Paneling = oy. Update tomorrow. But while we’re here…
Can you believe that Clara’s b-day bash was the largest party (weighing in at 25 attendees) that we’ve thrown since our backyard wedding almost four years ago? How lame of us. And I know, it’s been over a month – enough already about the party. But since a lot of our posts are actually just notes to self (how else would we remember what color we painted our old bedroom?) we figured we better record what we lizz-earned now (or forever hold our peace forget it all).
1. Keep the focus on a few carefully selected rooms (and don’t put stuff for guests to peruse in other rooms or they won’t stay where you want ’em). This seems obvious, right? We had such a hard time with it! At first we were going to keep all the fabric letter magnets on the fridge in the kitchen (for the kids) and have photos of Clara looping on John’s laptop in the office (just in case anyone wandered in there). Finally it dawned on us that if we wanted our guests to hang out in the living room, sunroom, side patio, backyard, and carport… we shouldn’t put stuff for kids or adults in any other space. Duh. Talk about sending mixed signals.
2. Simplify the menu whenever possible. At first we worried that serving only pizza, veggie sticks, chips & salsa, spice cookies, and cupcakes (along with lemonade, limeade, and a few soda choices) might be a little… um… boring. But everyone seemed to enjoy the fare (including a few vegetarians) and not having fifty bowls and platters to dispense and refill allowed us to pay attention to the friends and family surrounding us – and really enjoy our day with the bean.
3. But don’t underbuy those key items. At the end of the day we had eight remaining slices of pizza, a bowl of chips, about ten cookies, and around 15 cupcakes leftover (along with a few bottles of soda/lemonade). So we sent people home with stuff and enjoyed some delicious leftover pizza for the rest of the weekend. Sure beats worrying that things might run out and guests might go hungry.
4. Have things for little ones to play with to keep ’em busy (and from trashing the place). We had a lot of giant balloons, a big rubber ball, a bubble blowing bug that scooted around outside (they loved chasing it), sidewalk chalk for the patio, some wooden puzzles and toys in a big basket in the living room, and small bubble containers for each kid with their names written on them (which also served as their party favors).
5. Rearranging furniture isn’t as intense as it sounds. At first when we started tossing around the idea of moving the kitchen table into the sunroom to serve food in there it sounded kind of complicated. But the sunroom is a nice airy room right off of the new patio (as opposed to a dark paneled kitchen that we didn’t envision as “the perfect backdrop” for Clara’s big day). So the night before the party we decided to go for it. It took five minutes to drag the table in there and stash the chairs in the playroom since they looked weird in the table-less kitchen (we didn’t need additional chairs thanks to the big sectional in the living room, the daybed in the sunroom, and all the patio chairs we had out). It was SO worth it. And now all of our b-day pictures don’t have the dastardly paneling that’s currently torturing us in the background. Priceless.
6. Have a few keep-the-party-going “activities” (but keep it loose). We didn’t have a regimented schedule or anything, but the “flow” of the party went a little something like this:
- everyone arrived and we snapped some photos of guests posing in front of Clara’s fabric
- we served pizza and other snacks in the sunroom
- people started venturing outside to blow bubbles, bounce balls around, and eat/drink/chat
- since everyone was outside already we decided it was piñata time
- we brought Clara’s highchair outside to watch her demolish her smash cake
- cupcake time
- we all watched Clara’s video to cap off the par-tay
It was nice to have a few things planned like the homemade piñata and the video just to keep people from feeling “stagnant.”
7. Remember the point of the par-tay. We wanted to make sure we weren’t so busy running around that we forgot to honor Clara and revel in every is-she-really-one-already moment. So we asked our brother in law to snap photos (he’s a pro photographer, which is remarkably handy and we’re forever grateful). Beforehand I also recruited my mom to help make the food-to-cupcake switch when it was time for dessert so it wasn’t something John or I would have to do all by our lonesome. Little beforehand arrangements like this made it possible for us to soak up every last cake-in-our-hair moment that made the day so special in the first place.
