Tips for a Successful Birthday Party at Home
When throwing a children's birthday party, you are in luck if you have a good time of year and can host the party at your house. Although this can make for a bit more work, it can be a big money saver. We are very lucky that our son's birthday is in early September, so we are usually able to have the party in our back yard. Here are some things I've learned over the years.
First, keep the decorations simple. Kids love balloons. Rather than having the hassle of either blowing up the balloons, or dealing with a tank, I buy a balloon bouquet at my local party store. I have them incorporate several colors of latex balloons that coordinate with the theme of the party, and I usually throw in one or two mylar balloons as well. The bouquet is not expensive, and when I get it home, I split it up, tying balloons in various places throughout the yard. I have pretty much given up on streamers, especially for an outdoor party. I usually buy plates and napkins in whatever theme my son has chosen, but then use solid color cups and table cloths to save money. (Lesson learned from throwing a Star Wars party last year, the licensed theme items are much more expensive than colored or generic themes).
Next, keep the food simple too! One year I did a cook out and spent more time at the grill and distributing food than I did enjoying my son's birthday. Besides, most of the kids, and their moms too, won't eat much. Now, I order pizzas and either have them delivered, pick them up myself, or assign a volunteer to go pick them up. I also serve salad and chips. I have done homemade cakes, but for a lot of people I find it's easier to buy a sheet cake from the grocery store bakery. They taste good, and you'd be amazed at the decorating skill they bring to the table.
Kids love piñatas. An outdoor birthday party without a piñata just seems like it's missing something. Use caution when choosing a place to hang your piñata, as well as when choosing the weapon that will be used to beat it into submission. Rather than buying the cheap bag-o-piñata filling, I try to fill the piñata with small plastic toys, stickers, and candy of decent quality. Do not fill the piñata with anything too mushy!
Regarding other entertainment, keep that simple too. I find the kids are able to entertain themselves, playing ball, tag, or just playing on the swingset. If you have a friend with a great costume, and they are willing to don it for the occasion, go for it. We did this with the Star Wars theme, and had Darth Maul at our son's party. He was a big hit. Each child was able to get their picture taken with Maul, and we did some group shots as well.
Kids also love to see their friends open their gifts. I usually set up two chairs, side by side. One chair is for the birthday boy, the other is for whichever child gave the gift being opened at the moment. I try to snap pictures of each guest with my son, as their gift is being opened, and then include a copy with the thank you note. This is also a life saver if you cannot remember who gave what!
Finally, try to do the food, cake, piñata and gifts early on in the party. That way, kids who want to stay, can stay and play, while those who need to go home or to a soccer game can leave without feeling they've missed something important.