Make dessert a little bit sweeter with these adorable hand painted wooden spoons by Shop Sweet Lulu.  The demitasse-sized spoons measure 4.5 inches long and come in three patterns – Bright Stripes, Bright Chevrons and Confetti Dot.  Each package retails for $8.00 and comes with 20 one-time-use spoons that would be perfect for a kids birthday, outdoor party or dessert table.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Shop Sweet Lulu

Ghosts, goblins and ghouls don’t always have to be of the scary kind.  Halloween can have a cuter and sweeter side, especially if you are Mia Bauer, founder of Crumbs Bake Shop.  Halloween is by far her favorite holiday and a time of inspiration.   Here she shares a few expert tricks and original ideas for setting up a spooky dessert table that will delight the whole family.

Costume Your Table
Decorate the tabletop with lots of colored bowls – black, red, orange and purple – all of them overflowing with different kinds of candy.  Add spider webs and fake spiders which can be purchased at any paper goods or stationery store.

Special Effects
Place a big punch bowl in the middle of the table with fog coming out for a dramatic effect.  To make fog, combine dry ice with hot water. You can find dry ice at stores that supply regular ice.

Dirt Cupcakes
To make dirt cupcakes, use a Crumbs Blackout Cupcake or make your own with chocolate frosting with chocolate cake crumbs on top to make it look like dirt.  Before you frost the cupcake take gummy worms and mix them into the frosting and then manipulate a few to look like they are crawling out of the cupcake.

This season, Bauer’s Halloween creations include Spidey Web, chocolate cake filled with chocolate buttercream and topped with chocolate fondant, decorated with a spider web design and spider candy; Monster Mash, vanilla cake topped with orange tinted vanilla cream cheese frosting, edged with green sprinkles and decorated with a monster finger puppet; and Chocolate Halloween Pumpkin, vanilla cake topped with chocolate cream cheese frosting, edged with Halloween sprinkles and decorated with a pumpkin shaped cookie.

For the complete Halloween Gourmet Taste Pack, which includes 2 Spidey Web, 2 Monster Mash, 2 Vanilla Halloween Sprinkle, 2 Oooohstess, 2 Pumpkin and 2 Chocolate Pecan Pie, purchase directly from the store ($18) or online ($24).  Available until October 31st, 2011.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Crumbs Bake Shop

Lovers of gelato in New York have their share of haute ice cream shops with Ciao Bella, Il Laboratorio del Gelato and Grom.  But, a new player in the frozen dessert market has taken the traditional Italian recipe and served it the American way. Newly launched in the West Village, Popbar is the first ever gourmet popsicle shop that serves handcrafted authentic gelato and sorbetto on a stick. Made daily on site in small batches of 24, the popbars, which are kosher certified and gluten free, use only fresh, natural ingredients with no artificial flavors.

The popGelato bars are made with Stick House gelato from a unique artisanal recipe that uses imported Italian ingredients. Flavors include basic chocolate and vanilla as well as banana, coffee, mint, lemon and strawberry among others.  Each popbar can be customized by adding one or more poppings such as chopped almonds, biscotti crumbles or brownie chunks and then dipped or drizzled with white, milk or dark chocolate.

Some of the fancier combinations on the menu include the Coconut Premium Chocolate (coconut popGelato bar double dipped in dark chocolate and covered with shredded coconut flakes) and Pistachio Premium Drizzle (pistachio popGelato bar covered with freshly chopped pistachios and drizzled with dark chocolate).

Fruit based and dairy-free, the popSorbetto bars comes in single flavors including mango, peach, pineapple, lime or in layered combinations such as raspberry, mint and lemon.  The shop also offers popYogurt bars, popShakes and popSmoothies.

A basic popbar starts at $4 and personalized mypops (covered in poppings and dips) start at $5 each.  Sign up online to get a free mypop on your birthday. Catering is available for special events.  Popbar is open from 11AM to 11PM on Sunday through Thursday and til 2AM on the weekend.

