Throwing a children's party is serious business – we're talking about becoming a legend among the under-10 crowd! It's not just about the fun; it's about crafting epic memories that will be playground conversation for years to come. Many savvy parents opt for the home party option to save some pennies and their sanity but home parties are surprisingly harder than you'd think. I've been lucky enough to perform at hundreds of home kids parties so I thought I'd share with you some of the tips and tricks I've picked up to make your next home party awesome.
Get a door answerer. This is a pretty random one, but one of the most surprising things that people don't realise is that answering the door takes up a lot of your time! A parent at a recent party told me that they felt they missed so much as they were constantly at the door. So at your next party try asking one of your family members to take on door duty! People don't mind if you're not the one greeting at the door as they'll soon see you inside the party.
Make a plan in case of rain. When throwing a house party, the usual setup involves parents commandeering the kitchen/dining area while the kids go wild in the garden. However, this is Britain, where rain is more reliable than a Swiss watch. So, it's wise to have a backup plan for corralling guests, safeguarding the nibbles, and sheltering the entertainment from the inevitable downpour.
Be mindful of what decorations you use. Balloons are a hit, especially when they're the spitting image of a child's beloved TV hero. Just remember, they're not just full of hot air—they take up real estate! To keep your living room from turning into a balloon zoo, think small. Ceiling balloons, streamers, and banners can add pizzazz without cramping your style—or your space. Plus, they're kind to your walls, which is always a bonus.
Cold foods and canapes. I've attended countless home parties where parents pull out all the stops to wow their guests with a smorgasbord that could feed an army or dishes so fancy they belong in a royal banquet. From whole hog roasts to the posh pairing of smoked salmon and caviar (I kid you not), while it might look fit for a king, the average 10-year-old is probably more impressed by a magic trick than the culinary fanfare. The hassle of whipping up a hot and cold buffet could turn any parent into a frazzled chef. My tip? Stick to the classics - sandwiches, biscuits, and cakes. Toss in some pre-made pizza for good measure. Keep it simple, and your guests will cherish the extra time you can spend being the host with the most, rather than the cook lost in the kitchen.
Maximise your space. In the UK, where space is as precious as a sunny day, squeezing 20 kids and their grown-ups into your home for a party is like a game of Tetris. One clever move is to banish coffee tables to the upstairs realm, creating a dance floor spacious enough for tiny feet and adult ones too. And just when you think you've carved out enough room, chuck out a bit more. Because much like socks in a dryer, space for a party tends to mysteriously disappear when you need it most.
Plan everything. Now that you've conquered the clutter, it's time to strategize the placement of everything. Ensure there's a throne for every guest, but also map out a spot for everything from the mountain of coats to the treasure trove of gifts. This way, you'll transform your space into a party-planning masterpiece.
Get the right entertainer. Securing an entertainer for a snug space? Magicians are your go-to! They're like party ninjas, dazzling guests without needing a stage the size of a football field. Chatting with your performer is key—know their space needs and conjure up an epic bash together. While not every act fits a living room gig, a versatile magician (yours truly) can make magic happen just about anywhere!
There you have it, the ultimate guide to home party awesomeness. Remember, you've got this
super-parent and with these tricks up your sleeve, your kid's birthday bash is sure to be the talk of the town!
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