I’ve previously mentioned that I’m not a big fan of throwing birthday parties for kids. Don’t get me wrong – I like the kids to have fun and it’s a day worth celebrating, but organizing the event doesn’t really float my boat.
Clearly, when you have six kids, there is no avoiding it. At last count, I’ve thrown 41 of the stinkin’ things. Recently our friends at the Marilyn Denis Show reached out to me looking for my tips and tricks when it comes to throwing a fun summer birthday party.
I was happy to serve up tips and share advice because I have lots to say on the subject. I enlisted the help of my friend Jenn, the “Party Mama” who organizes parties for a living. She covered all things creative and I was shocked to learn just how creative some mamas are!
You’ll notice that my tips are all about making this party throwing stuff less stressful for mama!
Get Help
If throwing parties is not your happy place, get some help. I’ve had many parents tell me that they were so busy making their child’s first birthday “perfect” that they don’t even remember the milestone. As baby was cake smashing, mom and dad are running around fetching drinks and offering nibblies to guests. I prefer to have Jenn party plan so that I’m not exhausted before the party even begins.
Safety First
With a backyard pool, I don’t do any kind of party without a lifeguard. If you don’t have a lifeguard, assign two adults to be on duty. Make them wear silly hats so that everyone knows they are responsible. When one steps away from the pool, the hat must be passed on to another responsible adult.
Keep it Simple
Avoid throwing parties during mealtimes and you’ll escape the daunting task of providing a meal. I prefer the party time slot of 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Admittedly, I’m no superstar in the kitchen so when it comes to the baking, I turn to another entrepreneurial friend, Eva, from Cakes With Attitude. I prefer to serve cupcakes over cake because no cutlery is necessary and we get to avoid hearing that whiney kid say “but his piece is BIGGER than mine!”
When it comes to getting the kids out the door, a simple gift (rather than a loot bag full of junk) is the way I like to go.
To find out about the ever popular Cake Smash event, party themes and loot bag ideas, have a look at this clip.
Photography thanks to: Amy Montgomery (little boy cake smash)
Memories by Marie (little girl cake smash)
Special thanks to seriously crazy Party Mama, Jenn Sephton
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