sure to give guests all the information they need to be able to attend. This includes:

 

    • Who: specify who is being invited, who is being christened, and who is hosting the event (usually the parents of the baby). You might also include the names of any godparents.
    • What: be clear about what guests are being invited to. Is it a baptism, a christening or a dedication? Are you inviting guests to a religious ceremony, a party to celebrate, or both?

 

  • When: include both the date and the time of the event so guests know when to show up

 

    • Where: give guests the location in two ways – the name of the church or other venue, and the street address.

 

  • Dress code: this is especially important if the event is taking place in a religious setting. Is there a dress code at the church? Is it a formal occasion or something more laid-back?
  • RSVP details: make sure guests know when you need confirmation of their attendance, and give them the details you’d like them to use to let you know.

 

 

For example:

 

You are invited to join us for the christening of

Emma Joanne Johnson

May 7, 2018, 11:00am

St. John’s Presbyterian Church

25 Manifold Street

Warrnambool, 3280

 

A luncheon will follow
Smart casual attire

RSVP by April 30

04523789

Christening Invites | Christening Invitations

Most popular styles of christening invites

Christening invitations are usually quite restrained, but this depends on both preference and the nature of your event. The more formal and religious the christening or baptism is, the more simple it should be. Some common themes in christening invites are:

 

  • Religious iconography – crosses and crucifixes, saints, doves, candles
  • Typography – pretty script text accents
  • Photographic – either a photo of the baby alone or a family photo
  • Floral – illustrations of flowers or subtle floral patterns
  • Lace – illustrations, patterns, or actual lace added to the invitation suite

 

Many people choose to keep the design elements simple but embellish the invitations with a premium print type like letterpress or silver foil.

 

When you’re going to all the effort of planning a christening – choosing godparents, liaising with the minister or priest, finding the perfect christening gown and planning the after party – it’s important to get the right invitations for the day. Using this guide, you’re sure to have no problem settling on the perfect invites for your baby’s christening or baptism.

Camilla Christening Gown - One Small Child

Brand New Spring Lace Christening Gowns Design – Camilla

Spring is Here!

Spring showers may bring April flowers, but here at One Small Child, Spring also brings fresh new designs. After a long winter of hunkering down and feverishly working, we are excited to present each one. First up is our Camilla Christening Gown:

Camilla Lace Christening Gown by One Small Child

What’s in a Name?

The name Camilla originates as a Latin baby name.  It means noble; free-born; servant of the temple.  We believe we captured the epitome of each meaning with this satin and lace baby gown.

Gown Details…

The square neckline brings a sense of noble birthright, just as it did in the 17th century. From neckline to hem stretches a generous floral lace panel with a unique continuous flow.  Dual intricate glossy-looping trims each side to confirm superior craftsmanship.  Scalloped lace is the final framework as it cascades over the shoulders and circles around the back.  This is a flawless introduction to scalloping lace that waterfalls down three-quarter sleeves.

This gown is made with matte satin.  Our satin is a pure white and lustrous mid-weight fabric.  This combination of color and density makes for a temperature comfy baby on any Spring day.

A hand-gather waist and 3 buttons make up the back.  The gathering offsets the simplistic front design, while buttons make for dressing ease.  And finally, the hem is festooned with a double laced edge, and more glossy looped lace.

As a bonus, we include a matching baby christening bonnet.  An exaggerated ruffle softly brushes baby’s sweet face.  A thick satin band accentuates a fully-lined puff style bonnet.  The open back design is indicative of a vintage inspired headpiece. Thin triple strand satin ribbons tie under the chin for a secure fit.

Christening Accessories:

What could be better than a gorgeous christening gown for your little one’s special day?  How about matching accessories to complete the look.  For those who adore lace, pair our Lucy Christening Slippers with this gown.  Or maybe a little less frill is more to your liking, take a look at our Bow Christening Slipper in satin.  And last but not least, make sure baby stays warm with this glorious Satin Ruffle Blanket.

