At-home Party Planning Tips
“Come one, come all- all you party animals to Chloe’s 3rd Birthday Circus”
My baby girl turned three and after two “pandemic postponed” birthday parties, I wanted to celebrate her in a big way. At the top of the list of things she loves is pink, sprinkles, and animals (these were our inspo) - so we had a circus party! I love at-home parties because I’m secretly a homebody. But also because, I can prepare (most everything) the night before, I don’t have to “stop the party, clean up, and get out” of a venue in a set time, and have random items on hand like an extra candle or lighter.
Before the tips… I have a deep love for local vendors, so I wanted to share them here:
Upupandaway Balloons- the kindest, most generous business owners you will EVER meet. And wow- this balloon garland was jaw dropping.
The Party Trend- bounce house DREAMS. They were so kind and easy to work with!
Mclain’s- the best birthday cake you can find in KC.
Jenny Sims- the CUTESTest custom cookies in alllllll the land. She made a “Paw Patrol Skye Dog Party Animal” just for Chloe!
Cottontale KC- for cotton candy!
Grazing KC (laugh)- candy board, circus animal sprinkle bars and bunny bait
My Top (at-home) Party Planning Tips:
Be the “expert” at one thing. I focused on the dessert table and hired out the balloon garland and catering. Ofcourse, I could have stayed up all night trying to make a balloon arch or cooking/preparing the food- but I delegated those tasks off to the experts and focused on the dessert table (because that’s what I do best). I didn’t want to stress myself out over doing it all. Example: if you’re hosting an adult brunch- focus on the mimosa bar but hire out those casseroles or breakfast burritos!
Have one wow factor- you don’t need it all. We went with the bounce house and balloon arch. Maybe yours is a photo booth/backdrop, a piñata, a tent with sensory toys (my friend did this and it was so fun for littles), a donut wall for brunch, tattoos or face painting. It would be fun to have ALL of that at a party, but really one is just as special.
But have something for all ages. The kids on the bounce house were 3-9, but we also had a bubble machine (I swear by this one), chalk out, some building blocks, and balloons for littles. If you have room, you could do a game of Jenga or bags out for adults.
Go 95% disposable. There will always be something to clean up or throw away. The only thing we really had to wash after the party was our two drink dispensers, the cake stand, and queso crockpot. I even used disposable serving utensils for our taco bar. My little trick… if you want super cute plates/cups/napkins (I am obsessed with Meri Meri), buy a dozen “cute ones” and mix in some plain ones from the Dollar Tree. You can still buy all the “cute stuff”, but this trick keeps you on budget.
Don’t even leave your house to get party favors or over-think them. I bought these Amazon bulk sensory toys (soooo fun), threw in a rock candy and called it good.
Use grocery delivery for day-of items like ICE. S/O to Instacart.
Have a “just in case” basket. Set out sunscreen, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, bandaids, etc. Things people might ask you during the party. It could even be in your bathroom with deodorant, tampons etc. For me, it’s all about preparing, so my guests feel comfortable, but also I can be in-the-moment and enjoy the party too!
Celebrate Everything! XO Sarah + Chloe Girl
