The first thing to do when planning a party is to think of a theme. A theme can help you decide the colors and sets a tone for the occasion. You can then use streamers, balloons and other decorative items conforming to that theme. Your invitations, food, favors and games can also adhere to the same. Here are some easy ways to decorate your home for a birthday party.
1. Start with the walls
The easiest way to decorate the walls is to use balloons and streamers. Again, look to the theme of the party- for example- for a batman themed party, use black and yellow balloons whereas for a princess themed party you can utilize purple, silver, pink and other feminine colors. Another easy way to decorate the walls is by adding lettering like “Happy Birthday” with the birthday boy/girl’s name. For other parties such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas, you can use letters pertaining to these occasions like “LOVE”, “CUPID”, “Merry Xmas” etc.
2. Ideas for the ceilings
Cover the ceiling with a net and add balloons in the theme’s color. For example, for a Finding Nemo theme, cover up the net using blue, white or green balloons. This will create the clouds and/sea. Use blue butcher paper for the walls. You can also hang paper fishes from the ceiling. For V-Day parties, you can use roses, red heart shaped balloons and of course candles.
3. Cardboard cutouts
Cardboard cutouts are easy to make and you can get templates online. Use cardboard to make stars, fish, wands etc based on the theme of your party. You can also get many ideas for cutouts from library books as well as online resources. Many items around the house can also be used in the decorations.
4. Think about the seating arrangements
Based on the age of your guests, you will need to arrange for seating. First of all, you need to invite appropriate number of kids and space available, to keep bedlam at bay. Always make sure that the position of the invitees is such that their back is to the sun or indoor lights. The birthday boy/girl on the other hand should ideally face the light. This will help you get clear photos and videos and avoid backlighting. You may also need to buy or rent kid size plastic chairs-they are inexpensive and easily available. If you are considering craft activities, you might need to arrange for a table long enough for all kids to seat at, so they can draw or make their crafts comfortably.
5. Remove all breakable items
Based on the age group of your invitees, you will need to remove all easily-tippable or breakable objects, ornaments and wall art etc. This should not take too much of your time and will keep your mind at ease all throughout the party’s duration. Also safety proof the area: make sure there are no wires or other dangerous items.
6. Arrange games materials
Arrange all the game materials you need on a table which is away but easily accessible from the main party area. Lay it all out neatly so that it is not in anyone’s way and so that kids cannot disturb it.
7. Make trash bins easily accessible
Arrange at least 2-3 trash cans in the party area for your guests to use and dispose the paper plates, wrapping papers etc.
8. Manage spills
Place several tissue boxes and mops to manage spills in case of kid’s parties.
9. Involve your family in the planning
This will help engage kids and greatly ease the burden off your shoulders.
10. Keep finger foods available readily
You can keep healthy foods like fruits for kids and adults to munch on.
Got any other ideas? Let us know!