Parties
Top tips for a budget party
Be on trend with your child’s party in 2018! By Claire Winter
Children’s parties are always a hot topic of conversation in most households across the country. Who to invite? What theme? Which location? We’ve talked to party specialists and planners to find out the top party ideas for 2018, so you don’t have to. Unusual themes Think of a party with a twist. “Children’s parties are becoming even more sophisticated in 2018! Unicorns and Mermaids are still going strong but expect a fresh twist on the theme. Also expect to see wedding trends making their way into children’s parties, particularly celestial (moons and stars) and all things holographic. Think, oversized disco balls and lots and lots of sparkle!” says party organiser fableandmoon.com Chocolate parties Hire a chocolatier to come to your house and teach your children to make some fantastic chocs. Alternatively hire some moulds and melt dark, milk and white chocolate so they can make their own. The chocolate is hot so this option is probably not suitable for very small children. The Chocolate Party People (www.thechocolatepartypeople.co.uk) offers a Build a Bar, Chocolate Pizzeria and Truffle Making package for kids. An extra bonus is they get to take away their chocolates instead of a party bag. Unicorns are still cool Kids are still going unicorn crazy. Harriet Jones, founder of online boutique store Rockahula Kids (www.rockahulakids.com) says “2018 has to be the year that the unicorn trend and theme takes centre stage at children's birthday parties. 18 Families South West • June 2018
Over the last few months, we have seen an incredible increase in demand for unicornthemed accessories for party favours, whether it be hair clips, charms, necklaces or hairbands. A kitsch, rainbow unicorn party sounds like just the ticket!
Glamping Belltent and glamping parties are going to be really popular especially during the summer months. Set up tents with themes like cowboys, intergalactic, or botanical. You can hire companies to put them up in the garden and if you haven’t got a garden—set up the tents in the house. Andrew Pearce, co-owner of the belltentexperience.com says “we have seen a huge increase in bookings for children’s parties. Bell tents are fun and versatile. You can set them up indoors, or outside and kids love them. Sleeping in a tent is magical whatever age you are!” Get me out of here Escape rooms venues are a great choice for older children. You get locked in a room and have to work out how to get out. It’s a great team-building experience and no mess in your house! Many escape rooms have themes—you could even get guests to dress up to match it! You need to check what the age range is and whether you need adult supervision.
Try E-invites Create your own digital invitations to email to guests. You can also use the free option at www.paperlesspost.com and pay a small amount using various other websites, like www.mini-epic.com. Founder of the business Jonathan says “Our digital invitations can be created and sent in just a few minutes, with no paper or postage involved, which not only saves you time and money but also saves some trees! But what's proving really popular is the ability to download your Mini-Epic invitation to share via WhatsApp."
Look for bargains Your pound shop can be a treasure trove of party napkins and decorations. Buy plain paper bags and get the children to personalise them. You could also make cupcakes and get the children to decorate them. Party favours and entertainment all at the same time!
Themed parties Choose a theme like pirates, Alice in Wonderland or teddies for the younger kids and base all the games make all the games centred on your chosen theme. Decorations can be homemade—get the whole family involved. Pinterest is a great place to get inspiration.
Share Split the cost by sharing the party with a classmate whose birthday is at a similar time. Just make sure you agree who is doing what!
Don’t forget to say thanks Take a group photo of all the kids at the party and print it off at Boots or use an online site. Get your kids to write a thank you note on the back with a Sharpie or gold pen. A great momento and thank you all at once!
familiesonline.co.uk
Photo: Perform Parties
Timing If you hold a party between 3pm and 5pm, you can provide party snacks or treats instead of a meal. Try fruit kebabs that you dip in melted chocolate for a fun treat. Hiring a chocolate fountain could also be a fun way to end the party. Just warn the parents not to dress their children in their best party clothes! Older children would probably prefer a pizza delivery.
