Life of Val

Throwing a preschool birthday party

I was talking to my sister about throwing a birthday party for young children. Sure, kids 3 and under probably won’t remember and its mostly for the parents, but that doesn’t make a birthday less worth celebrating! So for those of you that are interested, here’s my 2 cents:

• Plan an easy menu or something you can make (or buy) ahead of time. This is just something I’m still learning about hosting in general. I never prepare enough ahead of time.
• I love the idea of basing a party off a book. So many decorating, menu, invitation and game ideas can stem from one easy book theme… and if there are few enough kids, you could get them the book or memorabilia from that book for a favor.
• Definitely have some pictures of your little one displayed. The tough part will be holding back the tears when you pick them out.
• As far as entertaining your guests, put the focus on the child (and maybe the other kids, if they’re lucky). Guests are there to celebrate your b-day guy or gal, or at least to celebrate you celebrating them.
• Keep the party short (I’d say 2 hours is about right) and make the agenda about the kid. Mingle, eat, do cake, presents, mingle, peace out.
• Pick a time of day that your child is usually the happiest.
• I didn’t want to deal with games for the other kids coming to Carver’s party so instead I got a huge sheet of blue bulletin board paper from school and used it to cover the dining table and coffee tables and set out lots of crayons. Adults and kids loved it and it left me with a “guest book” to keep, as lots of them signed it or wrote notes to Carver.
• You could also do a plastic tablecloth and put play-doh on it if you can’t find paper like that. I would suggest keeping it over tile, though!
• Put someone else in charge of the camera… a stranded-looking uncle or neighbor might appreciate the job.
• Last, but most important, take time to be with your sweet dude or dudette on their birthday!