Popbar, 5 Carmine Street (at 6th Avenue), 212-255-4874

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of popbar

Thanks to our rotten economy many parents have had to scale back—but that doesn’t mean your child’s birthday has to be anything short of magnificent.  Here are some of my tips and parenting secrets for a classic birthday bash at home:

Home parties should be small
Three to four kids for a two year old is plenty, add one or two more for every year to a maximum of 12.  If you are inviting more than 12 children, look for a venue to host the party or pitch a tent outside.

Keep the menu simple
Don’t knock yourself out with exquisite canapés.  Do offer some healthy snacks, wheat crackers, cheese sticks, grapes, etc. Mini quesadillas are a nice alternative to pizza. If you plan to order in, Susie’s Supper Club offers homemade granola bars, tasty spinach squares and yummy banana nut muffins–all appropriately kid-sized.

Limit the candy
It’ll just send the kids into orbit.  Cake and a juice box are plenty of sugar. Skip colored juices and dark chocolate cake unless you are planning an outdoor party. Your carpets will thank me.  If allergies are an issue, call up OMG cupcakes for vegan, gluten-free delights that look divine and are made with exceptional ingredients.

Plan on a 90-minute party
Anything longer is too hard for a large group.  Here’s the basic run down.

20 minutes: Free play/Icebreaker. I like a simple craft such as rolling out a long sheet of paper on the floor and supplying crayons and (washable) markers.  Here’s an idea: Have each guest lie down on the paper roll and trace around them. Let the kids color themselves in—big fun. Swing by Pearl Paint for your supplies.

40 minutes:  Main Activity. Could be your husband doing magic tricks, or a clown brought in to perform. Older kids will love tie-die or a rock band party. If you are bringing in the talent, why not try something new like Wendy The Pipe Cleaner Lady who will whip up artsy creations for the kids.

15 minutes: Birthday cake, song and snack.

15 minutes: Free play (to run off the sugar). Simply crank up some danceable tunes and throw some balloons on the floor for the kids to bop around.

Hide all breakables
Instead invest in reusable tableware (a party pak) from Kids Konserve made from recycled yogurt containers.

Keep a large trash can handy
Kids can toss or recycle cups and plates and won’t have to carry food to the kitchen.  The Container Store has colorful toy bins on wheels that can serve double duty.  Line them with thin garbage bags for the the party and when the clean-up is done they are perfect for organizing toys.

Designate a photographer
(i.e. Uncle Joe—the 20 year old without kids)—you won’t be able to shoot good pictures and coordinate the party. If you can hire a professional, you won’t regret splurging on a photographer like Suzanne Cohen who specializes in candid photos that tell a story.

Relax and join the fun
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your child will likely remember you joining in the festivities and bashing the piñata more than perfectly matched table settings.

Founded by Nicole Feliciano, Momtrends launched in 2007 and provides the latest news on things trendy and cool for families. Momtrends is packed with practical information and shopping tips aimed to help busy, style-starved parents find the best gear for their family.  Nicole is a contributing writer to Babble.com, Time Out New York Kids, and many more online and print publications.

PHOTO CREDIT:  OMG Cupcakes, Susie’s Supper Club, Wendy the Pipe Cleaner Lady and Suzanne Cohen Photography

On Saturday, October 4th, the neighborhood will enjoy an afternoon of gourmet snacks (by Bobo Restaurant, Gramercy Tavern, Royale Café and Murrays Bagels), cooking demos, face painting and live concerts by Smalls Jazz Club, Tiny Masters of Today, Care Bares on Fire, Chi Chi and the Dig.

Conceived by Carlos Suarez of Bobo Restaurant, the event, which runs from noon until 6PM aims to bring the community together to celebrate both innovation and environmentalism. We caught up with Suarez, the busy entrepreneur and restaurateur, to get his thoughts on this unique program.

How did you come up with the concept for Futurehood?
I was discussing a desire to get involved in School Food programs and my interest in building a green roof here at the restaurant. One of my friends suggested building a green roof on top of a school as a way to combine these two initiatives.

