It makes sense to streamline the process as much as possible and relieve some of those worries and here are some tips to help you.
1. Digital Invitations. Many parents use paper invites, text messages or create a WhatsApp group, but it can be difficult to keep track of who has RSVP'd and who has not. There are apps such as Paperless Post, options in Canva, or even a simple Google Form which can make the guest list much easier to manage.
2. Pre-Prepared Food. If the idea of making hundreds of sandwiches and cakes fills you with dread, buy it ready prepared and keep it simple. Your guests will not mine if it’s not homemade.
3. Buy the Cake. Order form a local baker, or buy one from the supermarket. Making one takes a lot of time, and may not work out any cheaper.
4. Simplify the Decor. Keep things really simple, choose only 1 or 2 colours or a theme and just apply it to the paper tablecloth, plates, and balloons.
5. Set a Timeline. Create a timeline for yourself so that you are clear on how long it will take to set up the party, when it will start and end, what activities you will be doing, and how long it will take to clear up. That way, things won’t be a surprise on the day, and you can relax more easily.
6. Easy Activities. Don’t plan lots of activities for the children. They will be too busy playing with their friends so 2 or 3 at the most is ample. Or, to make it even simpler, you could hire one of our Bouncy Castles or a Soft Play area for toddlers and keep them amused for hours!
7. Checklists. Keeps you on track and you get the satisfaction of ticking things off as you go.
8. Clean-up Rota. Make sure you choose dedicated helpers for this before the event and ensure you are not left to do it all yourself.
9. Party Bags. There is no need to create complex bags. Your guests will be very happy with a piece of cake and a one item such as a book, stickers, or balloons.
10. Delegate! You don’t have to do it all yourself. Nominate some friends and members of your family to help, giving them each only one or two tasks and sharing the load. This can be for food prep, decorating, making drinks for the adults or tidying up afterwards.