So whoop, there it is. Party hosting learnings from over a month ago. One thing we took away from the whole shebang was that we love hosting things at our house (so we have no idea why it took us four years to do it again). Sure home-hosted gatherings can be more work than a park or a restaurant but it feels so good to have everyone gathered around having fun in your stomping ground. And a house never feels so much like home as when it’s full of people, balloons, and paper poms poms.
Do you guys have other party tips that you reference when you’re tossing together an at-home bash? Have you made any epic party mistakes that were only funny a few years later (but were mortifying at the time?). Feel free to share your what-I-learned hosting tips (we still have a lot to learn).
Psst- Check out more of the party play-by-play in this original Clara b-day post of yore.
Melo says
First!
Melo says
Yay! I AM first! So, now that THAT is out fo the way…
Great tips! I love hosting at home too, but need to work a bit more on tip #2 (Simplify the menu whenever possible).
Lindsay@Tell'er All About It says
Love it! I think sometimes people go over-the-top with decor, planning meals, etc, that they forget the real intent of the par-tay! Here are a few things I picked up as well in my days of hosting:
1) Clean the house a week before the party and then do a quick vacuum and sweep job 30 minutes before people show up. Nobody’s gonna notice water spots on your kitchen floor and it’s just gonna get dirty again with all of the in-n-out traffic.
2) Don’t put out your best china. Just the everyday stuff will do. Who wants to clean a mountain of dishes after-the-fact? No thanks!
3) If people say, “How can I help?” TAKE THEM UP ON IT! nobody hosts all by themselves. And even if people are willing to bring something to the party (side dish, drinks, etc), it’s perfectly acceptable to ask.
Great hosting tips! Keep it up!
Holyoke Home says
I have rearranged furniture for a party and decided it was looked WAY BETTER where I moved it! Sometimes it’s good to shake things up visually!
Lauren says
That picture of Clara eating her cake is so precious!!! Thanks for sharing again.
Jenny @ Words On Wendhurst says
Are you currently painting paneling only, or also the cabinets? Either way I am impressed :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Just trying to prime and paint the paneling (the cabs are something we’ll probably tackle in a bit though). Last time we painted paneling (in our first house’s den) it took us an afternoon. Boy have times changed. Haha.
xo,
s
Suzanne says
So what’s the problem(s)?
YoungHouseLove says
Too long to get into it now (and too frustrating). Tomorrow we’ll spare no detail.
xo,
s
RachelSD says
You have such a beautiful home– you should throw parties more often to show it off!! Thanks for the advice. :)
Sam says
#3 on keeping the focus on a few selected rooms caught my eye. We are having a reception after my daughter’s baptism in a few weeks, and I was wondering how I can, politely, keep guests from tromping all over our upstairs. We have some personal financial files and things in our office that we’d rather not allow free access to. I know it’s family, but… (There is really no reason, other than nosiness, for them to be up there. LOL)
How would you handle this in a tactful way? I’m not thinking that just closing the baby gate will be enough to deter curious minds.
YoungHouseLove says
Really? I would think that a closed baby gate would be more than enough of a signal! Maybe just our family sticks close to the food and the decorated rooms (so other spaces wouldn’t be meant for roaming). Anyone have ideas beyond the gate? Maybe a sweet note that says “Party Time! This way —>” with an arrow away from the stairs would work?
xo,
s
Megan says
hmmmm…..i would just keep the doors closed. Who knows though, if people are intending to snoop then they will snoop.
I tend to always go through all the rooms at the last minute and make sure that all that stuff is hidden or in a drawer and then keep that door closed!
Nicole says
How about a sign that says
“Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here”
or “Beyond Here Lies Oblivion”
Actually, with my friends, they would probably consider it an invitation.
Reenie says
Maybe a cute lil sign ~ hung up with streamers ~ across the stairway saying something like “Let’s keep the party to the downstairs ~ thank you”
Chrissy Henry says
If you are really concerned with the privacy of your office then maybe it would be a good idea to invest in a key lock door knob? They are really not that expensive and it will ensure that your private things stay private. We run our own business and many of our financial files are stored at home for both ourselves and our clients. We always lock the office door when we have guests. Better safe than sorry!
