So I have this gorgeous almost five-year-old who wants a rainbow, unicorn, disco party with a half Paw Patrol and half Peter Rabbit cake. Should be good.
The epic plans have been coming out at the strangest of times, details added, random requests for dinosaur treasure hunts, you know, just the usual.
Then yesterday she decided that she would totally change her mind and now she wants a unicorn picnic party.
Ahhhh, this I can do.
I have a few kids party tips and tricks for a smoother running day. 20 to be precise.
Cook all cakes and cupcakes up to three weeks before and freeze them.
So long as they are sealed and airtight, they will last for ages. Just take them out the night before the party and ice them.
Consider something different for party bags.
like a packet of seeds, a fancy iced biscuit or a wrapped storybook. It will probably be much cheaper in the long run.
like a packet of seeds, a fancy iced biscuit or a wrapped storybook. It will probably be much cheaper in the long run.
Stick to one area when it comes to decorations.
The more you pack into one space the better it will look. If it looks amazing and you still have some left over then you can expand out.
Cheat’s Pass the Parcel.
Instead of traditional pass the parcel, just get a pretty box and pop lots of prizes in it then the kids can pick their own when it stops on them. It will mean you don’t need to know numbers to make it all work.
Choose a colour scheme and go from there.
Even if there is a theme a colour scheme is will really help bring it all together.
Packet mix is king.
Just use packet mix for the baking. The kids don’t care.
Fill your cupcakes.
Make your cupcakes awesome by using a medicine syringe to fill them with chocolate sauce, strawberry topping or lemon curd before you pop the icing on. Here is a strawberry lave tutorial + video that should answer all of your questions.
Simplify your cake.
Decorate a simple cake with mini bunting or plastic figurines of both. You really don’t have to make Elsa out of fondant.
Flavoured milk in bottles is very cute.
Strawberry or Chocolate milk in little bottles is a super cute drink that will also decorate your party table. Step it up by dipping the rims in chocolate sauce before rolling them in hundreds and thousands. Before you put the milk in, obviously.
Get fruity.
Use fresh fruit from your colour scheme like pineapples, peaches or watermelon to decorate the party table – they look great and smell awesome.
Get the kids working.
Set up a cupcake decorating station – just ice them and let the kids add lollies and sprinkles – activity + food!
An easy thank you option.
Pop a thank you note in the party bag so as the kids walk out the door, your job is done.
Serve adult drinks.
Organise drinks for the adults if they are invited because it’s their weekend too. Tea, coffee (obviously) and if it’s after the yardarm, have some beer and champagne. If it’s the morning and you’re not sure what way to go, champagne and orange juice is appropriate at any time of the day.
Be specific with your needs.
If you want someone in your life (ahem, hubby) to be helpful, give him a specific job. YouTube can teach anyone how to make balloon animals.
Ask for help.
Enlist the help of a family member to take pictures, then you don’t have to.
Balloons are the best.
Washi tape balloons to the roof to get the feeling of helium, without the cost. And check out these 11 ballon DIY’s – total show stoppers.
Give yourself a limited amount of time on Pinterest.
You’re never going to do half the stuff you pin so just have a squiz and move on.
Ask someone to come early.
Enlist a grandparent or good friend to come an hour early so you have a spare set of hands.
Try to have fun.
Enjoy it for what it is, not for what you want it to be.
Time to bow out.
Put a finishing time on the invite so people know when they are allowed to leave. Especially if you have close friends who happily kick on. This will help everyone else know if it’s time to go yet.
