princess culture

Last Spring, American expat living in London Jerramy Fine had an idea. She would create Princess Prep, a weeklong Summer camp alternative in London ($3,005 per princess, flight not included) "for girls who want something a bit more elegant and a bit more intellectual." Little did she know, Prince William and Kate Middleton would announce their engagement six months later. "Needless to say," Jerramy told me, "my plans for a soft opening haven't worked out that well!"

An itinerary that includes learning all about privileged aristocrats could send some troubling messages, and practicing royal protocol like how to curtsy reminds me of finishing school. When I mentioned the camp could come off as retro, Jerramy retorted: "Personally, I think sitting around a campfire all Summer is a bit retro!" Here are five other things I learned from Jerramy:

1. Princess Prep doesn't prepare girls to find prince charming. "Categorically, Princess Prep is not about preparing girls for royal marriage or encouraging them to seek out a prince. Princess Prep is about nourishing princess qualities that all little girls are born with. Being a true princess is about treating everyone with kindness and generosity, as well as believing passionately in yourself and your dreams. Princess qualities discussed include: philanthropy, selflessness, kindness, compassion, hard work, self-belief, dedication, duty, manners, grace, poise, inner beauty, and strength."
2. There's a lot of sightseeing. "Manners is only a small portion of what we teach at Princess Prep. Most of the itinerary involves sightseeing in London! We visit Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, and the Crown Jewels; we go horse riding in Hyde Park, volunteer for a royal charity, and have a night out at the theatre."

Find out more, when you keep reading.

If your lil girl is begging for some face time with Belle, Ariel, or the rest of the classic princess gang, it may be time for a princess-themed party. Modern Family's court of zany characters met for a majestic and mirthful family function last night, reminding us that careful planning and low drama fetes are always the most fun. Here are some of our best guides for hosting a perfectly modern princess party.

• Starter Guide to Planning a Regal Fete — Pick pretty and pink invites fit for a princess.
• Regal Cake Molds For a Princess — Let them eat cake fit for royalty! Keep costs down by ordering up a towering and impressive cake mold and making the cake yourself.
• Find a Fitting Headdress — Top off your little one's costume with a personalized crown that can be passed down to friends and siblings.
• Snow White Wants to Come to Your Lil One's Next Party — There's nothing quite like the look on your tot's face when a picture-perfect princess steps onto the scene! Just ask Maaika Westen, an actress who spends weekends performing at children's parties as part of The Cinderella Company.

Photos copyright 2010 ABC Inc.

Now that the theme has been set and the invitations have been sent out, it's time to start stocking up on the necessary items for my 3-year-old princess's royal affair. First on the list is a regal style cake pan. In the past I've ordered the dessert from our grocer but this year I'm thinking of making it so she can help me with the decoration. It may turn out looking like a mess but at least we'll have fun doing it. Now I just have to decide which mold to go with: tiara, carriage, castle, or cupcakes with crowns on top.

Which one wins your vote?