Caitlin says
I really struggle with this. Even when I put the dog gate across the stairs, one or two guests always hop over it to go use the restroom upstairs. I guess it’s not a huge deal, but it would be nice to not have to clean that room as another part of party prep. The first few times it happened, I was shocked and not a little annoyed. I guess it’s nice our friends are so comfortable in our home? Maybe I’ll try the sign like you suggest, Sherry.
Katie says
For my nephew’s birthday, my sis-in-law strung a blue crepe paper streamer across the steps (from banister to wall) and no one went upstairs. They’d tried the baby gate before, and it didn’t work…something about that simple streamer hung at hip height seemed to be more “official.” :)
sophie says
we just keep doors closed when we don’t want people to enter. It would be pretty rude if they decided to enter anyway.
this is also our solution to parties that may involve many smaller children (leaving my slightly older boys fearful about their lego creations, for example). The boys put them away in their closet, shut the closet and shut the door.
We’ve never had a problem.
With files, I’d either lock the filing cabinet or put the specific files high in a closet, shut the closet door and shut the bedrom door. And then rearrange when it’s all over.
Lola says
My husband and I boobie-trap forbidden areas of the house. Nothing startles a nosy family member quite like strategically placed marbles falling off the shelves as they open the medicine cabinet. :)
April says
Thanks so much for this post! My son’s first b-day party is July 21st and will be at our home too! Just like yours we plan to have it outdoors (even in mid-July) because we have a carport and pool. I am planning to just shut off the rooms we don’t want people in. One neat thing I learned from a friend’s b-day party was to buy those individual ice cream cups from Wally World instead of scooping it out of a big tub!!
Sarah says
#7 is always my downfall when hosting. I play host and forget to enjoy! It takes a lot of foresight to plan.
Best of luck with that dastardly panneling. You know we’ll be glad to see the end of it (or at least its outdated color)! I’m rooting for ya!
Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says
We always over-order food for our parties. So do our friends. It’s actually nice because the next few days, you don’t have to cook, even with us giving each other leftovers.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
All very important points. I like that you guys kept it simple and beautiful and able to enjoy the party to the fullest. That’s the agenda :)
Ashley Watson says
My husband thinks i spend wayyyy too much time on your page.. i am always coming home with new ideas and things that i want to do to the house.. i get so stressed thinking about everything i want/need to do! how do you keep from stressing out about it.. i mean isnt the point to work towards a goal to enjoy it afterwards.. thats a part of making a home a home! I love these tips for the party beacuse i do over work myself at our little shin digs, i get all flustered and i realize i never got a chance to sit back and enjoy the day! wow. im rambling. also our den and mudroom/laundry room/whatever room is paneling.. im ready to tackle it.. but super nervous.. i read your tutorial i hope it works out for me!
Megan Brewer says
Great tips! I love the simpleness of the food! The decorations were beautiful!
I guess one tip I waffle on is:
Do you let the kids open up the gifts at the party or not? It can be quite boring for the other kids to sit threw gift opening and sometimes they get jealous but then again it is nice for the child (if old enough) to say thank you to the person right there at the party….what do you think?
Megan
http://cottagebluedesigns.blogspot.com/
YoungHouseLove says
We decided that our audience (7 kids under 6 and quite a few older kids) didn’t have that sort of attention span so we decided to spare them (and the parents) of sitting any longer than just watching the Clara video. But the grandparents did stay late to see the presents get opened, which was a nice compromise.
xo,
s
Michelle says
This was my question too. I personally can’t stand this part (when attending or hosting). Did anyone seem to mind that they didn’t get to see their gift opened?
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, I think everyone was grateful! We had a great time but everyone was kind of melting down at the end, so it was a good time for departures.
xo,
s
sophie says
we don’t even do present opening now that our kids are 6 and 9 (unless there’s a bit of extra time). Generally, the kids pay attention for about 5 minutes and then it’s a free for all. Just easier to do it all when it’s quiet and then write some thank you cards afterwards.
