....the science between combining birthdays.
Often, as a children's event planner and especially during these tough economic times, I am asked by clients, friends and family about how to combine a birthday for siblings, often the children are of differing sexes and usually under the age of 5. So what are some cost effective suggestions to get you started in the right direction? I am glad you asked.
First, look for commonalities. Maybe your adorable offspring both like a common television show, color or activity. That commonality could become your central theme. Some gender neutral themes are Sesame Street, Mickey and Minnie (the yellow, blue, red and polka dots could be too fun!), safari (think pink and blue safari helmets... too cute right?). Don’t forget the ever favorite pirate and princess or knights. Even favorite books and colors can be springboards for fantastic party themes.
If you have a girly girl and a tough boy remember that you can play with colors within a more masculine theme to suit the girls. I know my girls would love a Barbie convertible to play with at their brother's monster truck themed party! My youngest daughter would opt out of the pink entirely and go for the lifted one with some knobby tires!
Lastly, remember the ages of each group and plan activities accordingly- younger children are less independent and prefer to play individually and close to parents. A ball pit or playdough make for great open-ended fun. Older children, ages 4 and up are more independent and capable of cooperative play. (Think treasure hunts, kiddie obstacle courses and other exciting games)
Most importantly, remember kids are simple and birthdays are about celebrating time with one another. The best party is one where friends and family can smile, laugh and make memories together.
Here's wishing you a million wishes and endless happily ever afters!
Showing posts with label party planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party planning. Show all posts
Monday, November 10, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The not so TERRIBLE TWOS
You've made it another year. You have survived the midnight feedings, the crawlng, the walking and now your precious little one is about to adventure gleefully into her second year of life. The only question is, "How on earth do I throw a birthday party for a two year old?" Here are a few tips:
1.Pick a two year old friendly theme. By now you have giggled to countless hours of play, music and television. Pick a theme that your toddler easily recognizes to create the unifying theme for the celebration. Your theme could come from things as simple as your child's favorite color, book, toy, song or video. Themes like Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Club, Pink Cupcake and Mod Monkey all have fantastic colors and activities that easily lend themselves to many creative and fun decorations and games.
2. Keep your guest list manageable. Two year olds are often overwhelmed by the excitement of a big day. It may be difficult to resist the urge to invite the entire preschool class or playgroup but limiting the number of guests you invite to an intimate few will help reign in the budget and stave off the birthday meltdown experienced by an overstimulated toddler.
3. Pick toddler friendly, open ended activities. Two year olds are not capable of cooperative group play yet and sharing is a concept that is yet to be mastered. Instead of group activities opt for individual activities that can be played side by side such as play dough, coloring, sand box and bubbles. Be sure to have enough play items for each guest and encourage the parents to remain close to their child at each play station (and peaceful playtime) by providing adequate seating around the area of play. Dont forget small tables to free parent's hands for more hands-on play.
Click on this link to our favorite treasure trove of party supplies:
1.Pick a two year old friendly theme. By now you have giggled to countless hours of play, music and television. Pick a theme that your toddler easily recognizes to create the unifying theme for the celebration. Your theme could come from things as simple as your child's favorite color, book, toy, song or video. Themes like Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Club, Pink Cupcake and Mod Monkey all have fantastic colors and activities that easily lend themselves to many creative and fun decorations and games.
2. Keep your guest list manageable. Two year olds are often overwhelmed by the excitement of a big day. It may be difficult to resist the urge to invite the entire preschool class or playgroup but limiting the number of guests you invite to an intimate few will help reign in the budget and stave off the birthday meltdown experienced by an overstimulated toddler.
3. Pick toddler friendly, open ended activities. Two year olds are not capable of cooperative group play yet and sharing is a concept that is yet to be mastered. Instead of group activities opt for individual activities that can be played side by side such as play dough, coloring, sand box and bubbles. Be sure to have enough play items for each guest and encourage the parents to remain close to their child at each play station (and peaceful playtime) by providing adequate seating around the area of play. Dont forget small tables to free parent's hands for more hands-on play.
