Another birthday party to plan

Thursday, March 12, 2009
Emma's 7th birthday is May 11. This means another birthday party to plan. I, unlike many others, like to send the invitation a month in advance. Historically, May is a busy month. Mother's Day, Communions, Graduations, etc. So, I like to give guests PLENTY of notice so that they can plan accordingly.

It is a difficult process deciding on a type of party to have or a theme. Since Emma started having "friends parties" 3 years ago, we've hosted the party in our home. I know what you're thinking, I'm a crazy woman. A home party seems reasonable at the time of planning. However, the day of the party is a different story! I run around like crazy. I'm frantic and frenzied. Last year, Emma had a Barbie party. Each girl brought her favorite Barbie, and we even included Barbie dolls in the goodie bags. I know, I'm insane. Two years ago, she had a tea party complete with finger sandwiches shaped like flowers. They were homemade, of course.

Gone are the days of playing a few games such as pin the tail on the donkey, opening presents and eating cake and ice cream. Gone. Gone. Gone. Kids parties are big business, and the kids, no, the parents get really competitive about outdoing each other. It's just plain ridiculous. My goal is always to have a party that Emma and her friends will enjoy and remember. It needs to be age appropriate as well.

What I love about the home parties is that there are some many opportunities to add special and personal touches from decorating to meal planning. What I don't like is the enormous amount of effort it requires from planning to execution. Whatever we decide, you'll be sure to hear all about it!

1 comment

Miti said...

Birthday parties are a lot of work, but all the hard work pays off when you see the smiles on their faces. My little guy is turning 3 May 23 and I'm already thinking of what the theme would be and what kind of cake to make. So far Diego is at the top of his list, but at his age it'll probably be something different by the time his party rolls around.