My twins had their second birthday party on Saturday and it was one of the most enjoyable ones I’ve thrown.
I thought I’d share a bit about the party over a series of posts.
That sound good?
I may have mentioned to a friend or 10 last year that I’d never have another party at home.
Well, never say never.
The reason I wouldn’t want to have a party at my house is because of all the work.
However, when I looked into possible party venues, the prices put me off, big-time! They were R1800 on average.
The next idea was then to have it at a park which is free BUT we would have had the same amount of work carrying things to and fro and no quick alternative if the weather turned bad.
So we decided to have it at home.
If I have a perfectly good backyard, why not?
It also gave us some much-needed motivation to get the back of the house painted for the pictures. (I am nothing if not practical)
Jhb winter weather is traditionally beautiful – clear, sunny days, just cold, but we’ve had verrrrrry cold weather and that worried me a bit.
On the other hand, what’s the worse that could happen?
Terrible weather conditions and the kids run around inside my house instead of outside.
(Yes, I’m twitching but honestly, if that’s the worse problem I have, then I’m blessed, right? And I am)
It was a great decision and I’ve decided to have it here as long as I can.
All I did was get the cleaning lady, Nester (yes, that’s really her name), and our nanny, Viola, in to help out.
This was one of the best decisions as a few hours before the party I was still able to have a cup of tea and some toast, and do some reading!
On the day of my kids’ party!
Some things we did that I would say helped:
- asked people to bring some extra chairs, picnic blankets and a table
- separate food and drink stations so things wouldn’t be cluttered
- got cleaning lady to tidy up and sweep the morning of the party (our gardener had been on the Tuesday before but it needed a freshening up)
- set out playing zones – swing/ slide set, motorbikes, sandpit and other outside toys like trucks, balls, etc.
Are party venues a big thing where you live? Or do you have parties at home?
Oh, first of all, your babies (still for some time!) are just the cutest!! I love the idea of party planning tips, can’t wait to find out more about it! Here most of the party venues are pretty expensive, so usually we celebrate at home or in a restaurant. I like to have people at home because we can decorate and have as much fun as we want without worrying to disturb anyone around, but on the other hand it’s much more work. What I usually do is ask my friends to bring the appetizers or the dessert, so that I don’t have as much work by myself.
Thank you, Chloe!
I love your ideas about friends bringing some food. Maybe if I did that, I would entertain more often. Hmmm, I should start asking for help 🙂
Party venues are a big thing in CT. I don’t think that I have ever heard of one costing that much though.
Personally, I do a restaurant. Spur has a great package – good value for money and I think is much better for the older child. Joel has always had a birthday during the week so I have had all his parties at school. Even better. Because I drop the stuff, hang around for the party, take my child ( and my leftovers) and go home.
I would actually love to have it at home. Problem is that my both my kids birthdays are during rainy months and my house is way too small for too many bodies. I did have it at home once. Ended up more expensive than the Spur party. Maybe because I hired chairs and stuff? I honestly never thought to ask people to bring their own blankets/chairs. That is a very good tip. Thank You.
Oh, I didn’t mention but party venues are also big in Jhb.
LOL I’ve been waiting for the kids to be old enough for Spur but now I’m thinking I might have it at home forever.
My one friend SWEARS by the Spur and she doesn’t even mind a messy house 🙂
I only asked my MIL and one set of 3 am friends to bring blankets/ chairs. I wouldn’t feel right asking everyone, but that’s MY issue. I think it’s fine in principle.
Marcia, your babies are huge! I guess they’re not quite babies anymore, are they? 🙂
Anyhow, I’m just loving how much they look like a perfect mix of you and D. Just precious!