It's Party Time!

I love a good party! I particularly love themed parties. I have been known to go over the top (I get that from my mother!) But I absolutely love them, from the planning and designing to the hosting! If anyone would like me to organise their next party, just yell out... Any excuse for a party!

And now it is time to organise a party for my little baby who will be turning 2! Ok, not really a baby anymore, but he will always be my little baby! So I thought I would share and document my whole planning process. 

Step 1: Pick a theme

I have chosen a circus theme. Luckily he is still young enough where I get to make the decisions for him- haha! 

Step 2: Organise and book 

If you are hiring entertainment, equipment or space- make sure you book well in advance. It is important to organise these things before you send the invites out, as some of your initial plans may need to change accordingly! I will be hosting the party at home, which makes things a little easier!

Step 3: Invitations

For the past couple of years I have started to make my own. I make them using Photoshop. They are not perfect, but I get so confused when it comes to computer programs so I can only do the most basic functions! I am getting better, by the time these boys turn 21 I should have it sorted!

So here is a preview of the invite I made:

To create my invites, I find digital graphics online- there are some you can get for free, but the better ones do require you to purchase them. They are pretty inexpensive and once you have downloaded the graphics to your computer, you have them forever. You can then use the graphics to make a range of different items such as labels, cake toppers, banners etc. 

I often search on etsy when I'm looking for digital graphics and paper. After I created my invitation design in Photoshop, I uploaded it into an online program called PicMonkey to play around with the effects to create a more vintage overtone. 

Then it's time to make a guest list and ensure you send the invitations out to give people plenty of notice! A minimum of 2 weeks notice is ideal, however I have been known to leave it to the last minute! This is something I am working at as I become the 'Organisation Queen'! lol Maybe in my next life! 

Step 4: Plan menu and activities

I like to start planning the menu and activities early on to give myself plenty of time to order and source everything! I order a lot of decorations, game and prize items online. It also gives you time to find little treasures when you have a clear idea of what your after. 

I find lots of inspiration from awesome blogs such as Hostess with the Mostess and Kara's Party Ideas. Another great source that I love is Pinterest. You can follow me on Pinterest and view all my boards to see where I get my inspiration from. 

So this is where I am up to.... This week I will be planning the food and activities, so next week I'll give you an update! Stay tuned ....

Tara xx