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.
L says
Great tips — and it looked like a really fun party!
Don’t do much hostessing now, but back in the day I really enjoyed it. I always had horrible anxiety that nobody would show up — and was always totally wrong! Good for you for keeping it simple and happy.
Jen A says
A few things that work for me too are
1) Put together a playlist on my iPod before the party starts. All I have to do is press “play” at the beginning of the event and “end” when it’s all over. Easy peasy.
2) Always start with an empty dishwasher and empty garbage can.
3) I set up a beverage station with glasses, a cooler full of drinks (for adults and kids), corkscrew, bottle opener. Again, guests are happy to help themselves if it’s on display.
April says
Ok, I have a question for both John and Sherry and my fellow readers. I am planning on having my belated wedding reception in my backyard. I live in the middle of the city, with neighbors very close on either side of me. What should I do to keep good neighbor relations? With nearly 50 guests expected I worry about parking and noise levels.
If any of you have suggestions, it’s greatly appreciated!
Thanks so much!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, that’s a good one. I would definitely tell them about the party and that you’re going to work hard to be conscious of them and keep order and be neighborly. Just knowing that you are giving them a heads up and are going to try to keep things chaos-free and the noise at a reasonable level will hopefully establish some goodwill points. You could also invite them to drop in for dessert or something? Maybe? That way they’re part of the gathering (and even if they don’t come they feel included instead of annoyed?). Anyone else have any ideas?
xo,
s
Steph says
Maybe make arrangements for carpooling or off-site parking if parking is tight where you are. There’s nothing worse than getting home and not being able to park near your home because of a party next door. I agree with Sherry that giving them a head’s up and even asking them what they may have done for their own parties in the past could really build goodwill and make them realize that you’re not a bunch of young punks who are going to be noisy all night and/or puking in their yard. ;) (yes, a run-on sentence but I got on a roll). Some of our neighbors will offer up their driveways for parking as well which is always nice!
Brenda says
Not sure if this was mentioned already so forgive me if I repeat someone….
I have a hard time remembering this when my husband and I have parties…don’t spend you time during the party cleaning up. Spend time with your guests and have fun. Save the clean up for after when your hubby or close friends offer to help you!!
Jill D says
I have shirts made by a seller on etsy for each of my kids birthdays. They always match their themes, have the number on them and their names. And my eventual plan (when I have a spare moment!!!) is to have them made into pillows on their beds. I just ordered baby Emmy’s first birthday shirt! This is my favorite birthday tradition!
shereen says
We entertain a lot – and are actually hosting our housewarming party this Friday! My tip is always make sure there is enough food and drink! Pick food/drink items that you would consume after your party as sides or meals (i.e. don’t worry about getting something random like cream soda for 1 guest who you think may like it, instead stick to what you know you’ll have if it isn’t opened).
Emily says
Ditto that bingo mistake, lol :)
How did you handle the nap issue? Knowing mine, she would decide to sleep through the festivities!
YoungHouseLove says
We planned the party around her naps. She was just waking up from her morning nap (which goes until around noon) as people arrived. So lucky.
xo,
s
Val says
We host a big chili party every Christmas. We spend two or three days making the chili (way easier than it sounds) and then set up a nice spread with the crock-pot, some cornbread, and all the chili toppings, along with a streamlined bar set-up so folks can get their own drinks. The guests all bring Christmas cookies (there’s a fair amount of one-up-man-ship involved). We pop in “It’s a Wonderful Life” with the sound off, light a fire, and play very un-annoying and unobtrusive Christmas music.
My big lessons learned over the years of doing this are right in line with yours. I will just add: 1) A portable coat rack is a very good thing to have. 2) Crack a window, even in December. All those folks heat a room up fast. 3) You need more toilet paper than you think and you need to have it out in plain view. 4) Have the dishwasher empty and the sink full of hot, soapy water when the party starts. That way you can drop and soak as you go. Almost as easy as using disposables. 5) Buy or make more vegetarian chili than you think you need. Even the non-vegos want to try it. 6) Try to make the house easy to spot, especially at night. Even an unceremonious pile of tangled Christmas tree lights thrown over the porch railing makes a great, recognizable landmark (not that we’ve ever been so lasseiz-faire…).
