This week I have the task of planning my niece’s 2nd birthday party. And, it’s my mom’s birthday today! So I’m inspired to write today’s post, planning a birthday party. Given I only have a week to plan her party, I thought it might be helpful for all the other procrastinators out there (cough cough, my brother) to learn how to throw a fabulous little event with such short notice.
The first step to throwing any event of any kind, is to figure out your budget. This dictates everything you can and can’t do, and who you can and can’t invite. And that’s the next step, the guest list. Please don’t wait too late to invite guests, they have lives too! Decide if you’re inviting everyone under the sun or just throwing intimate affair.
Once your budget and guest list are worked out, dive into the details. Colors, theme, food, etc. Do you want something simple (as I’m planning for my niece) or layers of intrigue for your guests? There are so many ways to organize your ideas as you brainstorm. One of my favorite ways is to bookmark images I find on Pinterest! But I also love a good old-fashioned cork board with cut out images from magazines, fabrics and photos.
Once you have all your ideas organized make a shopping list. Ingredients for cooking/baking, utensils, decor… To save money, pull from items you already have at home. If you don’t have a huge guest list, don’t buy disposable utensils, use your beautiful dishes! I’m planning to re-use several of my wedding dessert table platters & cake stands to display the food and cupcakes for the party. Do the same with decor! If you have a ton of ribbon turn it into streamers. Use arrangements, faux or real, and anything else that ties into your theme! If you’re culinary challenged, ask close friends or family to bring a few dishes and focus on a dish you love to make instead.
Here are my favorite inspirations so far for my niece’s party . . .
And don’t forget something for your guests can take home! Since it’s so close to christmas, I thought DIY ornaments could double as a favor and party activity! I found this great project on Oh Happy Day! It’s super easy and both kids and adults would love to make.
Have you thrown a great birthday lately for someone or yourself? Share your ideas or questions in the comments!
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