Click on this link to our favorite treasure trove of party supplies:
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Buzz of a new arrival
New additions to the family always set the family abuzz with excitement. Why not celebrate the arrival of your newest one with a buzz-worthy bee themed event?I am absolutely in love with bees and everything yellow this season, so I couldn't think of a more exciting theme for a dear client's baby shower. I can just imagine the cute chocolate devil's food cake beehive atop an adorable hive like cupcake tower! Napoleon bee de lys table cloths and fantyastic bee soap favors and thank yous are sure to send the guest buzzing about your big day for weeks to come.
Check out these yummy bee recipes:
Williams-Sonoma Beehive cake
Recipe for adorable Bee Cupcakes
Invites From Louella Press Honeycomb edition would set the tone for a fantastic day- not just for weddings anymore RSVP cards can take the hassle out of planning your big celebration.
>>> SOURCING:
Handcrafted Pewter Bee Hive Bank: Engrave able Silver Impressions $60.50, Wallace silver smiths: Napoleon Bee 45 pc. Flatware set- Horchow $174.90, Honey House Bee Bar Gift St Coldwater Creek $10.99, Slane and Slane Pave Bee Ring, Nieman Marcus $2050.00; Sur Le Table Bee Glassware Dessert Dishes Set of 6 47.50.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Celebration Inspiration: Ceremony Magazine
Ever struggled with creating the perfect "look" for your celebration? Want to stay in-the-know about trends, color schemes and upscale decor styles for events? Ceremony Magazine- an industry resource aimed for brides to be, is eye candy for anyone who loves to entertain. Inside their annual publication you'll find hundreds of images of real weddings taken by the industries best photographers. With the turn of each page you'll be dazzled by stunning decor, breath taking floral arrangements, the hottest tablescapes and reception design... perfect tinder for a brainstorming blaze! (And at $7.00 an issue- you might as well buy all 3) You can find ceremony magazine at your local bookstore- we bought ours at Borders- in the magazine rack or buy direct and pay only $4.00 shipping & handling)haute mom's tip: Every look can be adapted to suit your own personal celebration. Look for the little touches- hanging crystals, textured cloth, vibrant color pallate, that make each celebration unique. Check out some of our tablescapes at http://www.overthetopproductions.com/ .
Monday, May 5, 2008
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
The fifth of May, a regional holiday in Mexico, is a fun way to celebrate diversity and culture in an entertaining and creative way. Here at Over the Top Productions, we love any reason to celebrate and the fact that this celebration has tacos, enchiladas and chips makes it even better. (My family loves the make your own taco bar and festive paper flowers.) I have assembled some links for crafts, recipes, activities and more to make your cinco de mayo "muy bueno" (very good). So, kick off your shoes, & salsa in the living room with your wee ones!crafts, history, easy dinner, how to salsa (dance), rockin santana play list (exercise caution- youtube may have content not suited for young listeners),
Haute Mom Says: 6 Days until Mother's day. Make sure your cards get in the mail.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Happy Earthday 2008
Happy Earth day 2008...Intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth's environment, Earth day reminds us all there is a lot we can do to care for and preserve our precious planet - celebrations included.
In honor of Earth day, we feature Danny Seo- an environmental lifestyle expert & author who calls his eco-friendly way of living Simply Green. Through his bestselling books, television programs, magazine columns, and his how-to lifestyle lectures, Danny Seo continues to share his creative ideas that has made him America's leading lifestyle authority on modern, eco-friendly living.
His brand new books Simply Green Parties and Simply Green Giving showcases Danny's unique take and approach to stylish green living. Both books feature lush, colorful photography and clear, step-by-step instructions along with Danny's secret tips and how-to information on living the Simply Green way.
His "Fresh Thinking" column in Country Living magazine features clever and easy ideas to recycle anything into gorgeously chic home accessories with quick and easy tips that prove green living can be gorgeous living, too.
