How to Throw a Kids Outdoor Party
Hi, everyone! It’s Edna, one of your And Butterflies Too editors. As an event planner, I naturally love planning a good party and take every opportunity I can to plan one, including kids’ parties. Since I’m also a grandmother of two beautiful granddaughters, 12 and 8, I have years of kids’ parties to look forward to! Recently, we celebrated my oldest granddaughter’s graduation and thought a garden-style celebration would be fun. Since both of the girls just love all things girly and floral we went all out! The theme colors were soft pastel colors of pink, yellow, and turquoise. A mass of mason jars filled with pink carnations and tissue paper balls decorated the tables. The local JoAnn Fabrics provided us with more than an abundance of fabric in girly prints and pink and white tulle that would make any 12 year old giggle with delight!
Since we believe that the best way to multiply one’s happiness is to share one’s gifts with others, we thought we’d share a few kid’s party planning tips with everyone. Once you’ve determined your budget, created a guest list, and decided on a theme, the rest is easy. The first thing you want to remember is that kids’ parties are likely filled with lots of adult friends and family members; you will want to cater to both the kids and the adults. It’s all about striking the balance between stylish soiree and kid-friendly festivity. For a quick, inexpensive, and sustainable alternative to paper invitations, forget stamps, postage and snail mail. Websites like evite, Paperless Post and Facebook invite make it easy to invite everyone on your guest list. Your invitations should set the tone, letting your guest know what type of party to anticipate. If you go paper, go for something nice, but don’t obsess over it. Creating your own handmade invitations always add a special touch. However, if you’re not as crafty, there are so many other cute party invitations on sites like Minted or Etsy.
Backyards and parks are typically great spaces for kids’ parties. However, always have a backup plan. “Better safe than sorry” definitely applies to outdoor events. Prepare for the worst by having an outdoor tent or an indoor option in case of inclement weather.
When catering to kids, finger foods make everyone’s life easier — you don’t need to provide cutlery, and your guests will thank you too; they won’t have to chase a toddler while balancing a plate of pasta salad. Sandwiches cut into quarters, veggies and dip, fruit on skewers, bagels, and muffins are just a few party-healthy and friendly food ideas. Try mini cheeseburgers for an instant crowd pleaser for older kids. Cake is great, but remember cupcakes are less hassle; there’s no cutting and they’re easier to serve. Display the cupcakes decorated with colorful wrappers on decorative cake stands for an even fancier look.
When decorating, which is my favorite part, store-bought décor might be the first thing that comes to mind and can be relatively inexpensive. However, there’s no reason that you can’t find a happy medium of beautiful, chic décor that is kid-friendly too. Select a creative theme like a gumball or cotton candy party and be sure to pick a matching color palette of fun, bright hues that the kids would love.
Every good party needs music, and a child’s party is no exception. Whether you set up a karaoke machine, supply kid-size instruments, or simply stream a kid-friendly music station, the right music will set the tone for a super fun day.
Don’t forget to keep the kids entertained with little games throughout the party. Even something as simple as, “Guess how many gumballs are in the jar?” can add an extra element of fun. Incorporate the classic piñata as a great way to bring all the kids together to cheer on their friends. And the anticipation of raining candy never hurts! Clowns and magicians are popular options. For a more cost-friendly alternative, ask a friend or relative to staff the face-painting station. Photo booths with silly props and face masks have also become very popular.
Last, but not least, send your guests home with a little something extra special; making your party one to remember. For the perfect ending to a great day, try favors that relate to the party theme. Whatever you do, don’t stress, kept it simple and remember, it should be fun for you too!
Until the next time butterflies, keep creating!