When I approached PS41 about building a green roof, I learned that they’d been working on the planning and permitting for almost two years. So, I decided to get involved by helping them raise money and awareness.

What is your goal for the Futurehood program?
My hope is that it influences other schools to create spaces for children to connect with nature, and to incorporate these gardens into their curricula. To quote Alice Waters, “They’re learning that food should be fast, cheap and easy; it should be available 24 hours a day; and that resources are infinite.” Obviously this message is distressing, and needs to be addressed. Children need to bond with food and with nature at an early age if we expect them to make healthy decisions for themselves, and for the planet.

What do you hope to accomplish with this first event?
We hope to raise money and awareness for PS41’s Greenroof and to get the Futurehood concept off the ground. Our event is a reminder that communities are important and powerful and need to play a meaningful role in shaping our future.

What do you envision for the next event?
We would like to develop The Futurehood Speaker Series, similar to the 92nd St Y’s, but that focuses on the health of our children and our planet. Also, in the works are The Futurehood Cinema Series, The Futurehood Concert Series…and loads of other good stuff that brings people together.

Tickets for Futurehood are $5 for children and $10 for adults. They may be purchased at www.futurehood.info or at the event.  PS41 is located at Greenwich Avenue and Charles Street.
Futurehood image above by artist Allessandro Greco (which will be printed on organic T-shirts for sale at the event).

Certainly not if you have Princess Katie & Racer Steve in the house or rather, the apartment. This extremely funny, talented duo comes with a full band and plenty of music, conga lines and fun. The birthday girl or boy will hear his or her favorite Princess Katie & Racer Steve songs and help with all of their rockin’ props.

After the show, the band even signs autographs, take pictures and hands out tattoos. The best part of the show? No yawning parents or whiny children.

The cost is $2,000 for a 45 minute concert (with an hour and and a half set up). If you want to check out Princess Katie & Racer Steve beforehand, the band is live in concert for a DVD taping on July 13th at the Highline Ballroom (431 West 16th street, 212.414.5994). Visit the band’s website for tickets or call 1.800.393.4132 for more information.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator, writer and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

BEST PICTURE
Great pictures are made, not just taken. Shoot at your child’s eye level. Incorporate natural light by shooting near a window or in open shade. Take advantage of your digital camera’s fast shooting speeds and always avoid harsh sunlight. I like to take pictures of my own kids an hour or so before sundown when the light softens up and everyone looks better.

BEST ACTION SHOT
Try and predict where the action is going to be and pre-focus. Because most consumer digital cameras have a slight lag time after you click the shutter, it is always going to be hard to capture movement. Shoot lots and lots of pictures, review and delete afterwards. Always shoot with your shutter speed as fast as possible. Avoid bright sun as digital sensors do not handle contrast well.

BEST DUO (CUTE KID AND ADORABLE PET)
Shoot close ups, take a ton of pictures, and make sure the animal is calm. I tell clients to thoroughly walk/run their dog before the photo shoot. A tired dog is a good thing.

CAPTURING THE SHY GUY OR GIRL
Do not pull the camera out and announce you are going to take his or her picture. Do not ask them to pose. The less fanfare the better. The child might react the first few times by looking away but eventually he or she will ignore the camera so you can capture that great image. Pull out the camera more than once a month. Bribing a child is totally acceptable.

BEST NATURAL SHOT
The best photographs are when people (kids and adults) finally relax and stop posing. While shooting, talk to the child and make jokes as a way to distract him from the fact that he is having his picture taken. My five year old son loves to make insane faces at the camera and try to ruin every picture. I just continue to shoot and eventually I usually outlast him.

LAST INSIGHTS
Post-production is super important. Learn how to use Photoshop to make your amazing pictures even better. It is the pro photographer’s secret weapon to staying in business.

Ron Holtz photo sessions range from $500 to $750 depending on the location. For more information, visit Ron Holtz Photography (417 5th Avenue, 212-738-9398).

