How to host the best children's birthday party!

This week we're chatting all about children's birthday parties!

I just love a party and Sigh I have worked out that we've hosted 30 parties over the years for our three children.

It is something I could chat about for hours, but I will keep this post concise and expand upon it in the future.

Let's get stuck in!

Guest List

This can be tricky if a child is in a class with lots of children. You may not be able to host them all, so be sensitive and mindful of the children who don't get an invite. Give it a little thought, be gracious and considerate. Perhaps have girls only, boys only, or just home friends.

Timing

I like to host my parties in the afternoon as it gives you plenty of time in the morning to get ready, prepare and get organised.

Parties should be 2 hours maximum. I have made the mistake of hosting them for 3 hours and by the time it gets to 2 they are all completely over it.

2 until 4 works well with younger children, or 3 until 5 for older children.

If parents aren't staying, be specific as to when the party is over so they can come and collect their child. There is nothing worse than it dragging!

Presents

I don't let my children open their presents until everybody has gone home. They get ripped open, it's total chaos and you never know what is from who, so it makes it very hard to follow up with the thank you letters.

I politely say thank you and shut them in a room to open later. That way your children can take time to appreciate each gift and write the list for the thank you letters.

Thank You Letters

It may be a pain, but it is so important to write your thank you letters. Even if your child just writes their name, you must acknowledge that the present has been given and show your gratitude.

Present Types

A great idea is to all club together and get a joint present so you don't end up with something the child doesn't want or need. Alternatively, you could give (capped) money as a gesture. I used to be against people giving my children money, but now they are older and have their own bank accounts in which they are each saving, they can choose put it towards something they really want.

I always set a limit to what I spend on children or it can get out of control. Godchildren and family members may be different, but with school friends and acquaintances make sure you set a limit or it can escalate.

Themes

I always ask my children what they would like the theme of their party to be. It could be knights, ponies, Spider-Man, Barbies, Frozen, whatever the theme is, it's good to get an idea of what they would like. If they're too young to let you know, theme it as something they are drawn towards such as tractors, dolls, nature, animals etc.

Cake

The cake is a big deal in our home! I use the book 'Birthday Cakes For Kids' and have done for years. The children will flick through and pick a cake they like to match the theme of their party. You can personalize the cakes, change their colours, add your child's name and make it your own. I get so much pleasure out of making their cakes!

A great tip is to make them in advance, wrap them in cling film and freeze them. A frozen cake is much easier to cut and manipulate into the required shape. It's also easier to ice with buttercream.

I always hide the cake on the day until the actual moment when I bring it to them with the candles lit. It's always such a special moment, so I make sure Sigh is holding the video camera and that I've given my phone to a friend to take snaps.

Cutting The Cake

Don't let the children eat the cake at the party! Whisk it away, cut it up, wrap it in napkins and they can take it home in their party bags to eat at home. They don't need more sugar than they've already consumed at the party! I have made a mistake of letting lots of children eat cake at mine and have ended up with cake and sticky finger marks everywhere!

Assistance

If you can, rope in someone to help. When Mum was around she would be in charge of cutting the cake and making tea and refreshments for whoever was staying. If you can't ask a friend or family member then perhaps pay somebody to come and help. Ask them to help clear up as the party is ongoing - a top tip is to get the food taken away ASAP after eating or it all ends up on the floor.

Venue

Try to have the party outside to save your house - weather depending. Village halls are wonderful and not normally expensive. You could even go to a local park or playground, just make sure you leave it as you find it.

Entertainment

If you can stretch to it, invest in some entertainment for the party. The children will be captivated and then you don't have to do it! We use a great gentleman near us called Party Tom AKA Tom Foolery. See if you can have the entertainment align with the theme of the party.

If you don't opt for external entertainment, try creating some fun activities and games for the day. I have created assault courses, our own sports day with three-legged races, sack races and egg and spoon races! I've also had fairy arts and crafts, mask making and colouring amongst many other things.

Party Food

Keep it simple. This is why it's good to have the morning free, so you can carefully plan out what you will be feeding your guests. You might opt for sausage rolls, sandwiches, or pizzas, just be mindful of cooking times etc. Make sure you have enough drinks for everybody. Be very aware of any allergies, this is really important.

Party Bags

I think anyone that comes to our parties expects the party bag! You don't need to go to town and buy loads of unsustainable crap that would just break, and you don't need to spend a lot of money on items.

I like to buy little tiny books, pens, cat's cradle, whoopee cushions and seed packets! I use the great seed packets for children by Mr Men.

I also make a little bag of mixed sweets, tied with a small pretty ribbon. With the cake, that's quite enough!

Do write the children's names on the party bag and again be mindful of allergies.

Make sure you create a few extra party bags in case a sibling wants one, and make party bags for your children too. They always seem to really want one and it is a highlight for them!

I hope you've found my tips helpful, do you have any tricks for hosting children's parties too?

Love,