Rachel Tatem says
I love having people over! My only issue is the clean up ;P
Nancy Shirley says
What would you have done differently?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I think we would have forced everyone to pose in front of the Clara fabric (we intended to get everyone’s portrait there so we could make Clara an album of all her “fans” but it got away from us and we only got a few folks to actually pose).
xo,
s
Lindsey d. says
I had about 40 people over to celebrate my 30th birthday in February… Best thing I did was to put out all the food I had (which was a TON!) in the three rooms where the party was happening (living, kitchen and family rooms) and ask a couple of the guys to watch the ice for the drinks and make sure that was refilled… Doing this actually enabled me to talk to every person who came and enjoy the heck out of my party.
Inka says
Thanks for all the great tips {Currently Planning my Daughters 1st Birthday Party} and good luck with the paneling. I know how you feel even the bathroom in my 1st house had paneling Lol! :)
Lani @ Diapers and Divas says
My oldest son (just turned 3) sometimes gets overwhelmed at all the people in the house and breaks down. I don’t blame him…he is used to the house being a certain way and all of a sudden there are 20 some peeps in the house. Even when they are his friends and family that he sees all the time…having them all in one place kinda discombobulates him! So my tip? I leave him alone. He works it out on his own and warms up eventually…and he totally gets more aggravated when people go up to him and ask him whats wrong. So because I know that he does this….I make sure that his favorite toys and his beanbag chair and some books are in a quiet and safe spot in a room in the house where I don’t plan on have people going…and i let him chill there until he is ready to come out.
All your tips are spot on for throwing a bash, but it can all be “ruined” (for alck of better words) by a freaked out kiddo! So I make sure that there’s a spot just for him if he gets upset so he can feel comfortable coming out on his own!
Carley says
So true! Our little guy is going through a shy phase. At his second birthday party recently, he kept feeling overwhelmed and would go sit on the steps just outside the party area to swing his legs and chill out. At first, we were concerned, but then realized he just needed a moment to himself!
Krysta @ Domestic for Dummies says
Can’t wait to see the paneling!!! The things I have learned when planning a party:
1) Try to prepare as much as you can the day before or morning of.
2) Plan a designated spot for purses, coats, etc. so people don’t go snooping around looking for one.
3) Have some fun games on hand in case things get a little womp womp.
4) Try not to drink too much wine until after all the cooking is done er try not to drink too much wine period.
Maren says
“womp womp” love.
Meg @ La Vie En Rose Events says
Great tips & adorable party.
As a wedding & event planner, I find that perhaps the biggest tip that I take from my professional life and apply to at home parties is this:
Prior to your event, take a few moments to sit quietly and walk through the party in your mind. Mentally visualize the flow of the event – I do this from both the host perspective as well as the guests’. When I’m hosting, I imagine the time prior to the party from getting things ready, through saying goodbyes. (No one wants to visualize clean-up!). Then I imagine the day from my guests’ perspective – does the set-up flow? Do I have enough entertainment? Too much scheduled? etc.
Also, prior to any party, I actually park my car on the street and walk up to my front door. (We use our side entrance for day-to-day). I make sure that the front lawn and porch are neat and tidy and that the doorbell works, and that there’s plenty of space in the foyer for my guests to leave any gear they might have with them.
Lastly, one little mini-tip – I always leave a bowl of breath mints in the bathroom. :)
Hope that helps!
Cheers!
Kate says
I just wanted to say Bon Courage with the paneling, youngsters!
Just remember it’s reassuring to us mere mortals whenever you underestimate the amount of time/effort it takes for a project.
Jen Migonis says
Great tips, Sherry! I’m an event planner and everything you listed are things that I try to think about for my events. Because my husband and I entertain a lot I have a whole set of white dishes and serving ware. It makes everything easier when I want to use some fabulous brightly colored serving dish or crazy colored decorations. For more formal events I map out what is going to be happening minute by minute so I don’t lose track of anything… And then, last but not least, I draw out my table set ups so I don’t forget anything… It helps me remember to leave a space for everything and it keeps me organized. :)
Rebecca @This Nest is Best says
Your party was so great! We have definitely moved furniture around and it can work so well! A few things I’ve learned along the way:
#1 Plan way more time than I think I will need to get ready. Always better to be waiting for guests to arrive rather than still mixing up the cake when they walk in!