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Ron Holtz

Kelcey Kintner is the creator, writer and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

FOR THE CREATIVE KID:
Natural Finger Paint for Kids by Livos. ($24)
- This finger paint has all of the messy fun without the chemicals. Derived from vegetable dyes and all-natural mineral pigments, there are no heavy metals or other harmful ingredients. Each set contains 6 glass bottles of paint including white, yellow, red, blue, green and black.

FOR THE CHILD WITH A SWEET TOOTH:
Knitted Cupcake Assortment from Yellow Label Kids ($32)
- Kids will have a ball with these soft, colorful cupcakes. The perfect plaything for babies and older siblings too. The wrappers on these cupcakes peel down easily for little hands. Comes with a set of 4 with a fabric box. An adorable eco-friendly addition to any play kitchen.

FOR THE ROCK STAR
Percussion Set from Sevi ($30)
- This five piece, sturdy percussion set will stand up to any toddler jam session. Includes drums, maracas, jingle sticks, castonets and triangle. Made of wood and painted with non-toxic, food-grade paints and finishes.

FOR THE PLAYFUL KIDDO
Organic Playdough by Over the Rain Dough ($35)
- Make rainy days far more fun with this organic play dough. Each set comes with six colors: berry pink, peachy peach, cinnamon brown, lemony yellow, vanilly white and purpley grape. 100 percent plant-based coloring and naturally scented. Colors may fade after 6 months.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

Eco-Chic Entertaining is a special series for the month of April that is dedicated to the best green vendors, products and services.

Created by Heather Murphy (a dedicated mom), Baby Loves Disco transforms the hippest nightclubs across the U.S. into child-friendly discos for afternoon dance parties for parents and their kids. A live DJ spins classic tunes from the 70s and 80s for the little tots to get down and boogie with egg shakers, dress-up scarves and even bubbles.

Other perks include a chill-out room complete with tents, books and puzzles, diaper changing stations and a full spread of healthy snacks.

An alternative to the prepackaged world of entertainment for young kids, Baby Loves Disco is available in select cities all across the country including Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York among others.

“We’re parents so we’re always looking for something new and different to do with the kids,” says Murphy. Parents, who have been known to enjoy Baby Loves Disco as much as their kids, can hit the dance floor, mingle with other parents and even enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Now that’s a fun afternoon with the kiddos.

For more information about Baby Loves Disco and to see the schedule in your city, visit their web site. Tickets may be purchased online and are $12 per person (adults and kids aged 6 months to 7 years old). All non-walking infants are free.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator, writer and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

Thankfully, Parent Play has the solution. A service that arranges family afternoons and nights out, Parent Play will make you a reservation at one of their participating restaurants and provide childcare on site while you dine in peace. Sounds simply divine.

Pre-screened babysitters set up a pop up play space in a private area of the restaurant. Activities for your kids include yoga, art, reading and even learning French and Spanish. Prices range from $18 an hour for one child, $25 an hour for two and $30 for three. Your third Drop and Dine experience is free. You’ll even receive a parting gift bag, stuffed with goodies for you and your kids.

Participating restaurants include Fresh (105 Reade Street, 212-406-1900), Cowgirl Hall of Fame (519 Hudson Street, 212-633-1133), The American (235 Mulberry, 212-966-6616) and Water Street Restaurant (66 Water Street, DUMBO, 718-625-9352) with new listings being added every month.

You’re calm. Your children are happy. Now that’s a successful outing.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Parent Play at 212-227-0251.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator, writer and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

What was the inspiration behind Posh Squeaks?
When I was pregnant with my daughter Finley, I spent hours searching retail websites that were focused on newborn items, crib linens and classic layette. There were some websites that focused only on newborn to 12 months, but the collections lacked focus and had brands I found to be cheap. On the other hand, the fabulous boutique-type layette designers, such as Pixie Lily and Gordonsbury, were really difficult to find.

Where did the name come from?
Honestly, I had quite a few other choices before Posh Squeaks, but many of them were already taken. I turned to UrbanBaby.com for advice and asked my fellow moms to help me come up with the name. There were so many creative responses and one woman suggested Posh Squeaks. I loved it!