And lastly, remember that everybody comes to a party wanting to have a good time. Don’t be too stressed out about trying to impress people. They’re already your friends, after all.
Suzanne says
The one thing I rarely make is appetizers. Why? Because people always ask what they can bring. I say, “an appetizer!” It’s easy for them, and it’s one less thing to think about for me. Some might say that it throws off the theme, but you know, I’ve learned to loosen my grip on having it be “perfect.” That was the 20’s me. This is the 40’s me. If the host gets too stuffy, it sucks the fun right out of the party, IMHO.
My other thing is that, like you, I like to keep the menu simple. I would rather go all out on a couple dishes that are fantastic, than six that are so-so. I
Katie says
We hosted a small (15-20 people) anniversary party for my parents over the weekend. We used several ideas from you guys, like the balloon garlands and paper pom poms, so thanks for the inspiration! It turned out really nice :)
I think my party tip would be that if someone offers to bring something or help set up, clean up, etc., let them! People like to contribute and it’s nice to have one less thing to stress about.
Vivian says
Where did the bug that scoots around blowing bubbles come from???? I’m planning birthday party/cookout for my soon to be four year old son and a bubble blowing bug sounds divine!
YoungHouseLove says
That was from Target! I think it was $8 or something. Such a hit.
xo,
s
Micha says
We just realized that the number 1 rule really is:
“Do not wait to host gatherings of any sort until the house is finished.”
There will -always- be projects around the house and postponing any and all celebrations until you think your place is picture-perfect is a sure fire way to postpone your life until your funeral :o)
Pamela says
I just had a party on Sunday to celebrate my son’s graduation from kindergarten and my daughter’s promotion to middle school (7th grade in our town). It was a blast and a good time was had by all.
I invited a slew of family members and friends with kids. 35 rsvps showed up but 14 rsvps either were no shows or backed out at the last minute. I have soooo much leftover food it’s not even funny. But I suspect I would still have leftover food even if they showed. I tend to over-buy when I entertain but this time, expecting so many people for the first time, I kind of lost my mind in the shopping and catering. Also, I made it an “open house” so that folks could either come early for brunch or later for bbq and I asked them to indicate which. I did this in the hope that not all 50 people would come at once and knowing we’d be partying all day anyway. But only a few people indicated about what time they would show and even then they didn’t come when they said they would. So, I learned NOT to leave it open and to just deal with the deluge of people at the start of the party.
But I do need tips on how to estimate food for a crowd. I am so terrible at it. Otherwise, my guests tell me I should go into party planning because they have such a good time at mine…it’s probably the massive amounts of food!
YoungHouseLove says
Anyone have tips for food estimation? We just guessed how many slices of pizza and cupcakes everyone would have (and erred on the side of too many). Good luck!
xo,
s
Val says
I think the rules are roughly:
1 bottle of wine for every 2 guests, per hour.
If it’s appetizers only (no sit down meal), count on each guest eating 4 or 5 of each thing per hour. More like 2 or 3 if a meal will be served. And people eat more when they are also drinking, so if it’s a dry party, you can serve less.
Something like that?? Martha Stewart would know, check out her website.
Korina says
Ok, so, we have the same portable high chair/booster– how do you keep the straps from getting gross?
YoungHouseLove says
We just wipe them down. They definitely get gross though. Then I use a scrubby sponge or a wet rag to get them semi-clean again. Haha.
xo,
s
Michelle says
You can do it!!! (in reference to the paneling) I painted ours last month and feel your pain. . . so much work. . . but so worth it in the end :)
Rachael says
Mortifying event?? Well, my mother in law had JUST broken up with her boyfriend of 13 years (he broke up with her, over the PHONE no less!!) So she invited herself to a dinner with friends that we were hosting.. so the dinner WAS 6 people, now make that 7…. Guess who didn’t cook 7 items – only 6? you betcha… this girl… It was awful. I was humiliated – BUT I played it off by serving everyone else first, and cooking the last item for myself and claiming that i didn’t have enough room in the pan to cook everything at once!! Not sure if everyone bought it, but disaster averted
Jen F says
Was it like a chicken breast? One idea for next time might be slicing whatever said item was into slices and serving several to each person…but spreading it out enough for all plates…but that wouldn’t work for a pot pie…
:)
Stephanie says
Good tips! I am also a proponent of moving furniture around. We don’t have much room in our small condo for big parties, but we can easily move some things to get more space for mingling. We tend to be the party-throwers in our group of friends and family… even though we have a small home we cram ’em in and have a great time!
