How To Throw A Successful Birthday Party

My youngest daughter turned 1 (where does the time go?) and I threw her a Donut Grow Up themed birthday party. The donut theme birthday party is by far my favorite and I loved how it turned out.

Party planning is a hobby of mine and I LOVE doing them. I hope my steps to a successful party and checklist helps you plan your child’s next birthday party.

*This post contains affiliate links. Which means when you make a purchase through a link on this post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Steps To Planning The Perfect Party

1. Determine the date, time, theme, & budget
2. Create a guest list & invite
3. Book any reservations (such as entertainment & location)
4. Start collecting supplies & decor
5. Make a gift idea list for guests who want ideas
6. Decorate and prep
7. Enjoy the day and celebrate
8. Thank you cards or goodie bags

1. Set The Date, Time, Theme, & Budget

Date & Time

Setting the date and time is totally your preference. I tend to schedule the date of the party on Saturday to make it easier for out of town family. For the most recent party, I threw it at 11 a.m. because it was right between my daughter’s nap times. A well rested baby is a happy baby 😉

Timeline Ideas for a 1 Year Old Birthday Party

11 a.m. Eat brunch
11:30 a.m. Sing happy birthday and eat dessert
12 p.m. Open gifts
12:30 p.m. Pictures with family & friends

This was the exact timeline I used for my 1 year old. Since this was just a 1 year old’s birthday party I tried to keep it as simple as possible. I didn’t plan any games or have too many things planned because of her age.

Theme

As far as the theme goes, it can be something your child really loves or the party planner’s preference. So far I have picked all of my daughter’s (age 2 and 1) birthday themes, although for my oldest daughter’s 3rd birthday (August), I will throw a Sofia the First princess party because that is her absolute favorite princess right now.

Budget

Setting the budget is very important in having a successful party. I know it is VERY easy for me to go overboard with buying party supplies, so setting a budget is crucial for me. The budget should include the supplies as well as any fees for renting out a location, or the entertainment if you choose to do that.

2. Create A Guest List & Invite

Who To Invite?

The number of people you invite is up to you and how much you want to handle the day of the party. Typically the more you invite, the more it will cost you for the supplies and food.

Invitations

Who doesn’t love a good old fashioned printed card stock invite sent to your house? I know I do, but to save money I just create an event on Facebook and add everyone I am inviting on there.

The nice thing about the event page on Facebook is you can keep people updated about the event, add more people whenever, and post about gift ideas, etc.

3. Book Reservations

Many fun kids places have party rooms that you can reserve. They usually include the clean up fee with the party package, so if you don’t want to hassle with the messes this might be a great way to go!

To cut some more cost, I usually just have parties at our home or use our church’s fellowship room.

4. Party Supply Checklist

Once you have picked out the theme of the party, you can keep an eye out for specific decor. I personally found a bunch of things at the Target dollar section a few months before the party. Online party stores are another great place to shop. I usually wait for their online sale and buy the plates, napkins, cups, etc.

Balloons can be tricky. I buy party balloons at Party City and pick them up the night before or the day of. Big balloons usually cost around $10, but the plain regular sized balloons only cost about $1.

One big balloon to go with the theme and a couple regular balloons makes a nice balloon arrangement. Plus, you won’t be spending too much money on balloons.

5. Create Gift List Ideas

My husband and I decided to just do experience gifts for our girls this year. They already have toys and don’t really need anything. Our area is getting a SeaQuest, so we decided to get them season passes for the year. It’s not open yet, but we can’t wait to visit and explore!

Time Capsule

As far as other people getting our 1 year old gifts, we told them to bring a letter or a card that she could open and read when she turned 18 years old. I saw this idea on Pinterest and did it with my oldest daughter too.

I LOVE the time capsule idea and how special it will be when my girls each turn 18. My hope is for everyone who wrote them a letter to be alive, but life is short and we never know when the Lord will call us home.

Gift list

Some of your guests might insist that they want to get a gift. For those who really want to get a gift, I create a gift list on Amazon or Target. On the gift list, I add a few open ended toys and things the girls need like a quilt for their bed etc. Including snack ideas like puffs and crackers are fun too!

6. Decorate & Prep

Since we don’t live in a big home, we just decorated the dining area where the food is. I hang up a background, happy birthday banner, and anything else that makes it look great.

Prep food the night before as much as you can for less stress the day of the party. I also plan out the display of the food so it looks nice on the table. Cake stands and serving dishes are my favorites to use.

7. Enjoy The Party

Something usually goes wrong the day of the party, but the best thing you can do is enjoy the party and roll with what happens. Look on the bright side and keep the focus on why everyone is there to celebrate.

8. Saying Thank You

Don’t under estimate how much showing appreciation to people means to them. I usually post a quick thank you message on the event page after the party is over and send thank you cards a week later.

What are some of your party hacks and tips? Leave a comment! I’d LOVE to hear them 😉