I love to throw a good party! This is the South, after all, and we tend to go overboard on…everything. Perhaps I should write a book called, “If you give a girl a theme…” because we will run with it. If you look through Instagram or scroll through TikTok, it will seem like throwing a custom family party is easy, but there is actually quite a lot to consider before you go ahead and actually do it because I’m not talking about impromptu get together on a random Wednesday night. I’m talking about unique parties that people will remember.
So…first things first:
Define The Theme Or Purpose
The first thing to do is to establish the party’s theme or purpose. Why are you having a party? What are we celebrating? What should everyone wear?
You can absolutely make up any reason to celebrate. Here are a few ideas:
- A holiday celebration
- Someone’s milestone
- To have family fun after a challenging time
- To celebrate food
- To enjoy games
- To celebrate joining a new community.
Once you have a reason for the party, all you then have to do is work around it.
Set A Date And Time
Next, you’ll want to set a date and time. While I love a pretty invitation, it’s not always necessary. Just be sure to get the date and time on everyone’s calendars early enough that they can plan to come. Also, be sure to let them know how long the party will last.
Choose A Location
Just like in real estate, when it comes to your party’s theme, location is everything. For example, if you want an outdoor party, you may need to rent a pavilion space and always have a backup plan in case of bad weather. If you’re playing games, be sure there’s enough room for them. Assess the site and make a list of everything you’ll need to bring your vision to life.
Plan The Family Menu
Next, you’ll want to plan the family menu. Make sure you have crowd-pleasers in place, like BBQ beef or pizza. Choose something most people will like…even the picky ones…but don’t be afraid to be adventurous. Embrace your party’s theme and plan your food accordingly. Do consider any special dietary restrictions your guests might have. You want to have something for everyone.
Customize Your Decorations
After that, you should think about customizing your décor. This step is where you can really make your party your own.Start with custom balloons with writing on them describing the event. Birthdays, weddings, promotions, baby showers…the sky is the limit when it comes to all the reasons you can find to celebrate. Customizing decorations can have a profound effect on how the party feels. Use family photos, DIY banners, and anything else you can think of to make the venue feel unique and personal.
Get Creative with Activities
Finally, get creative in planning the party’s activities. Don’t just do the same things your friends have done a thousand times. Consider dance-offs, board games, or even slippery dish soap slides for the kids. Put a twist on classics or invent new games. Stick with your theme and go wild.
Here’s a glimpse of a dinosaur birthday party we had for our son one year!
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