Mel says
We decided the night before our housewarming party to have our friend, who is an interior designer, come over and give us ideas for our sitting room furniture. Then we all went to Ikea about an hour before it closed, and picked everything out. Of course, you can’t buy furniture for a whole room with so little time, and no pick up truck. The next morning we got up insanely early, rented a truck, and went and picked it all up. We had to make two trips, and assemble it all. As my husband was assembling it, I went to the farmers’ market, and bought the majority of the food. My in-laws thankfully were early, and helped us with the remainder of the food prep. At one point, I may have had my father in-law vacumming.
What have we learned from that insanity? Not a dang thing, we always wait until the last minute to clean, and put the food together. Somehow, our friends keep coming back for more parties. Fortunately, we are good on furniture now.
Michele Daggar says
The only thing about throwing parties that I’ve learned is to have my husband run errands the day of the party.
We had a party about the size of Clara’s bday a few years ago. My husband decided that 3 hours before people were arriving would be a good time to paint the basement stairs. First of all, no one would need to go in our basement, so they wouldn’t see the stairs. Second, he painted the stairs green (why??), third, we have a very old cat that mainly stays in the basement and we have a cat door that allows kitty to go in and out of the basement. See where I’m going with this? Yes the cat came running up stairs and ran through the house with green paint on his paws. Lots of fun!
Oh, a few other things that hubby has done on party day is deciding to wash the windows right before a party (this party was at night, who would see the dirty windows?) , and using a green sharpie marker to color in a faded spot on our carpet. Love that man, but he should never help anyone with a party.
Ironically, we had a 50th wedding anniversary party for my parents over the weekend, and the only party assignment he had was to go buy a new badminton set. Sorry for the long post. Good luck with your paneling!
Rachel says
I always end up making way more food than needed. So I’ve learned to plan my menu, then cut it in half.
I also start planning my cleaning schedule about a month out. Doing things like wiping down baseboards and blinds (something I don’t normally do) several weeks out. And saving things like cleaning the bathroom to the day before.
Also, my hosting-a-party at home must is to have a friend to help. My mom is usually my go to helper friend. She’ll come over the night before and help with food or cleaning. Its great to have another set of eyes and mind to see or think of the things you’ve forgotten about.
Kim says
How does Burger do with parties? I always worry about the dog getting overwhelmed, or getting out, or eating the food, haha!
YoungHouseLove says
He runs around with ribbons on. Haha. The kids love him and he loves them. He hung out on the patio a lot of the time (when we wasn’t sniffing around for crumbs in the sunroom).
xo,
s
myhonestanswer says
What makes a good party is universal – gracious hosts and plenty to eat and drink!
http://www.myhonestanswer.com/2011/05/20/make-it-about-the-bar-not-the-bewbs/
Looks like everyone had a great day, well done.
Robin says
This will be useful to you in a few years, so file it away…
We have a New Years Eve party every year, we serve breakfast food and call it “Midnight Brunch” it is always a big hit. This year, we were feeling really inclusive and invited a few too many people (wrongfully assuming that not everyone would come) – the next thing we knew we had 50ish people in our (not huge) house. We ran out of food, naturally – we had to laugh because it looked like locusts got to it. But in the grand scheme, not a biggie. But…our friends with slightly older kids sent their kids to our basement playroom and didn’t check on them. Ever. Well, we found our couches covered with magic marker and tiles, paint, and all other sorts of home-improvement stuff that is usually carefully stored under the stairs, all over the place. It was not just an epic mess, it was dangerous. After we a) freaked out and b) cleaned up we promised ourselves/each other that we would hire some teenage “mothers helpers” for kid damage control at future parties (or not invite our nice but a little hands-off-parent friends!)
Clara’s party looked lovely…congrats!!
Sandye says
My advice is that if you fix something right before the party, make sure it works or hasn’t had a negative effect. I learned this from the party my parents threw days before my wedding at their house. It was a chance for my future husband’s immediate family (who were all from mid-west or northern states) to met my relatives (from Texas and Virginia).