Don’t forget to check out the embroidery options for both the baby slippers and blanket.  Personalize one or both to commemorate baby’s special day!

Stay Tuned For More New Styles…

Gift Standard RegistryFI on Orders Over $75 US ONLY - One Small Child

Check Out the All New “Gift Registry” Feature–Makes Christening Shopping even Easier!

All New “Christening Gift Registry” Feature!

Whether big or small Christenings, Baptisms, Dedications, and Blessings require planning.  There are dates to be set, loved ones to invite, buildings to secure, things to consider like “what to wear?”, and more.  Every bit-of-help counts, and THAT is where our gift registry comes in handy!

Why Parents & Guardians Will Love it!

Amidst the hustle of preparation is the task of finding an outfit or gown that will be perfect for your little one’s special day.  Luckily this is where family, friends, or Godparents step in and help out!  Godparents are honored to provide this for their Godchild.  In other denominations family and friends usually help with this as well.  Some moms want to have a say in deciding the special apparel, while others like to choose a few for the sponsor to pick from.  Either way this registry will accommodate both scenarios.  Not only can outfits or gowns be added to the registry; matching accessories, and gifts can be as well.

During this exciting time many loved ones want to help.  With a gift registry they can.  Parents compile a list within the registry, then share it with anyone who wishes to help.

Why Godparents, Family Members, and Friends Will Love it!

Our gift registry takes out the guess work and uncertainty of knowing what to buy.  Here’s a few ways how:

  • Maybe one person is supplying the outfit or gown, and another is getting matching accessories.  Our gift registry allows parents to compile a complete list so helpers can choose what to purchase with just a point and click.  This ensures everything will match, and keeps everyone up to date with what still needs to be purchased.  It also keeps things budget friendly!
  • Sizing is always tricky when it comes to buying for a little one.  This is no longer an issue as the sizes will already be entered by the parents.
  • Worrying over what style or length will be best for the event is a thing of past.  The gift registry will show the parents preference.

How the Registry Works

  1. Create an account.  If you already have one, simply log in.Create-account
  2. Once your account is created and you are logged in, you are ready to start.  While in your account you will notice a menu on the left side of the screen.  Click on “My Gift Registries”.  Create-registry
  3. Now you enter important information regarding your event.   Begin-registery
  4. Now for the fun part!  It’s time to enter your favorite Christening clothing, matching accessories, jewelry, and more!  Just click on the category of choice on the menu bar at the top of the page.  Then find an item you want to add to your registry.  Select a size and click on the “add to registry” located next to the “add to cart” button.  When finished you can go back to your registry to view the selected items.Items
  5. When your registry is complete click on “Share Registry” and enter in emails of those you would like to share it with.Track-registry

It is that easy!

 

Upclose Netting - One Small Child

One Small Child’s Fabric Information

Sometimes when we learn more about something, we see more of why it’s so special. At One Small Child, we take special care in selecting each fabric to be used in our designs. We know what makes a great material. Today, we wanted to share some of our knowledge with you. This fabric information is good to know when designing, constructing and purchasing clothing for yourself and anyone else. So, without further ado, here’s a little background information on some of our most popular fabrics…

One Small Child Fabric Information

Cotton: The cotton (upper left) we use most is a broadcloth weave cotton. A broadcloth is a fine, tightly woven plain weave with a faint rib. Usually of cotton or cotton blend, but can be made with any fiber. Our cotton broadcloth is made from 100% cotton. Many of our boy’s outfits are made from cotton broadcloth, including the Daniel Outfit.

Satin: Our matte satin is a bridal quality textile. Satin is a weaving process that causes light to reflect off diagonally “floating” yarns, rather than being absorbed by the regular perpendicular intersections of yarns found in a plain weave. Satin can be made from any fiber, is smooth and tightly woven, and comes in many weights and degrees of shine. Our matte satin is a mid-to-heavy weight pure white polyester product with a “de-lustered” surface. That means it has a soft, rich glow rather than a glaring shine. Our Olivia Gown is a gorgeous display of satin.

