Those who know me have been following the trail of tears to find me.
My baby girl is turning three this month.
I've been doing my best to wipe away the tears and plan a celebration fit for my princess.
My soon to be THREE year old princess that is. She's practically old enough to be a queen.
Since my two babies birthday's are around the same time, we are double celebrating with Disney World.
My God son has always been like a second child to me and like a brother to my daughter.
While that was going to be the end of her third birthday, I decided to go old school...
...with a good old fashioned back yard birthday party celebration!
****************************
The ultimate checklist for throwing a child's birthday party at home.
__ Pick a theme.
Be creative! Don't settle for just "blue".
__ Pick a date & time.
__ Confirm your budget.
__ Create a finalized guest list.
__ Consider "main event" ideas.
It can be a game hour with prizes, hired entertainment, or even renting a bounce house!
__ Hire the entertainment, if applicable.
Please don't forget to research for best prices and solid reviews!
__ Rent equipment, if applicable.
Whether it's tables and chairs or a tent, do this early.
__ Purchase theme friendly invitations.
__ Mail out the invitations.
Make sure the RSVP date is reasonable on both ends!
__ Keep track of responses.
__ Consider meal options.
Are you cooking or ordering food?
__ Plan a finalized menu.
This means appetizers, main meal, deserts, and drinks!
__ Place the meal order, if applicable.
__ Order the cake, if applicable.
It's always fun to have a theme friendly cake!
__ Purchase themed decor.
__ Purchase necessary paper goods.
Plates, cake plates, bowls, cups, napkins, cutlery, coffee cups, and serving spoons are musts!
__ Purchase goody bags and fillers.
Try to fill with 2 themed items, 3 fun items, and lots of candy.
__ Prepare a music playlist.
__ Purchase birthday hats.
__ Purchase disposable table clothes.
__ Plan for enough serving bowls and dishes.
__ Prepare to keep drinks cold.
Don't forget the cooler and lots of ice! Don't forget to separate the adult drinks.
__ Plan easy activities.
Keep kids distracted with small activities like jump ropes or pitched tents.
__ Order helium balloons.
__ Plan layout arrangements.
You need eating areas, serving areas, play areas, and an area for the entertainment.
__ Purchase and fill a themed pinata.
__ See what you can borrow.
This can be anything! I've borrowed things from folding chairs to gigantic coffee pots!
__ Make final confirmations.
Call the caterer, the entertainer, and the baker!
__ Assign day of tasks.
Who's picking up the balloons, cake, and ice? Who's decorating and setting up?
__ Charge your camcorder, camera, and phones.
__ Put it all together.
__ Don't forget to have LOTS of fun!
What are your birthday party at home tips?