The Perfect Party....Made Easy

Planning a party should be as fun as throwing it.  My own daughter has a birthday coming up,and as I prepare invitations,activities, decorations, favors, treats, and thank you notes I thought I'd share some tips I use while I am getting creative.
 

1. Decide on the entertainment first.  So you went to the store and found the most awesome super hero invitations ever.....and look they are the green hornet!  Your son will love them!  That is until you get home and ask him what he wants to do for his birthday.  Murphy's law ensures that the minute your heart is invested, your child will want something opposite.  Like.....firemen or hot wheels.  Of course you can always return the cards, but choosing the entertainment first will usually save the extra time and gas it takes to change your mind.  Are you having trouble deciding what to do for the party?  Check out Redding Face Painting's theme parties, Character Entertainers, and Party Activities.  Kids love our activities and most can be customized to fit your theme (or sometimes combine a few) so pre purchased invitations are never a problem .

2. Be a little bit matchy.  Parties don't necessarily need a specific theme, but choosing decorations, invitations, and other party items with the same 3 or 4 colors will help all of your guests know what things are for the celebration.  Let your child pick the colors and don't worry about perfect harmony. The more your child's party reflects who they are, the more energy will surround it, and the more fun they will have.  For matching invitations, cup cake toppers, banners, and more check out my etsy store.

3. Balloons.  They are my secret weapon weather at home, a park, or a party center, I always pick up at least 12 helium, mylar balloons.  If I'm at home I ask for extra long ribbon and let them fly.  They make a great decoration, always provide entertainment as the kids play with them and double as part of the party favor.  While the kids are eating cake, I tie one to each favor and set them by the door.

4. Decorations  A few decorations can really set the mood.  If you stay within your color scheme or theme they can also be really fun and easy to do!  Remeber a centerpiece. (the cake table works great for this)  a few pictures of the guest of honor combined with one of Redding Face Painting's Happy Birthday Banners and garland or a bit of tulle does a great job sprucing up the place.  If you want to take it up a notch consider a backdrop to your cake like the one on this blog ::::::::: and decorate the door for a grand entrance!  More decorating tips are coming soon, so stay tuned for inspiration!

5.  Food -Don't overdo it.  Your child's favorite sweet treat is a must, but beyond that keep it simple.  popcorn in pretty bowls, finger sandwiches, and fruits and veggies are easy if you are hosting your party around a meal time.  Or consider planning the party around the food.  Cook your own pizza becomes the meal and the party!  Better yet, celebrate between meal times like from 10-12 or 2-5.  That way everyone is full when they arrive and ready to eat when it's time for cake. 

5. Favors and Thank You's  I never feel better than when someone thanks me!  Don't forget to thank your party guests too.  Party favors are a great way to thank guests and with a little bit of planning can include a thank you card for parent's too!  By the time the presents are opened and the cake is eaten, and the decorations are put away I am exausted.  Sending thank you notes (i'm ashamed to say) can be put off for longer than I would like to admit.  To keep myself from procrastinating those thank you's I have begun to include them with the favor.  Before the party I print out some cute thank you cards like the one's you can find on my etsy shop.  I have my kids sign on the bottom and leave a little note if they are old enough.  I punch a hole in them, stack them on the counter and when the kids are playing or eating cake I sneak off write (enter guest name here) 's parents on the envelope.  Next I  tie them to the favors with the balloons and voila!  Thank you cards are done at the same time as the party!  For great favor ideas, check out Redding Face Painting's Party Supplies (open soon) or etsy shop (open now)

Wow!  That is ALOT of information....Here is is summed up!

1. plan the entertainment first
2. be a little bit matchy - choose three or four colors or a theme and use that as inspiration
3. Balloons are inexpensive and multi-functional.  Use them for decorations, games, and party favors.
4. Decorations create the mood
5. Keep the food simple, but fun
6. Combine favors and thank you's to make your life easier.

And most of all Have Fun!!  What are your favorite party planning tips?  I'm always looking for good ideas!  Post yours below!