How did your experience at Vogue help you launch your site?
Believe it or not, there are lots of moms working at Vogue. When I decided to start Posh Squeaks, I sent an email around to the moms asking them not only which brands they liked, but why. I got an incredible response! Everyone was excited about sharing their favorites and even helped to find new lines.

What are some of your absolute favorite gifts for a new mom?
For the downtown mom, I love giving a 1-year membership to Appleseeds – Family Indoor Playground ($850). The Cashmere Hoodie by Amber Hagen ($150) is one of our best-sellers. And, a practical yet stylish gift is the Posh Squeaks “Year of Onesies” package ($70). Based on the mother’s due date and the gender of the child (even if unknown), we put together an assortment of Petit Bateau long sleeve, short sleeve and side snap onesies for newborns. You can never have enough, trust me!

As a professional event planner and a fashion conscious new mom, share some tips on hosting a stylish, original baby shower.
When hosting a baby shower, I try not to go overboard with the baby theme, but instead, host an elegant party with subtle and fun baby touches. Please – no baby bingo!

Flowers:
I like to choose mixed flowers from Raul Avila with tiny buds and bright cheerful colors. If you are on a budget, buy potted flowers instead of cut flowers and give them as gifts to guests. I hosted a shower for a friend last winter and gave guests a potted bulb with a little garden note: Plant root into the soil. Nurture with water, sunshine and love. Be patient. Your bulb will bloom!

Food and Drink:
It’s fun to do pint sized bites. I like to keep it light and small like mini burgers and mini grilled cheese sandwiches. Mary Giuliani Catering and Events makes a great “Momtini” garnished with a diaper pin filled with raspberries or blueberries.

Afternoon Tea:
Call in a professional tea hostess from Serendipitea in Manhasset to do a tea tasting in your home or arrange a party at a tea salon like Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon (56 Irving Place, 212-533-4600)

The Eco-baby Shower:
Serve an all organic menu and organic wine. A great giveaway is a reusable bag with 6 empty baby food jars and a small, make-your-own organic baby food recipe book.

Showered in White:
Many new moms like to keep the gender of the baby a surprise. To avoid a newborn wardrobe covered in yellow ducks, host an elegant, ALL WHITE baby shower.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator, writer and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

FOR THE BAMBINO:
The Baby Burrito Blanket & Hat by Modern Tots ($38)
-This soft, beautifully designed swaddling blanket is almost guaranteed to soothe the most fussy of newborns. Comes with swaddling instructions for frazzled, tired parents. Available in pink or blue.

FOR THE DINO LOVER:
The Dinosaur Bushel by Storyopolis ($125)
- A basket loaded with books on dinosaur facts, hunting and even a skeleton kit for the little Stegosaurus in your life! Comes with a cuddly dinosaur plush toy as well. Larger baskets with more books and toys available for an additional cost.

FOR THE BUDDING MONEY MANAGER:
Cash Register by Haba ($38)
- This all wood, colorful cash register will bring hours of imaginary play, with no batteries required. Finally, a little quiet for the adults.

FOR THE COOL KID:
Future Cat Crib Sneakers by PUMA ($30)
- These adorable baby sneakers will make any kid as stylish as their hipster parents. Soft suede with rubber grip soles and Velcro closure for easy wear.

FOR THE MAMA IN WAITING:
The Hansel Diaper Bag by Not Rational ($595)
- A favorite of celebrity mamas like Reese, Angelina and Salma, this buttery, soft leather bag has 5 large outer pockets, adjustable straps and a matching, leather-lined changing pad that easily wipes clean. Available in bronze metallic, cognac diesel, black or navy patent leather, this bag is fashionable yet practical.

FOR THE NEW MAMA ON THE BLOCK:
Heart of Gold Necklace by Mommy Tags ($95)
- An ultra cool way to wear you baby’s name and date of birth around your neck. Includes a silver “Bebe” love tag and a baby name tag. Heart layered in 22kt. gold.