#2 Have a few things in mind if people offer to bring something. Take them up on it! If you know of a few easy things off hand (chips, pop, etc), you’re ready in case someone offers.
#3 Take photos before everyone arrives! Having photos with the party peeps is of course great, but you want to remember what you set up all gorgeous before they came, too.
Bridget B. says
Here’s my tip: Instead of spending even more money after the party by ordering and mailing out thank you cards, I called each of the guests to my daughter’s first birthday party to thank them personally. I was able to easily make it through the entire list within a week of the party and people seemed to enjoy the personal touch.
I had already ordered cute little Thank You stickers from Etsy that I stuck on each of the party favor bags as a day of thank you.
http://www.etsy.com/people/ladybuglabels
Alison says
Great tips!! And great party! My biggest “party hosting” mantra is… Pick out a few elements of the party that you want to be THE BEST EVER, focus on those, and make the other elements more low key. What I mean by this – often people think EVEY element of the party needs to be over the top FAB! The music, the decor, the food, the gifts, etc., etc., etc. You can KILL yourself with expectations and lack of time to pull it all together. Instead, focus on a few elements – like decor and food – and then maybe use a simple premade game you find on the internet. It will help keep you sane and be able ot enjoy the party without worrying about all the details!!
Tina says
I always make a timeline to coordinate with my to-do list. It just makes it easier for me to get it all done in advance & enjoy the party.
As for wandering guests, living in a ranch (as you know) people sometimes miss the ‘boundaries’ of not hanging out by our bedrooms. Plus older kids tend to wander. Luckily we have a door (that now locks) to our hallway that leads to all the bedrooms. We also have a locking door to the not-so-nice side of our basement that houses our giant pile of laundry. No one needs to see that!
Alicia Saint Ives says
One thing that I learned that has totally helped out was to make a buffet of dips and other simple foods!
I found multiple different dips with a cream cheese base and other common ingredients. It cut down on the different items I needed to buy and people loved it!
Some of the top faves:
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Cream Chesse and Pesto Dip
Cream Cheese and Salsa or Jalapeno Jelly
All delish and everyone loved the variety.
Also, my friends love snacks that are throwbacks to when they were kids! Nachos, hot dogs, frito pie (fritos with chili, cheese and sour cream). So simple to make but everyone was reminiscing.
Megan says
These are all great ideas-thanks for sharing!
I am a huge fan of delegation! Sometimes people enjoy having something that they know they are contributing to. I think asking your Mom to help was a fabulous form of delegation!!
I always try to allow enough time the day of (when last minute stuff is coming together) to just relax before the guests and early birds arrive. This gives me time to take pictures of the decor and not feel frazzled while someone is ringing the door bell and I am still trying to throw together that last little piece.
Cheryl says
When I was maid of honor for my (now) sister-in-law’s wedding, the bridesmaids and I decided to make our own bridal bingo cards to save some $$. I know, bridal bingo is kinda hokey but you have to have something to do to keep guests busy! None of us thought to make the each of the cards different though, so we passed out the same bingo sheet to everyone. Very embarassing! Four grown women (bridesmaids) never noticed! And it was in front of my future mother-in-law. Eek!
Luckily, everyone thought it was funny and I had some back up games. But, oy vey. I felt a twinge of failure that day.
Moral of the story, don’t do bridal bingo! But some of you probably knew that already.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man that sounds stressful, but I’m so glad you had a good laugh and some back up games.
xo,
s
Rebecca @This Nest is Best says
One more…make sure the dishwasher is empty before the party :) Helps so much with clean up when you’re ready!
Rebekah says
This is a general “long term” party tip we got from our babysitter’s parents. To keep our daughter from getting out of control with birthday parties we did as they suggested – they have a birthday party every other year. On the off years they do something simple as a family. If you start out right away the expectations are clear for everyone. We had a nice but small party for her 1st bday, just hung out on her 2nd bday and had a birthday party (this past weekend for her 3rd). I think this will keep everyone in check – extended family, the teenage years.
