Celebrating a birthday is all about fun and friends and if your child has both of those, the rest of the details will fade in the background.
Set the party date
Make sure there are no big events happening on the chosen party date as it may affect the number of kids who accept the invitation
Check with the parents of your kids friends if they have a birthday around the same time – they may also be planning a party, and you don’t want to clash!
Invitations
First things first, skip the paper invitations if you can. Use email or Facebook to send out invites. It’s much easier, and the invitations won’t get lost!
- Make it clear that you need a response so you know how many kids will be coming to the party.
- Also make it clear whether a parent is expected to stay – and whether siblings are welcome too.
- Ask if there are any allergies or dietary requirements for kids on the guest list.
Preparations
Do as much as you can the day before the party, such as preparing food and putting out some of the decorations. Make the party day easy by having almost everything ready ahead of time.
Don't stress yourself about perfect party decor. Your child will not know the difference, and inexpensive store bought decorations will be perfect!
Keep it simple with grazing finger food or order pizza to be delivered.
Easy finger food options can include:
- Cubes of cheese on cocktail sticks
- Fresh fruit
- Veggie sticks & dips
- Popcorn
- Fairy bread
- Sushi
- Sausage rolls
What time of day?
Timing is everything! A morning party is better for younger children as they tend to run out of steam in the afternoon – and you will avoid tears and tantrums. For older kids, an afternoon party will give you more time to prepare.
Birthday cake
If your child wants a themed party, there are lots of easy ways to put together a cake - or just order a themed cake from a local baker. Make sure you order in advance but not so far ahead that the birthday child changes their mind about the party theme!
Another option is to buy a ready-made plain cake and decorate it with icing and utilise the endless amount of themed merchandise there is out there these days. For example, pop a Spiderman figurine on top of a cake with blue and red icing. Easy peasy.
You could also turn birthday cake into an activity! Buy premade cupcakes, add buttercream or icing and set up a table so the kids can decorate their own cupcake.
Supply decorating items such as:
- Lollies (jelly snakes, smarties, Maltesers, Skittles (it is a party after all!)
- Marshmallows
- Fruit such as blueberries & strawberries
Save the party bags right for the end and keep them right at the front door as guests leave.
Ask for help
Draft in some help from friends, family and even the parents of the kids who are invited. Most people will be happy to lend a hand.
Of course, you don’t have to have the party at home. You could hire a room or have it at the park – but this would mean extra work transporting the food, drinks and any entertainment you are planning.