Shortly before the party my father had to work on the refrigerator’s ice maker, which, after he confirmed it worked, he didn’t check on any further. You can imagine my mother’s horror when they started needed extra ice and it was colored black (the new ice was all clear though)!
The look on her face was almost as good as the look on my father’s when he walked out of the kitchen into the living room and found my future mother-in-law sitting in HIS chair (which NO ONE had ever done before). My husband and I still laugh about it all, but not my mother. (And now when my in-laws visit at my parents’ house, my father hovers near his chair, like it’s the sun of his earthly orbit.)
Diana says
I have a miniture apartment, which complicates my hobby of hosting parties as often as possible. I find it un-complicates things if you have a stash of paper plates, napkins, cups, and beverages in the homespot all the time. If you constantly replenish them in something of the same color palate you never need to worry about running out or clashing with the event’s decor. Plus, it really impresses people when whisk out round two of supplies without having that look of panic on your face!
Steph says
I will always check out the clearance plate/napkin/cups aisle at Target and stock up – I try to buy as much of one theme as possible so that I would have enough matching pieces for any size party. They’re also handy when random kids show up at our house right around lunchtime – they think it’s fun to eat off “party plates” instead of normal plates!
Katie says
I learned this one the hard way: if you’re cooking for a crowd (which I love to do!) start a few days in advance. Pick a menu that has plenty of make-ahead dishes and things that can be served cold or room temp, along with the hot dishes. Prep as much as you can the days leading up to the party, so the day of you’re just putting on finishing touches.
We always play some easy-to-listen-to music (i.e. Dave Matthews, Bob Marley, the Gipsy Kings, Norah Jones) and at our Christmas party, we play A Christmas Story on the main living room TV (but on mute). It’s kind of like decoration, and people love it!
And I always pour myself a glass of champagne just before the first guest arrives…it sets the tone! :)
Erin says
We threw an amazing party shortly after we moved into our house: a martini and sushi party. Everyone had a ton of fun coming up with fun martinis and rolling their own sushi. Here are just some of the problems with a party like that: 1. Sushi and martinis are probably the most expensive things in the world to make that don’t involve lobster. We’re STILL paying for that party (well not really, but it feels like that). 2. Although I had other food, people ate a lot more than I expected and I ran out (OMG … horrible. NEVER AGAIN will that happen to me). And then they kept drinking martinis. See the problem? We had more than few house guests that night and we filled a couple rooms at the local hotel too.
I’ve learned a thing or two about hosting parties since then, fortunately. People still ask us for a repeat of that party but I’ll have to win the lottery first!
Sierra says
Par-tay mistake: I was making my MIL’s awesome sherbert punch for a baby shower I hosted. Instead of buying koolaid I bought jello mix and stirred it in NOT EVEN noticing my mistake! LOL That would be two mistakes wouldn’t it? lol
It tasted fine but didn’t dissolve all the way, making the ice cream bubbles a little wonky.
Sheesh. lol
YoungHouseLove says
That could have been waaay worse! I was picturing solid punch.
xo,
s
Joy says
I totally agree with having someone else take pictures. That alone frees up time for you to enjoy the party. We did this when our daughter turned one and it was so nice to sit back and relax and soak up everything without having to worry if I’m taking enough pictures or not!
Joyce says
Happy Birthday Clara, looks like a great party, and great tips too!
Cydney says
love her party!! I think everything looked perfect! just a future tip for age 3-4 birthday parties…you cannot go wrong with a bounce house!! I had not been on or seen one in 20 years…but this year I rented one for my son Everett’s 3rd birthday party!! what a hit and built in entertainment so the adults can have convo’s too!
Ted says
I have the reputation that I usually forget to put something out for the party. So, I’ve started to make a list. I make the first one as a shopping list that I also use as a checklist to make sure that I prepare everything in advance. Then I rewrite the list in the order that things are served. I put this on the fridge with a magnet and then I can check it to make sure things are out. I also put a star next to things that people can help with. Like I put a bag of chips in a bowl and a bowl for dip next to it with a spoon. If someone asks to help, I tell them to put the chips in the bowl and get the dip from the fridge and load in the dish. Or fill the ice bucket. Also for anything that needs to go into the oven, I make sure that it is ready to literally go into the oven. Snacks that need to be heated are already on a tray in the fridge and the tray just comes out and goes into the preheated oven. I try to make sure that there is no prep work left when people show up, just shuttling things from place to place. These help the food service go more smoothly and keep me from forgetting to serve things that I’ve prepared.