On a side note – we just hosted 7 kids around my daughter’s age. I only invited my friends with kids similar in age, and it ended up being a nice introduction for some new playdates. We had an ice breaker craft and the rest of the time just played with her toys. And we set a time start and time end. We are happy to say some kids had so much fun, they left kicking and screaming!
Marie says
We have people over all the time for planned and unplanned parties/sports/etc. Three rules:
1. The bathroom is clean.
2. Guests are fed and watered with something. Some times the best you can do on short notice is delivery pizza. Just do it quickly so it shows up and not everyone is standing around hungry and hoping.
3. Be good company and whatever you do for #2 will just be a footnote. Not doing #1 will be remembered though.
Jodi says
This is the best advice EVER! :)
Jennifer says
GOOD TIP. I recently went to a baby shower (at the mother-to-be’s house!) and the bathroom was filthy, with random hairs everywhere! Gross. My mother-in-law and I both noticed it.
em says
Lovin’ that tip, Marie!!
elaine K says
My recommendation for kid’s parties is to hire a teenager to help you out with looking out for the kids and/or serving them.
Jennifer says
Terrific party tips. I used to get so wrapped up in the food and when everything needed to be put out. Now I try to keep it as simple (but still yummy!) as possible so I have time to mingle.
I also try to hand off my camera to a family member or friend so that they can capture some of the fun while I am busy with any hostess responsibilities.
Kristin @ Ogo's Love Nest says
I am an overthinker! When it comes to party I plan wayyy too much instead of keeping it fun and simple so that I can enjoy the party too.
Great tips! Hopefully our housewarming will be a blast by following some of them!
Have a good day.
Nicole says
I love hosting parties – my mom was a fantastic hostess and used to throw parties for hundreds of people. There are a lot of great tips that I could offer based on observing her, but I think the most valuable thing I learned is:
Treat all your guests as if their arrival is one of the most exciting events of the party and their departure is one of the most disappointing.
Oh and keep the booze flowing. lol.
Lisa says
Great tips! Most people run late but we always have one or two guests arrive right on time (or early). I try include them with the last minute party setup things like putting chips in bowl or plates out. Maybe I’m wrong but it seems people like to help out.
Stephanie says
Good party tips! Here is one more that may seem obvious to some people, but was a wonderful revelation to me:
Get some nice cheeses, crackers, and grapes, plop the cheese on a plate, put out some cheese knives, and let people cut the cheese themselves. I remember spending hours cutting many blocks of cheese for my mom when I was young (we entertained a lot). I knew of no other way until I went to my future in-laws house for a party. My mom still cuts or buys perfect little cubes of cheese for parties, it drives me bonkers.
Homestead says
I really like all of the ideas.
1. Plan the post party. Nothing worse than ending the birthday party and saying, “Now. What’s for dinner??” I’m a big believer in the whole pizza-wine-movie wind down after a big day.
2. 7-year-old boys will think you are the coolest thing EVER if you send them on a good scavenger hunt, let them pull all the tissues from a box (with one hand, timed) and then let them smash eggs on a big rock.
3. Tradition. We use mostly the same decorations, same cake recipes (I have a fantastic chocolate frosting recipe and a great brownie-ice cream cake recipe), same ideas from year-to-year. It makes it fair for the kids and simple for the adults.
Katie says
where did you get the baby P bucket, it is quite cute.