Netting/Lace: Netting (lower left) or Lace (lower right) is a very delicate, open, and light fabric. It’s created by twisting, knotting, or weaving threads together at regular intervals. Our Memory and Lillian gowns are made from gorgeous embroidered netting. Our Lucy Gown is made from the pretty floral print lace that is pictured above.

One Small Child Fabric Information

Organza: Organza is a plain weave fabric made of tightly twisted yarns in a sheer, light weight. It has a crisp finish and can be constructed of any number of textile fibers. Ours is 100% polyester and has a soft luster. Our Clarice Dress is made from organza.

Shantung: Shantung is woven in the same manner as dupioni (see silk dupioni description below), creating the same overall textured effect of the silk product, but utilizing man-made polyester fibers rather than natural silk yarns. Our shantung is bright, pure white in color. It’s a medium weight, and has a soft luster on the surface. For example, the Jonathan Outfit is made from shantung.

Silk: We use a silk called dupioni. It’s a subtly textured fabric woven from a double strand of silk yarn in a plain weave pattern. The yarn is uneven and varies in width, creating a series of natural horizontal “slubs”, which should not be considered flaws, as they make up the unique character of the textile. Our silk dupioni is “pearl white” in color (a shade between white and ivory), is light to medium weight, and has a crisp finish with an understated sheen for an overall luxurious appearance. The Francis Romper is an example of our silk outfits.

Tulle: Tulle is a sheer net in a hexagonal mesh pattern (see netting description above). It has a light to medium stiffness and is often made from silk, rayon, cotton or nylon fibers. Tulle is most commonly used in formal wear, veils and costuming. If you love the look of tulle, you’ll love our Shanna Gown.

One Small Child Fabric Information

Cotton Piques: Above are the two pique fabrics we use. A pique is a textured weave, available in many different patterns: vertical, horizontal or diagonal rib, birdseye (small diamonds), waffle (small squares), honeycomb, or wave. Usually tightly woven and constructed of cotton or cotton blend fibers. The waffle pique (above left) is used in our Austin Outfit.

You can learn more about all of our fabrics in this article on our website. Now that you have more fabric information, you can choose from our high-quality selection based on your personal preference! Happy shopping!


Shop for Boys | Shop for Girls

All About Monograms   - One Small Child

All About Monograms

Today, we’re all about monograms. We love offering monograms on our baby clothes and gifts. What a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your little one’s special outfit! A gift becomes so much more when embroidered with her name or initials.

All About Monograms | One Small Child

Just for fun, here’s a little background information on monograms:

“An individual’s monogram is often a very fancy piece of art used for stationery, for adorning luggage, for embroidery on clothing, and so forth. These monograms may have two or three letters.

A traditional 3-letter monogram has the initial of the individual’s last name (surname) set larger, or with some special treatment in the center, while the first name initial appears to the left of it and the middle name initial appears to the right of it. For example, if the individual’s name is Mary Ann Jones, and Jones is the surname, then the arrangement of letters would be thus: MJA, with the surname initial set larger in the center, the M for Mary to the left and the A for Ann to the right.” – Jeanine Twigg, Author of Embroidery Machine Essentials

All About Monograms | One Small Child

At One Small Child, we offer monograms, initials, names and dates on so many of our clothes and gifts. Just look for the words “Can Be Personalized” under the product image. There are a variety of embroidery or engraving options for these items. Simply click into the product page and look for the Personalize Options box to view the options for that specific item. When you click on the Personalize button, all the information you need will pop up, including embroidery placement images, thread color photos and text boxes to enter in your information. So easy!

