Plan and execute your child’s birthday party without the added stress

Let’s be real, planning a party can be very stressful. Who do you invite? Location? How much is this going to cost? I can be a real headache. I wanted to share some tips that will help alleviate some of that stress when planning.

BE ORGANIZED:

Buckle down on date, guest list and location. Be sure to decide your guest list before location because you need to know your numbers.

GUEST LIST:

First thing to do. Make sure your location will accommodate the number of guests you expect. Usually expect for about 10 percent of guests not being able to make it. When making your list be clear to separate children from adults so you know for loot bags, food etc.

BUDGET $$:

Parties can get crazy expensive and yes you will spend more than you think. Have a budget in mind and try your best to stick to it. If your budget is $500.00 and the location you want charges $300.00, this may not be the best option for you after factoring everything else in. Below in the detail section you will see all the other miscellaneous items that will add to budget.

LOCATION:

Now that you know your numbers and have an idea of date, you can call around and book a venue, if you decide to have the party at home or a relative’s house, PERFECT, this will save you some money. If you decide to do an outdoor location have a plan B just in case the weather does not cooperate. There is no bigger stress than worrying about the weather leading up to the party and not having a backup plan.

DATE:

This is all personal, on the actual birthday, before or after, it’s up to you. Remember to check that the date is available and if you need to give a deposit to book then do so.

Believe it or not the hardest part is done . Now onto the fun stuff BUT you still need to be organized. Next steps

THEME:

If your child has a favourite show, character, book, then this part is easy. Do some research on pinterest and Instagram and you should find something that interests you. In my next blog post I will share the details of my sons first and second birthday party with you.

INVITATIONS:

Coordinating your invitation with your theme adds a nice touch to the party already setting the tone for the day. It is not necessary to do this as you may have not been able to decide on a theme yet, so also having a generic birthday one is fine too. Online invitations are the way to go. You can send out invites for free online as long as the guests have email or text. Online also allows you to keep track of responses, see who has received the invitation, and you can send any changes or updates to your guest. The site I have used is http://www.evite.com. Mailing out invitations is always nice but it can get expensive. I also worry about the invite getting lost in the mail. If you are not using an online invitation but sure to have a chart so that you can keep a list of your guests and be able to check off who is attending and who is not and do this right away as they rsvp.

All in the Details

You can be as simple or as crazy as you like. I tend to go for more of the CRAZY but that’s me. Some items below may not apply to you and that’s ok but here is what you can include for the special day.  

CAKE:

Order the cake ASAP- a good cake maker is usually super busy. You can also order from a grocery store but you still need to get the order in. Make sure you try the cake or know of someone who has used them before. Nothing worse than spending money on a cake and it tastes nasty. Pick a flavour that you know will work for most – chocolate or vanilla is easy and you should try for nut free.

Whatever you decided on theme – this is where you can start trying in the detail. Have your cake scream your theme.

There is also nothing wrong with getting your cake from the grocery store. It all just depends on how detailed you want your cake to be. The grocery store is defiantly a cheaper option but you won’t get that WOW factor like you would have if you get it custom made.

ENTERTAINMENT:

If it’s a child’s party you want entertainment for the little ones. If your location is at a Play Center, park, games room, then there is likely plenty for them. If your party is at house or party room then you need to keep these kiddies busy. I like having someone come to entertain because its less for you to do the day of and gives you a break.

Ideas: magician, mascot, entertainers to sing and play games, balloon maker, face painter, playscape.

There are also things you can have set up on your own: colouring station, craft, make a cupcake station, sandpit, swimming pool, sprinkler, bubbles, area with soccer or balls.

DECOR:

Realistically it all depends on your budget because all these tiny details add up. You may want to keep it simple and that’s perfectly fine, or you may want to go a little more extreme (this tends to happen to me) and that’s ok too. Here are some things to consider for décor and your final touches:

Backdrop, balloons, balloon arch, custom signage, birthday banner – all of these things can be DIY or you can hire someone to do this.

Plates, cups, cutlery, napkins, table clothes – you can keep it neutral or get creative with your colours and theme. For example – if your theme is Paw Patrol – you can buy all Paw Patrol – or keep it to the colours that the theme may use most.

Loot bags – I always offer a little something for the kids to take home. I am not a huge fan of the traditional loot bag filled with trinkets and candy. I personally like the children to leave with something of substance that they will use. The past two parties I have bought books for the children that tie in with my theme.

FOOD/DRINK:

You have probably already thought of this but now is the time to get the order in. Ordering pizza or catering saves you from time and hopefully you can enjoy the party more.

Sweet table, cookies, candy, cake, whatever you have this adds a nice touch. Perfect area to take pictures.

Providing food yourself – adds more work for you the day of. An option is to ask people to all bring something like a potluck style but I am not a fan of asking people to bring when they are attending a party. But if it works for you then go right ahead.

Catering – way easier and less work for you. Some ideas that I have seen work are pizza, Greek, Chicken and Rice, Italian (lasagna and salad) Get the food delivered right around the time you want your guests to eat so it is hot and ready to be served. Most places also provide plates and cutlery which is great.

Snacks – potato chips, chips and dip, popcorns, fruit, are all easy snacks you can have around for guest to snack on. I like to use plastic cups for the kids – they can fill the cup with snacks and its easy for them to walk around and hold.

Seating- if you have a smaller space don’t worry about having everyone sit at tables. You can have chairs set up around your space and people can eat that way. You can rent cruiser tables or longer folding tables or invest in a few small plastic side tables but don’t panic if the seating isn’t perfect.  ** For my last party I rented smaller tables for the kids and had the adults sit casually – we did not have enough space for everyone to sit at a table.

Drink –

• Be sure to have plenty of water
• Plastic cups from party store
• Kids like juice boxes.
• Summer months be sure to have ice.
• Coffee with dessert – not required but a nice touch (invest in a commercial machine – I have the Hamilton Beach Machine- or purchase the packs from Tims/Starbucks)
• Alcoholic beverages are a personal preference

At my sons first and second birthday party we did have alcohol but I have been to many parties and it was not an option. If you decide to have alcohol keep it simple – wine and beer only, or you can make a sangria (one alcoholic and one not).

• Invest in a permanent sharper marker if you are using plastic cups so the guest can write their name on the cup.

**Set up your food/drink station so guests can help themselves. My rule is I always offer the first drink and then help yourself and make yourself at home. Less work for you and you can mingle and interact with guests.

HAPPY PLANNING