Haute Mom tip: Encourage your kids to help you transform old story books into chic birdhouses for your next fete.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
5 simple steps to a memorable kids party.
Birthday parties don’t have to be a source of anxiety.
I remember it like it was yesterday. My oldest daughter Hope was turning 7. We had just moved to a new state and she wanted to have a birthday party for her entire class. As I thought of the 30 plus kids in her class, I panicked as images raced through my mind: hoards of unruly kids tearing through my house, amped on sugar, leaving a wake of destruction behind them with their frosting smeared faces and hands. I, huddled in a crumpled heap of frustration and exhaustion in the corner.
As I awoke from my nightmarish visualization I realized: kids parties don’t have to be an exhausting, overwhelming chore. With a bit of organization and some creativity, Hope and I could not just plan a 7th birthday but we could make memories together that last a life time.
Looking back, I can see the 5 simple steps that made her day amazing. You don’t have to panic at the thought of a party either. I’ll share my gems of wisdom with you. Read on.
1. Remember the audience.
Kids are simple. Think back to Christmas; you fretted over buying THE perfect toy and they were more excited to play with “the cool box.” Talk with your child and see what they are interested in. A clue might be plastered to their bedroom wall. Hope loved the beach. Her room was decorated to the nines with Hawaiian print, sandy beach images, and bobbly-wobbly dancing hula girls. It wasn’t too hard to decide that a beach theme was what would make her soon to be 7 year old heart sing.
2. Think outside the Box
Once you two decide on the theme, think of creative (and cost effective) ways to decorate. To stretch your party planning dollars further, use items you already have in an inventive way. We used Hope’s room decor to give her party a Waikiki pizzazz: Hula dolls as center pieces. Bold colored Beach towels as table runners and dollar store flip flops and sand pails full of piñata candy as party favors.
3. Entertainment is child’s play
Once we established the theme and had fun dreaming up the décor- we moved on to decide entertainment. I am not one for chasing kids and lots of structure (or huge messes at my house) so Hope and I settled on a venue elsewhere. You could use a club house, a park, a restaurant, a pool (make sure all your guests are water proof…) even a relative’s house that is better suited for entertainment. For Hope, we had the party at the river (only a few minutes drive from where we lived). Each guest received their own floaty noodle- you know those long, brightly colored Styrofoam things you use to float in the pool with? (Walmart is a God send!) and a sand pail labeled with the guest’s name. I’d like to say I did it for the personal touch but really, I knew the names would make it easier to keep track of what belonged to whom. An easy up made for a great escape from the sun and was decorated with Hawaiian themed items from oriental trading company (http://www.orientaltradingcompany.com/) .
4. Invite the parents
Once we established the locale, Hope and I made out the invites. (You can make them with clip art and your computer, but them at your local party store or send e-vites online) We used a hula girl invite and added some grass to her skirt for a 3-D and personal touch. I knew I didn’t want to chase kids by myself all day or take on the responsibility of making sure every kid made it through the day above water, so Hope and I decided to invite the parents. We scheduled the party at 2:00 pm. This made it easier on me. At 2-ish, snacks are appropriate and you are clear from having to provide dinner as well. We also let the parents know that snacks would be served for them and their teeny whainis also.
5. Keep the food simple
Lastly, we decided on the food. As party favors, the parents all got their own tiki glasses for punch and had some other snacks more suited to an adult pallet like turkey wraps (use mayo in packets that don’t need to be refrigerated to avoid sending your guests to the emergency room with food poisoning) and a fruit tray kept on ice. Since coolers fit into the beach theme we decorated them and used them as part of our snack buffet. Brightly colored bowls of chips and crackers and party mixes adorned the table. Party tip: pre package snacks such as chips in pretzels in their own bags to keep the sand on the beach and out of your snacks.
So you see, with a bit of planning and a whole lot of quality time Hope had an amazing 7th birthday that her friends still talk about to this day. I know you child will too! You’ll see, with a bit of planning and a lot of fun your child can have the party dreams are made of.
