This guy had the best birthday party! Let me tell you, I have coordinated my fair share of parties. I have done the over-the-top parties and the really simple (possibly too simple) parties and I have to say that the middle of the road is the way to go. Here are my top 5 must do’s for planning the best birthday party.
- Let the birthday boy/girl pick the theme.
- party decor- balloons are a big bang for your buck. They add so much color and scream birthday party. Anyone can make a balloon garland. It is super simple and adds a big punch. Amazon sells most themes in a bundle that includes a birthday sign, cupcake toppers and cake toppers. Even if you do not get cupcakes, you can use those for decor.
- order a cake- don’t make it yourself. I have done both and the kids love the whipped icing at Walmart better than the one I make so it’s a win/win. They love it and I don’t have to spend the time making the cake. plus! You can add any picture to your cake. Just take the photo to the bakery and they put it on a cake.
- Keep the games simple. Owen loves nerf guns and so do his cousins so, we created barriers for them to hide behind, gave them a bunch of nerf gun darts and let them have at it. Owen is also obsessed with baseball so, they had a wiffle ball game in the front yard. Even the dad’s got involved. He had to have a pinata which was a two for one. The candy inside of the pinata served as the party favor.
- Let the birthday boy/girl pick out the food! or at least have one of their favorite foods. Owen loves hot dogs so we hamburgers and hot dogs with BJ’s Greek pasta salad and redskin potato salad. I cut up fruit and made an easy crockpot mac n cheese a few hours before the party. Chips and dip were out on the counter to snack on before the meal.
Owen had a blast and so did his friends. It was one to remember and it did not break the bank. I have to say that when I was doing the bigger parties with the huge guest list and themed food and tons of decorations, I was dreading the party. The performance anxiety and expectations that I put on myself made me miserable. I was relieved when it was over. That is not how you want to feel. Do yourself a favor and keep it simple but not too simple. Balloons are your best friend!
until next time!
XOXO
Beckie