YoungHouseLove says
That was a gift from a craft fair from a friend.
xo,
s
Jamie says
come on! Just give us a peak at the kitchen! Too excited to wait till tomorrow
Stephanie says
Geez, now I had to watch the Clara birthday video (again) and start tearing up at my desk (again)! Thank goodness I can shut the office door! :)
I love parties, I love hostessing in general. We had an at-home party this past Friday for my oldest (turning 7) with just family and it was great! I’ve started taking people up on the “can I bring anything” line even if they’re just being polite – just another thing I can cross off my list as done. My only beef with his party were the mosquitos! They were out in full-force! UGH!!
verucaamish says
I looooove that your advice about limiting the entertaining areas. Unless you have nosy guests, most guest stay where you want them to especially when food is involved. I always “mark” the areas where I want people to be with food. If I want them in the living room there’s at least a bowl of nuts and chips on the coffee table. One piece of advice I have on top of your great insights are:
Always have a few convenient tasks for the early arrivers to do. Setting the table type of things that will be helpful but not necessary. Those include:
Filling up a bowl of ice
Getting napkins and laying them out
Arranging flowers
Laura J says
Thanks for the tips! I am a nervous hostess who feels everyone has to be entertained at all times. LOL
What kind of sodas are in the glass bottles? I haven’t ever seen them.
YoungHouseLove says
Those are from Target (pink lemonade, etc – very similar to the stuff at Trader Joe’s). So good!
xo,
s
Clarissa says
Since this post was also used as “note to self” so you can remember what you did in the past, it reminded me of fun site that also does just that but with a neat twist:
http://dearphotograph.com/
I think this site is such a great idea and perhaps a new way to show updates on your future DIY projects? Still love looking at the fun table-scape that you had for Clara’s party! So fun and colorful.
YoungHouseLove says
What an amazing site! Love it!!
xo,
s
em says
For kids’ parties, I suggest keeping it as small as possible, particularly for age 2! In my experience, and the experience of my friends, 1 year olds are ok at parties. They are excited and happy to be fussed over. 2 year olds tend to get freaked out- they are old enough to know something strange is happening, but not old enough realize the fun is for them. By 3, they usually seem to enjoy having their friends there as well as the cake and presents, but some three year olds are still a bit shy.
Molly says
My mother hosted a party when I was in high school and stocked up on all the foods and drinks and wine glasses (she still has about 100 plastic wine glasses somewhere)… but forgot to get paper towels and toilet paper. And then ran out of both with a house full of drunk people. Luckily I was there and too young to drink, so she sent me on a stealthy paper products mission. I’m obsessive about having extra toilet paper around now!!
Stephanie says
Funny but true story….my sister and her husband had their baby girl’s baptism on Father’s Day last year so they hosted Father’s Day at their house which worked out for everyone. While the adults were eating in the backyard under the tents they rented, my nieces and my youngest son (ages 15, 12, and 9) were in the pool. All of a sudden we heard a crack and water running. The pool had busted! (it was an above-ground pool) and out came 15,000 gallons of water into the backyard. Everyone was scrambling to get the food into the house and out of the water. There was so much water, it made it’s way to their neighbor’s backyard and into their basement! My sister was crying, her husband was cusing and everyone else was in shock! We’re laughing about it now though. The party ended up in the basement with about 40 people all crammed in. It was a nightmare, but a day we’ll never forget! They found out later that week that the pool had a bad spot and had rusted from the inside. They ended up having to get another pool.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh! Craziness!
xo,
s
Simply Life says
I’m with you and think that keeping the menu simple, good and well-stocked is always the way to go!
Debra Lanucha says
What a great post, and great timing, we just wrapped up a bbq for some friends that my hubs just recently became reacquainted with from college. Boy did I learn some valuable lessons!! It was our first party that involved so many kids, (we have none) I did not realize that they would be running around the house destroying every room even if the doors were shut. We eventually had to lock the upstairs rooms and made a new rule of eating outside only!! And would you believe that right as we were putting out the main food dishes someone walked in with a bag of un-shucked corn on the cob for us to cook? She had 5 kids in tow to clean the corn, but the last thing we wanted to do was cook something else – HA!! The moral of the story is, be prepared for landscaping and rooms to be torn apart when you have lots of children running around LOL!!
Mollie says
Definitely keep it simple when it comes to food. My husband and I made grilled pizzas for a party recently, and while they were delicious, we spend the entire time making the pizzas.
We originally planned to just make the crust and have each person create their own pizza, but everyone was so busy talking that that idea didn’t work out either!