All About Monograms | One Small Child

“A monogrammed gift is a measure of love just like home cooking for friends and family. When you take the time to mark a gift, it makes it profoundly personal.” – Shannon Britton (Southern Proper Monograms)

Comment Screenshot - One Small Child

Preserving your Christening Gown or Suit

Your beautiful event is now over. All the guests have now gone, the decorations have been taken down and all those thank you cards are sent. There’s just one more thing on your to-do list: preserving your Christening gown or suit. So, what are the best methods of storage for your precious gown? Are there any preservation tips or tricks? How do you keep your gown looking crisp for siblings or generations to come? Today, we’ll teach you how to preserve and store your Christening gown or outfit the right way.

Step 1-Dry clean or hand-wash the baptism gown or blessing outfit as directed on the clothing tag. Why? Stains and body oils can irreparably discolor the fabric. If your item calls for a hand wash, avoid using harsh soaps, chlorine bleach, fabric softeners, and starch. Rinse the christening dress or outfit well to remove detergent residues.

Step 2-Once the gown or outfit is completely dry, stuff it with clean, acid-free tissue; this will help prevent hard creases that can weaken the fabric. Fold additional tissue into pleats and slip it between layers of fabric.

Step 3-Place the christening outfit in a 100 percent cotton muslin garment bag. Plastic or vinyl bags are unacceptable for long-term preservation since garments need to breathe. For this same reason, you should not seal or wrap a cardboard box containing heirloom christening clothing. Never pack mothballs with your christening apparel since they can ruin fabric over time. Also, avoid storing the christening suit or gown with metal items. If you have purchased a bracelet for your special occasion, you can find the perfect display frame here. It’s a good idea to label your storage container (if it is not already monogrammed or personalized) with your child’s name and event or birth date.

Step 4-Store the christening gown in a dark, cool, dry place (for example, in a closet or under a bed). Avoid storing the box or bag in places where temperature or humidity may fluctuate seasonally (for example, a garage or attic). The ideal storage place has a relative humidity of 55 percent and a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is a good idea to check your outfit once in a while to ensure that it is maintaining its beauty. When you handle your christening heirloom, wear cotton gloves–skin oils can discolor fabric.

When you wish to use your treasured christening gown or outfit again, remove it from the storage container and air it out for several days. You may need to steam the item to remove wrinkles; iron only as a last resort, and only on a very low setting.

That’s all there is to it. Now you know how to preserve and store your Christening gown or outfit for generations to come!

Christening Gown Keepsake Bag | One Small Child by Katy Lane

Muslin Keepsake Bags

Christening Gown Keepsake Bag - One Small Child

After the Ceremony: How to Preserve and Store your Christening Gown or Outfit

Your beautiful event is now over. All the guests have now gone, the decorations have been taken down and all those thank you cards are sent. There’s just one more thing on your to-do list: preserve the outfit. So, what are the best methods of storage for your precious gown? Are there any preservation tips or tricks? How do you keep your gown looking crisp for siblings or generations to come? Today, we’ll teach you how to preserve and store your Christening gown or outfit the right way.

Step 1-Dry clean or hand-wash the baptism gown or blessing outfit as directed on the clothing tag. Why? Stains and body oils can irreparably discolor the fabric. If your item calls for a hand-wash, avoid using harsh soaps, chlorine bleach, fabric softeners, and starch. Rinse the christening dress or outfit well to remove detergent residues.

Step 2-Once the gown or outfit is completely dry, stuff it with clean, acid-free tissue; this will help prevent hard creases that can weaken the fabric. Fold additional tissue into pleats and slip it between layers of fabric.

Step 3-Place the christening outfit in a 100 percent cotton muslin garment bag. Plastic or vinyl bags are unacceptable for long-term preservation since garments need to breathe. For this same reason, you should not seal or wrap a cardboard box containing heirloom christening clothing. Never pack mothballs with your christening apparel since they can ruin fabric over time. Also avoid storing the christening suit or gown with metal items. If you have purchased a bracelet for your special occasion, you can find the perfect display frame here. It’s a good idea to label your storage container (if it is not already monogrammed or personalized) with your child’s name and event or birth date.