I remember it like it was yesterday. My oldest daughter Hope was turning 7. We had just moved to a new state and she wanted to have a birthday party for her entire class. As I thought of the 30 plus kids in her class, I panicked as images raced through my mind: hoards of unruly kids tearing through my house, amped on sugar, leaving a wake of destruction behind them with their frosting smeared faces and hands. I, huddled in a crumpled heap of frustration and exhaustion in the corner.
As I awoke from my nightmarish visualization I realized: kids parties don’t have to be an exhausting, overwhelming chore. With a bit of organization and some creativity, Hope and I could not just plan a 7th birthday but we could make memories together that last a life time.
Looking back, I can see the 5 simple steps that made her day amazing. You don’t have to panic at the thought of a party either. I’ll share my gems of wisdom with you. Read on.
1. Remember the audience.
Kids are simple. Think back to Christmas; you fretted over buying THE perfect toy and they were more excited to play with “the cool box.” Talk with your child and see what they are interested in. A clue might be plastered to their bedroom wall. Hope loved the beach. Her room was decorated to the nines with Hawaiian print, sandy beach images, and bobbly-wobbly dancing hula girls. It wasn’t too hard to decide that a beach theme was what would make her soon to be 7 year old heart sing.
2. Think outside the Box
Once you two decide on the theme, think of creative (and cost effective) ways to decorate. To stretch your party planning dollars further, use items you already have in an inventive way. We used Hope’s room decor to give her party a Waikiki pizzazz: Hula dolls as center pieces. Bold colored Beach towels as table runners and dollar store flip flops and sand pails full of piñata candy as party favors.
3. Entertainment is child’s play
Once we established the theme and had fun dreaming up the décor- we moved on to decide entertainment. I am not one for chasing kids and lots of structure (or huge messes at my house) so Hope and I settled on a venue elsewhere. You could use a club house, a park, a restaurant, a pool (make sure all your guests are water proof…) even a relative’s house that is better suited for entertainment. For Hope, we had the party at the river (only a few minutes drive from where we lived). Each guest received their own floaty noodle- you know those long, brightly colored Styrofoam things you use to float in the pool with? (Walmart is a God send!) and a sand pail labeled with the guest’s name. I’d like to say I did it for the personal touch but really, I knew the names would make it easier to keep track of what belonged to whom. An easy up made for a great escape from the sun and was decorated with Hawaiian themed items from oriental trading company (http://www.orientaltradingcompany.com/) .
4. Invite the parents
Once we established the locale, Hope and I made out the invites. (You can make them with clip art and your computer, but them at your local party store or send e-vites online) We used a hula girl invite and added some grass to her skirt for a 3-D and personal touch. I knew I didn’t want to chase kids by myself all day or take on the responsibility of making sure every kid made it through the day above water, so Hope and I decided to invite the parents. We scheduled the party at 2:00 pm. This made it easier on me. At 2-ish, snacks are appropriate and you are clear from having to provide dinner as well. We also let the parents know that snacks would be served for them and their teeny whainis also.
5. Keep the food simple
Lastly, we decided on the food. As party favors, the parents all got their own tiki glasses for punch and had some other snacks more suited to an adult pallet like turkey wraps (use mayo in packets that don’t need to be refrigerated to avoid sending your guests to the emergency room with food poisoning) and a fruit tray kept on ice. Since coolers fit into the beach theme we decorated them and used them as part of our snack buffet. Brightly colored bowls of chips and crackers and party mixes adorned the table. Party tip: pre package snacks such as chips in pretzels in their own bags to keep the sand on the beach and out of your snacks.
So you see, with a bit of planning and a whole lot of quality time Hope had an amazing 7th birthday that her friends still talk about to this day. I know you child will too! You’ll see, with a bit of planning and a lot of fun your child can have the party dreams are made of.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
In the Press: OC Register
Today the Orange County Register published our first business article. We couldn't be more excited. It's a feature talking about how we got started, life motto and more. Click here to check it out.
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