How to throw an Environmentally Friendly Party!
Hosting an event while being cautious about the environment can seem like a big feat, so here are some tips for hosting an environmentally friendly party:
Scrap the Invite Cards
Skip the disposable invitation cards, opting for Evites or other digital invitations. Evites will go right to the parents’ inboxes and there is a huge selection of cards that will adorably fit your theme.
Say No to Loot Bags
Loot bags are so been there, done that! Plus those cheap toys (and their packaging) go right into a landfill. If you are giving away party favours, make it something your guests can make themselves! You could try tie-dye shirts or pottery art, better yet, why not opt for something consumable? Your guests will have fun making these favours and these gifts won’t end up at the bottom of some toy box.
Giving to Charity instead of Gifts
Ask your guests to donate to charity in lieu of giving you a gift. Making it easy on your partygoers while supporting a wonderful cause. Choosing a cause with your child also teaches them giving back and caring. Here’s a great site to check out for more information.
Food and How to Serve It
Avoid using single-use utensils and flatware! Instead, use your own cutlery and opt for food that doesn’t need plates, like pizza, and homemade cupcakes make for a nice plateless cake substitute. Also, avoid providing your guests with juice boxes and plastic water-bottles.
Entertainment and Activities
Face painting is a great activity for guests and does not produce any waste! It’s environmentally friendly and your guests will love it! Eco Glitter is also totally biodegradable and will not end up sitting at the bottom of the ocean as regular glitters do.
Be creative and create an eco activity, such as crafts that are from recyclable items or can be recycled, or baking, kids LOVE baking. Play good old fashioned games like Freeze Dance, Simon Says, and Limbo – you’d be surprised how much FUN these simple, silly games will keep kids happy. Don’t overthink it! All of these tips will help in throwing an environmentally friendly party, but being cautious and doing your best is a step in the right direction.
How to Hire a Great Entertainer
Planning a birthday party or family event can sometimes be stressful. What type of theme will it be? What kind of food will you serve? What kind of great entertainer will you provide?
While it might not seem an enormous endeavour, sometimes providing something for your guests to do, especially children, can be a challenge. That’s where hiring a professional might come in handy, someone to take some of the work off of your shoulders and keep your guests occupied during the festivities.
To start with, you will need to decide on a theme because this will often inform your decision on entertainment. Having a backyard party – a bouncy castle might be in order? Throwing a princess theme party, a professional Princess will fit the bill? Doing an animal or zoo theme, a face painter or petting zoo would be suitable entertainment?
Here’s a few suggestions when looking to hire a great entertainer:
- Consider the age of your party-goers. Babies and tots might not respond well to clowns or a life-sized mascot. It might be best to find an activity that’s more age-appropriate. A musical entertainer or puppeteer might be more suitable for children under three. If you’re unsure, ask the entertainer their ideal age range.
- Decide if your party will be indoors or out. Some entertainers, like clowns and illusionists, work best inside, while carnival attractions, like popcorn and cotton candy machines, work best outside. Balloonists and face painters, meanwhile, will work well both in and out of doors. Just make sure to provide ample shade. Also plan a rain day alternative, just in case.
- One of the best places to search out entertainment is on the internet.
Keep these things in mind when looking:
How long have they been in business?
Is their website in order?
Do they offer pictures or a portfolio of their work and testimonials from past clients?
Do they have a favourable rating on social media?
The answers to these questions will provide good clues into how professional the entertainer is. Also, feel free to ask for references.
- Ask if the entertainer carries their own insurance. While an independent performer might not, a reputable business should have this.
- Get a quote ahead of time so that there are no unexpected surprises. Get payment terms from your entertainer; is there a deposit required and what types of payment will they accept?
- Make sure to discuss with entertainer the time they will arrive, what, if anything they will need you to provide. For instance, a face painter will usually require a table and two chairs, plus access to water, a magician will likely need a table and some quiet time before hand to set up.
- In most situations, tipping is optional, although most entertainers will always appreciate it.
10 Unique Theme Party Ideas
Tired of the same old birthday party and theme party ideas? Why not give one of these fresh and unique theme party ideas a go for your next celebration. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, just a little bit of creativity on your part and your guests young and old will love it!
Here are some great ideas, using food, décor and games to tie in with your theme:
Flamingo & Pineapple Party:
A great alternative to the Luau, this theme works great outdoors and in. Just add some inflatables to your table, tropical fruit and bright pastel décor for this fun festivity.
Pancakes and Pyjamas:
Perfect for sleepovers! Make breakfast a late-night meal with this fun theme party idea. Great for teens and tweens, create a pancake and waffle station with all of your favourite toppings, add in some movies or a dance party to make your party complete.
Under the Sea Mermaid Party:
Get creative with buried treasure chests filled with chocolate coins and beads, seafood themed treats, seashell and pearl décor in purple and turquoise colours. Your little darlings will be delighted.
Host a Spa Day for Kids:
Great for kids of all ages, but especially teens and tweens. Break out the face masks, bath bombs and nail polish! Offer up healthy snacks, smoothies and herbal teas, this theme is all the new-age!