Step 4-Store the christening gown in a dark, cool, dry place (for example, in a closet or under a bed). Avoid storing the box or bag in places where temperature or humidity may fluctuate seasonally (for example, a garage or attic). The ideal storage place has a relative humidity of 55 percent and a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is a good idea to check your outfit once in a while to ensure that it is maintaining its beauty. When you handle your christening heirloom, wear cotton gloves–skin oils can discolor fabric.

When you wish to use your treasured christening gown or outfit again, remove it from the storage container and air it out for several days. You may need to steam the item to remove wrinkles; iron only as a last resort, and only on a very low setting.

That’s all there is to it. Now you know how to preserve and store your Christening gown or outfit for generations to come!

Christening Gown Keepsake Bag | One Small Child by Katy Lane

{Our Muslin Keepsake Bags can be personalized with baby’s name and event date embroidered on the front.}

How to measure your baby's torso - One Small Child

How To Measure Your Baby For A Christening Outfit

How to Measure Your baby For A Christening Gown

One of the most common questions we get is, “What size should I order for my baby?” It’s normal to feel uncertain when trying to gauge exactly what size to select when you don’t have the actual gown or outfit in your hands. Fortunately, we’ve been doing this a long time, and we have a lot of experience in helping you make your decision.

Our christening gowns and outfits are sized in a traditional infant size range: Newborn, 3 month, 6 month, 9 month, 12 month, 18 month, and 24 month. These size names can be misleading: it makes sense to think, “If my baby is 6 months old, he’s going to wear a size 6 month outfit.” However, every baby is unique. You may have a thin, petite 9 month-old who perfectly fits a size 6 month gown, or a chubby little cherub who’s rocking size 12 month at the ripe old age of 6 months.

For this reason we always encourage our clients to measure their babies and refer to the size charts listed on the ordering page for each of our christening styles.

Here’s what you’ll need to gather to measure your baby:
-the baby (you want to be sure he/she is unclothed or close to it…measuring over a snug-fitting undershirt is fine; over a heavy top is not)
-a blanket or other comfortable surface on which to work (be sure baby won’t roll off an elevated surface)
-a soft measuring tape (if you don’t have a flexible tape, you can use a piece of string, and compare it to a ruler or construction measuring tape)

For both christening gowns and outfits, you’ll need a chest measurement. Wrap the tape just below baby’s underarms, and pull it snug (not too tight). Make sure the measurement is as accurate as possible.

How to Measure Your Baby's Chest

For christening rompers, you’ll need both the chest measurement and the torso measurement demonstrated below. The torso measurement is the most important metric to guarantee a correct fit. Place the end of the tape at the point where his neck meets his shoulder, and measure down to the bottom of his diaper.

How to Measure Your Baby's Torso

It’s a simple process, but can get complicated pretty quick with a squirmy child…it’s okay if you need to take the measurement a couple times to verify accuracy.

How to Measure a Squirmy Baby

Once you’ve got your numbers, check them against the size chart for the particular style(s) you’re interested in. All size charts are found on a tab in the lower left-hand corner of the product ordering page. Many of our size charts list a weight range as well as the measurements–this is for reference only, if in doubt, go with the measurements.

Once you’ve tackled this job, you’re well on your way to acquiring the perfect outfit for Baby’s special day!

William Silk Christening Gown - One Small Child

Open-Back Christening Gowns

Open-back gown

As pictured here, many of our heirloom christening gowns feature an ‘heirloom-style open back’, meaning the back edges of the skirt are hemmed and buttons are placed part-way down the skirt to allow for flexibility in how you want the gown to be worn.

At times, it can be tricky to hold on to that darling baby amidst an abundance of christening finery…especially when some of those layers are slippery! The open back makes it possible to get a better grip on your baby, without bunching up the gown. It also allows you to drape the skirt more graciously in portraiture. And there you have it: open backs are, in this case, very convenient things!