Do you remember being six years old and so excited about your birthday that the anticipation was almost painful? I do. I remember lying in bed and not being able to sleep. This is what Dd is experiencing at the moment and her birthday is still a couple of weeks away on May 16th.
We've started to make plans for her party, and now it's all she can think of. I'm looking forward to it, too because I do enjoy giving parties. We always find a theme and then just go crazy - I mean - have fun from there. We've had a Bob the Builder party in the past...now we DID go a little crazy for that one since it was the first at home B-day party we had. We had hard hats, my mom made aprons, and I bought these small wood building projects from Home Depot. Paint trays were the serving bowls for chips, etc. It was fun. We've also done Harry Potter. I got a bunch of the glasses from the Dollar Store and my dad made wands from wood doweling which I painted black with silver tips. There was also a Jungle party a couple of years ago and last year we had a pyjama breakfast party. Of course, there are always plenty of games to match the theme. I've found that if you keep the kids busy during the party then it goes much smoother. I've also learned not to waste money on fancy plates, cups, and napkins. That first year was pretty painful watching those Bob the Builder plates with a half eaten piece of cake still on them get thrown away. So I go cheap with that stuff and spend the money on the games. Some years I've gone a little over board, but I'm learning to be more frugal. With Ds getting older and his B-day being in the winter, we've had his parties away from home the last couple of years (bowling alley and laser tag).
We've started to make plans for her party, and now it's all she can think of. I'm looking forward to it, too because I do enjoy giving parties. We always find a theme and then just go crazy - I mean - have fun from there. We've had a Bob the Builder party in the past...now we DID go a little crazy for that one since it was the first at home B-day party we had. We had hard hats, my mom made aprons, and I bought these small wood building projects from Home Depot. Paint trays were the serving bowls for chips, etc. It was fun. We've also done Harry Potter. I got a bunch of the glasses from the Dollar Store and my dad made wands from wood doweling which I painted black with silver tips. There was also a Jungle party a couple of years ago and last year we had a pyjama breakfast party. Of course, there are always plenty of games to match the theme. I've found that if you keep the kids busy during the party then it goes much smoother. I've also learned not to waste money on fancy plates, cups, and napkins. That first year was pretty painful watching those Bob the Builder plates with a half eaten piece of cake still on them get thrown away. So I go cheap with that stuff and spend the money on the games. Some years I've gone a little over board, but I'm learning to be more frugal. With Ds getting older and his B-day being in the winter, we've had his parties away from home the last couple of years (bowling alley and laser tag).
Jungle themed party.
So what's happening this year? A carnival party! Dd and I have tonnes of ideas swimming around in our minds which adds to the excitement, of course. What's worse is that we're having the party a week and a half late. :( Her B-day falls in between Mothers Day weekend and the long weekend. Adrian has a big test for his Electrical Master's course on the M's Day weekend and, of course, everyone will be away on the long weekend. So it won't be until the 26th. Ah well, what d'ya do?I know some people go very simple for birthday parties and will think I'm nuts, but I actually have a lot of fun planning these things. And now that the kids are older they have a lot of fun, too. With this carnival party I got the inspiration from Martha Stewart. This looks like fun to me!
The ultimate themed party...our wedding. Medieval. I do love a good theme.
10 comments:
I love your medevial wedding so cool!
We have 2 b-days coming up...Tanner on Monday being 11 and Haley 6 end of May. I get exhausted planning big parties and have learned the kids like it more if I keep it simple.
I think your carnival idea is fantastic! Fun!!!
I want YOUR kids. When my kids were smaller they'd tolerate me doing the theme thing, but as they got older they would say "Mom, I don't want anything like that, I just want to have lots of friends over with a few munchies." My oldest finally explained it was HER party not mine so it should be what she wants, not me. Oiy. So I'm glad to hear there are kids out there who do like a good themed party. Because I for one think they're grand :o)
Have you thought about going into business?
I luv a medieval event, especially in a castle and at night.
It must be so exciting for you all in the run up to the birthday party and arranging everything.
If only wee adults could turn the clocks back too!!
I'm a terrible party planner.
the midevil wedding looks cool!
We've been to simple parties and I always think to myself how nice and relaxing they are. The kids are off playing and the parents sit and chat. And everytime I think, "yeah, I'm gonna do it like that next time". Then I don't. :) I get caught up in the fun ideas.
I always start off by asking the kids what kind of party they want. The last couple of years Ds said bowling and laser tag so that's what we did. Dd usually answers with an idea like a jungle party or whatever.
Emma - Uhhh, no! Yikes. :)
Wishing Dd a very Happy Birthday in advance! I have my birthday coming too in May.I always love unique party themes for birthdays and keep hunting for unknown ideas. Carnival B'day theme would be a great idea.You can also try race cars and pirate theme as other options.
I´m a terrible party planner like Terri too.
Childrens like celebrating pyjama partys or we drive to a event-park with all guests.
We didn't do themes for our kids. Never really thought about it. Mostly had family and friends and that was it. Hope they have a great time.
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