Steph says
I put out the serving dishes ahead of time with a sticky note on them as to what will be in them for the party. Works great even though the hubs makes fun of me. I too make a list of when things need to go into the oven so as to not over or under-cook something. And I make great use of the timer on the microwave, oven and countertop!
Michelle says
I have that same shirt you have on Sherry! I love it!
Oh, and I’ve emailed you a couple times before about our impending wedding in September (thank you for such great ideas, it’s really helped with the planning!) But what was once a small, casual backyard wedding has ballooned into a 400 person backyard wedding and my mom and I are doing it ALL by ourselves! I’m terrified that I’m going to spend my whole wedding reception running around like a chicken with my head cut off…..
YoungHouseLove says
Wow! You can do it!!! Good luck.
xo,
s
Michelle says
And I forgot to mention that you’ve graciously emailed me back with answers to my questions :)
I appreciate that, especially after all the emails you guys get!
So far so good on the wedding planning though – I must admit, in the end, I think it’s so much more gratifying to know that you planned and designed everything yourself. My best friend got married and her wedding planner met her and basically gave her this whole cookie cutter package deal. So nothing was personalized or unique.
Thank you again for the inspiration, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes well!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re welcome Michelle, good luck with everything and have fun!
xo,
s
Elz says
We do a LOT of party throwing. At least every other weekend people are over here. It’s mainly because my husband owns the only xbox of our gang, but also because we have the cleanest/largest house and comfiest sofas. We’ve discovered that simple food is the best way to go. We served chicken korma curry one night and only like 4 people even tried it haha! The rest pigged out on oven cooked pizzas! Our only other tip that we’ve found is to stock your fridge with twice the amount of drinks you’ll need. the ale8 (ginger ale local to ky) disappears like lightening!
angel says
Great tips on the “Bean Burger Blog” today! That’s what I call your site when talking with my Honey about your adventures.
Heather @ REOlisticRenovation says
Great tips! My tip is have it elsewhere and save your house! We did our Baby Boy’s one year party at a park this year and it was great. When we wanted to leave we just left. :)
yvonne says
Great party! Did you make the pom-poms yourself or are they store bought?
YoungHouseLove says
I just followed the tutorial on marthastewart.com (search paper pom pom). Good luck!
xo
s
Danielle says
Hi! I loved your party–my own little bean is turning 1 in a month and a half so this is very inspirational. One question: I too have a bald little girl and wonder how you deal with any “what a cute little boy” comments? Not like it is a huge deal, but it makes me wonder if I should be dressing my baby in a hot pink tutu at all times. I am morally opposed to those little headbands that look like garters, however.
YoungHouseLove says
We dress her as girly as possible from the neck down (just because we feel like we’re “doing our part” to broadcast that she’s a girl and not contributing to the ambiguity- haha) but whenever it happens we just laugh and say “she’s actually a girl- but the bald head tricks everyone.” Just so the person doesn’t feel bad but we don’t have to awkwardly pretend she’s a he. Haha.
xo,
s
Jen F says
So, being one of those people who likes to have “theme” parties and do lots of “special” things, I’ve learned a lot from both throwing and attending parties. First, I’ve learned that having one signature drink (that can be made alcoholic and non) is cheaper than a full bar, and can be supplemented with less expensive soda, and beer. My drink of choice is often a champagne with fruit juice mix, cause that is what I like.
Also, I usually keep the food really, really simple and have just one or two “special theme item” whether it is cucumber sandwiches and “wedding cake” for my Royal Wedding party or grandma’s jello salad for my “ugly sweater christmas party.” Then just supplement with the regular veggie trays and cheese and crackers. I once went to a party with 6 different trays of different cheeses and crackers and two kinds of wine and I swear everyone was thrilled with the food. Really just serve what you want to eat and you won’t go wrong…and the leftovers will be happily eaten the following week.