FOR THE SEASONED MAMA:
The Traveller Bag by Molton Brown ($100)
-A sophisticated leather toiletry bag available in pale pink filled with luxurious scaled-down travel therapies for skin, body and hair including the celestial maracuja body soufflé and the moisture drench rosella hair wash. Ideal for the mother who is in need of an immediate getaway.

FOR ANYONE THAT LOVES KIDS:
Holiday gift cards by Free Arts NYC ($15)
- Support art programs for underprivileged children by purchasing holiday gift cards designed by Free Arts NYC children. Each pack includes 12 4×6 cards in 4 unique designs.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator, writer and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

Every year, the pressure mounts to find the cutest, sweetest, most captivating photo of your babes for this seasonal ritual. Just don’t let your cherished offspring be sent out surrounded by tacky clip art or generic graphics.

If you want a holiday card as stylish and cool as your family, try Brooklyn based company Paper + Cup. Choose from a variety of clean, fresh designs in non-traditional colors like mint, teal and coco. Of course, red and green are available too.

Cards are flat printed on heavy weight, white paper. $58 for 25 cards and envelopes. For those in the mood to match, you can customize your photo cards with matching thank you notes and mailing labels. Note: orders are shipped from California by UPS so add on a few days for delivery. If you order by next week, there is still time to get your custom cards here before the holidays.

Paper + Cup sells an assortment of paper goods including some of the most charming and original stationery, invitations, journals and desktop products for the office and home. You’ll definitely be tempted to pick up a gift or two for family, friends and colleagues.

Thankfully, your “to do” list is getting shorter by the moment.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator, writer and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

When it comes to treats for your little ones, there’s a lot to be concerned about these days. Food allergies are on the rise with an increasing number of children having reactions to nuts and dairy. But Divvies has thankfully come up with a very sweet solution.

All of their cookies, cupcakes, candy and popcorn are free of peanuts, tree nuts, dairy and eggs making them the ideal confection for any gathering. Bring them to your next birthday, school or holiday party and, I promise you, no one will ever guess that these delectables are healthy and vegan. Plus, you can’t help but fall in love with the adorable retro packaging.

Divvies has created treats that are fun and safe to share. Their cupcake kit ($24) comes in a special bakery box that converts into a serving tray. It features a dozen chocolate or vanilla cupcakes and your choice of icing. Add Divvies sprinkles or candy and you have an instant decorating party.

Even their cookies (chocolate chip, molasses ginger, oatmeal chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin) are packaged in twos – one to eat and one to share. Boxes of 12 are $10 and can be kept in the freezer.

The brainchild of Mark and Lori Sandler (who’s youngest son Benjamin suffers from severe food allergies), Divvies is now available to be enjoyed by children all across the country. The company will ship right to your door. You can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from parents everywhere.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator, writer and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

I’ll take the tuna tartar and a high chair.

You’ve spent years refining your sophisticated palette at the city’s top restaurants. But now that you are shepherding a kiddo (or two), you’ve probably given up on the idea of a savory dining experience with your brood. Don’t surrender to a future filled with grilled cheese sandwiches just yet.

Here are some good spots around town for an early dinner (5PM to 7PM) that are kid (and taste-bud) friendly:

Vento (675 Hudson Street, 212-699-2400) will whisk away your stroller in seconds and bring you a high chair. Even the pickiest children will enjoy their Sicilian meatballs and the parmigiano encrusted chicken. Plus, if it’s unseasonably warm enough to eat outside, the bustling view of West 14^th street will keep your little ones mesmerized while you happily engage in some adult conversation.

Calle Ocho (446 Columbus Avenue, 212-873-5025) offers Latin fusion dishes and potent mojitos (ok, just one). So even if you can’t salsa the night away, at least you can add a little Cuban flavor to your evening with the chuleta or bistec. Don’t panic, the kitchen can prepare chicken fingers for your kids. Dinner starts at 5 pm.

