Party smaller with kids

WHETHER YOU’RE UNDER RESTRICTIONS, BUDGETING OR ISOLATING FOR OTHER REASONS, THERE ARE PLENTY OF WAYS TO KEEP THE PARTY GOING FOR LITTLE ONES.

FEATURING: ROCHELLE MUSCAT

CELEBRATING YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY DURING isolation does not have to spell the end of party fun…

It’s no secret that many children have faced the disappointment of having their birthday party cancelled due to the Covid-19 health crisis, however many parents are still finding ways to bring the fun to their child’s special day.

For some it has meant embracing technology platforms and sharing a cupcake or two with loved ones using apps like ZOOM and House Party. Others have engaged their creative side making happy birthday signs, colourful streamers and blowing up balloons before heading out for a drive-by ‘sing-along’ of Happy Birthday – much to the excitement of children celebrating their birthdays right across the globe.

For others it’s about finding joy in what they love most – creating uniquely themed parties that are an important milestone in their family’s story.

Party Credits: Concept/props and styling by Pop the Balloon! Children’s Parties and Events, balloons by Keen Creations, cakes, cupcakes and cookies by Sabilicious Cakes

“Explaining to a 3-year old that her Minnie Mouse party she had been waiting for almost six months to celebrate had to be cancelled due to coronavirus, was no easy task”, explained Rochelle, mum to 3 and avid party stylist.

“Planning my children’s parties is the absolute highlight of our year and it was devastating when we realised we’d have to cancel her April birthday.”

Determined not to disappoint, Rochelle set about staging the family kitchen to give her daughter a mini version of her planned Minnie Mouse party –

“We will still give her the big celebration we had originally planned once restrictions have been lifted, but in the meantime, we wanted to ensure she still had a fabulous day – and the smile on her face said it all!” (continued next page)

TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE ISOLATION CELEBRATION FOR YOUR CHILD

1. Use what you had originally planned and re-purpose it for your home. Those decorations, paper plates and cups you had put aside for their big celebration can still be used to ensure your child feels connected to the fun.

2. Balloons are an easy and great way to brighten up your home. Many retailers sell ready to install balloon garland kits. If setting up your own garland is not your thing however, many local balloon businesses have great isolation packages that you can purchase – all of which come with contactless delivery.

3. Not a baker? Hiring a cake decorator is not quite within budget? No problem. Shop your local grocery store for a ready-made cakes and biscuits. Exploring the cake aisle will turn up lots of fun cake decorating options such as sprinkles, edible flowers, seed pearls, and coloured icing. Many are starting to stock cake toppers too for that extra flourish.

4. Paper crafting is an easy and fun way to involve your child/ren and can help to take their mind off the lack of guests attending their party. Pick up some coloured paper from your local craft supplier, cut into strips and show your child how to make paper chains which can be strung from the ceiling. Instant and low-cost party décor!

5. Show up for the party – the best guests your child could hope to celebrate their birthday with is you.

The easing of State restrictions for some families has meant the return of the stylised party, just like this pastel unicorn 4th birthday created by Pop the Balloon Children’s Parties & Events.

“To ensure we complied with physical distancing requirements, we increased the space between the children at the party table.

All of the party bags and favours were pre-packaged and even though we could not stay to provide entertainment, we supplied the party host with a set of simple party games, wrapped prizes and left some arts and crafts fun to ensure the birthday girl had the best day ever!” h