Relevant Notes says
#3 is so true – As someone who loves to eat (ha), I hate when people have parties or gatherings and don’t get enough food for everyone! It’s definitely better to have a little extra :)
Christina says
My tip: 30 minutes before the party begins, stop what you’re doing and go get yourself ready. There is nothing worse than hearing the doorbell ring and realizing you haven’t even changed our of your sweats because you’ve been running around putting final touches on everything. Give yourself 30 minutes to change, freshen up and pour a glass of wine – you’ll appear fresh, calm, and ready for a good time when your first guests arrive.
Hannah says
I wish I had read this before I had my daughter’s first birthday party this weekend! It was great (of course) but we learned alot of the same things in the process :)
Noelle says
Thank you for this. I’m planning my own daughter’s first birthday, and these are things I need to keep in mind. They keep one from going overboard on the plans. Though I’ve been slowly pairing down my ideas as I realize I don’t have time to do these things!
Tara says
Love the tips – I wish I’d known these before my baby’s 1st year party…lets just say we went way overboard with trying to do everything & made it way too complex for us to even pause & take in the day! Oh well, live & learn! By the way – one question – where is that grey top that Sherry’s wearing in the first picture from?? Both of you look so radiant in that pic!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks! It’s from Banana Republic Outlet a while back (around Easter).
xo,
s
Tiffany hall says
Good luck on the paneling. Can’t wait for that post.
Angie says
I’ve picked up a couple of tips in 5 years of assorted birthday/holiday parties with kids. First is to prepare for lots of age groups. Our parties tend to range from 2 to 14. What keeps them all busy? Crafts. I pull down the emergency crafting basket (yes, that’s it’s name) which is stocked with kid scissors, glue, pom pom balls, markers, crayons, buttons, sequins, googly eyes, ribbon, stickers & popsicle sticks. Add some construction paper and computer paper and pretty much any age group can be occupied for hours. Or at least for good parts of the party. The second is plastic tablecloths. When the party is over, it’s super easy to put plates, cups, napkins, left behind art work with no known artist, anything trash on the table, wrap it up in the tablecloth and toss. We do try to be green and I know they aren’t the greenist thing out there, but after a large party I do appreciate an easy clean up. And if I’m only putting 4 or 5 plastic tablecloths in a landfill each year, I can live with that. Some years it’s even less.
Michelle says
Any suggestions on making the most of a small house for an entirely indoor bash? My little girl will be one in Dec (in WI) and I’d like to avoid renting a space, but our house is only 900 or so sq. ft. Her baptism was a little rough with all of our family crammed in. I’m definitely going to think about temporarily moving around some furniture. Any other suggestions are appreciated!
YoungHouseLove says
Good question! I would try to keep things as open as possible (move the coffee table and any other accessories/small furnishings into the bedroom) and then try to arrange things so they have a nice flow and everyone’s not on top of each other (the drinks in a totally different area than the food, a table for the presents in a third zone, etc). Just so there’s not a traffic jam anywhere. Anyone else have advice for Michelle?
xo,
s
Kelly @ cornerofmain.wordpress.com says
Thanks for the great tips! I completely agree about keeping the menu simple. We have had a few parties where we made way too much food…and it is such a waste!
PS-I love those pics you took of Clara each week! What a great idea! =)
Amanda says
Great tips! It really does look like a lovely, joyful day. I am crossing my fingers for your battle with the paneling!
Charles says
Let’s do some “Trash Talking” here :-)
Every party seems to generate some extra trash, and our little kitchen garbage can will fill up quickly.
I can get an extra )large) garbage receptacle by re-purposing my collapsible yard barrel (something like this – http://www.duluthtrading.com/media/images/products/70091.jpg) lined with a garbage bag for the occasion.
It’s great because I don’t have to keep & store an extra garbage can around. (the trick is to make sure the bottom of the yard barrel hasn’t been exposed to dog… ‘fertiliser’ (ahem) before bringing it into the house!
I make sure it’s in an easily accessible/visible location away from the kitchen so it’s used and the kitchen only contains the ‘effort’ traffic.
Works out well every time!
YoungHouseLove says
Very smart! I’m loving all the tips everyone – thanks for sharing!
xo,
s