Hearth, (403 East 12^th, 646-602-1300) an East Village Tuscan American, will prepare something for your children like a simple pasta. For your more mature palette, they serve braised veal and roasted pork loin. Reservations are recommended.

Cookshop (156 10^th Avenue, 212-924-4440) this New American Five Points offshoot in Chelsea will work for the whole family. An ever-changing menu and a long wine list will keep the adults satisfied. Meanwhile, the kitchen is happy to accommodate the sometimes finicky tastes of kids. Dinner begins at 5:30. Call ahead.

So give the mac and cheese a break, bring your own crayons and paper, and seriously upgrade your dining out experience. I promise, you can still have the children in bed by 8 pm.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Tripp Trappe High Chair courtesy of Stokke.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator, writer and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

So, for her birthday I was determined to throw her a party that was two parts “cool kid” and one part green.

Here’s my cheat sheet:

Find a green location: Fun spots like Karma Kids Yoga (104 West 14th Street, 646.638.1444) will help you design a party where kids play recycle games and learn to appreciate the earth (all while doing yoga!). Birthday packages start at $475 for ten kids. Parties run an hour and a half with lots of downward dogs, pizza and juice.

Let them eat organic cake: Order a delicious (wheat, gluten, dairy and refined-sugar free) cake from Babycakes (248 Broome Street, 212-677-5047). Their yummy, organic sweets, like chocolate cake with creamy vanilla frosting, are better for your guests and the environment. Be sure your tableware is recycled and biodegradable. You can order Seventh Generation napkins and Natural Value compostable plates online at Kokopelli’s Green Market.

Give eco-party favors: Avoid cheap, plastic, throw away party favors. Give gifts that children can use again and again like vibrant, eco-friendly soybean crayons, a book or homemade playdough. Wrap all your gifts in newspaper. Attach an earth tip on each gift for parents to read. For example, “when doing laundry, only run a full load and always use cold water.”

Say thank you: For sophisticated city mamas, a hand-written thank you card is de rigeur. Order some eco-friendly note cards from Mr. Ellie Pooh’s. This paper is made from elephant dung (no smell – I swear!). Lee’s Art Shop also offers tree free paper made from 100% cotton.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator, author and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

For all you New Yorkers in search of wonderland, go to my friend’s tea shop in the Upper East Side aptly named Alice’s Tea Cup (156 East 64th Street – 212-734-4832).

Their freshly baked scones are absolutely amazing (especially the pumpkin). Tea sandwiches include lapsang souchong smoked chicken breast with granny smith apples and herbed goat cheese and cucumber and watercress (natch) with lemon chive butter.

Alice’s Tea Cup has an outstanding selection of teas including black, green, white, red, flavored, herbal and tisane. Some original offerings include Chocolate Mint Tea, Turkish Green Apple, Rooibos Bourbon and Sparrow’s Soul which is French Vervain with chamomile, rosebuds and linden blossoms.

One of the most charming little shops in New York, Alice’s Tea Cup is a great place to host a birthday party, bridal or baby shower. The private room holds 15-35 people and will cost you a room rate of $100/hour with a minimum of 2 hours. Guests are asked to order The Mad Hatter for $27/person which consists of a pot of tea, 2 scones with preserves and cream, 2 sandwiches and choice of dessert. Or, a la carte from their extensive menu of soups, salads and sandwiches.

Alice’s Tea Cup is extremely kid friendly…in fact, they cater to the little ones. Children under 10 celebrating birthdays can have The Wee Tea for $15/child which includes tisane tea, 1 scone and an additional item such as chicken fingers, PB and J, banana bread or grilled cheese ($1 extra). Fairy wings and magic dust are free to use. Tiaras are for sale at the cash. And, arrangements can be made for a face-painter, magician or even for Alice herself, who will appear in costume to read for the kids.

Alice’s Tea Cup will cater as well. To bring the tea party right to your home, call 212-734-4Tea. Other locations include 102 West 73rd Street and a newly opened shop at 220 East 81st Street.