Tea Party for Tweens:
Dust all your tea sets and fine bone china and set a table with fine linens. Serve up tiny tea sandwiches, pastries and bite-sized treats with pink lemonade or iced tea. Host your party in the garden for a memorable setting, fitting for even a queen.
Troll Party:
Everything old is new again, and Trolls are known for throwing an awesome party. Tie in their rainbow colours into your décor and food and don’t forget the glitter!
Photo from Catchmyparty.com
Gone Fishing:
What better theme party for your little outdoorsman/woman. Tackle this theme with some edible bait like worms-n-dirt, set up fishing rods and nets in a kiddy pool and offer up snacks in tackle boxes.
Lumberjack Party:
With red and black checkerboard table linens, some rustic décor and good eats, this theme will delight your guests. Tie in some fun lumberjack games to make this party complete.
Safari Party:
Perfect for kids of all ages, bring out their wild side with this fun theme idea. Use jungle theme décor colours like green, brown and yellow or an animal print theme for your table. Have a face painter or balloon twister on hand to create jungle animal faces/animals.
Camping Party:
Overnight or for just a few hours, this camping theme is sure to be a hit. Have a small campfire where the kids can make smores or just make them in the oven. Sing camp songs or tell stories around a fake fire.
Top Ten Face Painting Ideas
Children inspire our designs and come with face painting ideas that are both creative and bold. But without fail, we have our tried and true favourite designs that are always a big hit with the kids. With vibrant colours and bold designs, these 10 favourite face painting ideas have withstood the test of time.
Princess Crown
Fairytale princesses are always a popular favourite with our little clients. Add some glitter and a bit of bling to create the perfect finishing touch.
Butterfly
These beautiful insects look great in all colours of the rainbow. Full face, half face or cheek art, it a favourite with kids of all ages.
Tiger
The tiger is by far our most popular animal face. Perfect for both boys and girls, from toddler to teen, tigers come in all colours but by far the most popular traditional orange with black stripes.
Cat
Simple as a kitty nose and whiskers to a full face design, the cat is an adorable feline favourite and one of our most requested faces.
Dog
They come in many breeds and colours, our puppy dog faces are a great introduction to the face painting novice and popular with toddlers.
Spiderman
My spidey senses tell me that Spiderman is one awesome super hero with a huge fan following. With its bold red, white and black design, it’s always a party pleaser with the lil’ tykes.
Batman
Next to Spiderman, Batman is easily our next most popular superhero. The dark night bat mask is perfect as a half face, cheek art or just as a simple hand design for newbies.
Rainbow
Always a popular request, we add some unique touches to create a memorable look. You might just find a pot of gold.
Shark
Kids love fish of all kinds, but the shark is an ocean favourite. Only as scary as your imagination, this face is a popular request from boys and girls.
Flower Crown
It may not be the sixties, but our hippy flower crown is far out. Add some sparkle for that added groovy look.
Tips for a Great Theme Party
Having a party? Why not make it into an event by creating a theme party. It’s great for all ages and it will be a change from the norm.
- Decide on a theme
Ideas can come from brainstorming with friends and family, the internet, books and magazines or pop culture such as movies and television. Be as creative as you like.
- Decide on a date for your themed event
Make sure that it doesn’t conflict with any important family or work event or holiday (unless the theme is tied to the Holiday)
- Create invitations
Mail or hand deliver the invites – it creates more excitement than a phone call or email. Allow at least two weeks before the party for mailing and ask that everyone RSVP so you know they received the invitation. Sometimes they get lost in the mail.
- Make a list of all of the things that need to be accomplished before the party date
This might include food and drinks that you want to serve as well as music, decorations, party games and entertainment (like a face painter!), prizes, etc. You will feel less overwhelmed if you have written everything down.
- The party doesn’t have to cost you a bundle
Ask guests to bring one item that you select for them that ties into the theme. This could be a food dish or a beverage. Include this in their invitation.
- Hold a Costume Party
To encourage guests to dress in costumes, offer incentives such as door prizes (that can be purchased at the dollar store) or lottery tickets.
- Ask friends ahead of time to help
Get your guests to bring music and equipment or help serve food and drinks. This will make you job as the host/hostess less stressful and you will be able to mingle with guests.
- Make sure Everyone stays hydrated.
Have plenty of bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages available for guests
- Set an end time if you don’t want guests to overstay their welcome
You don’t want them to have too much fun! Don’t forget to have some cash on hand for taxis.
These tips will help you get started:
Some popular theme party ideas are:
- Great Gatsby/Prohibition/Roaring 20’s
- Colour theme: pink, blue, etc.
- Titanic Era
- Tiki/Hawaiian
- Disco/1970’s
- Mods and Rockers
- Mexican Fiesta
- Vicars and Vixens
- Screen Heroes and Heroines
- Legends
- Medieval Knights/Lord of the Rings
- Agatha Christie/Murder Mystery
- Pirates
- Wizards/Harry Potter
- Fantasy/Sci-fi
- Carnival/Circus
Major events that make great themes:
- Holidays
- Weddings
- Anniversaries
- Showers (Bridal and Baby)
- Stag and Does
- Birthdays
- Graduations
- Proms
- Fundraisers (church and school)
- Engagement
- Oktoberfest
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Halloween
- Mardi Gras
