My name is Joslyn, and I am an at-home birthday party addict.
In fact, every single one of the nine birthday parties I’ve thrown for my two young daughters has taken place at our house. Sure, there have been moments of weakness, when the siren song of no clean-up and the lure of high-energy party attendants have seemed too hard to resist. But I always succumb to the charm of a backyard bash—Goldfish crumbs be damned.
There’s something nostalgic about hosting a party at home. I love the process—decorating our dining room table, taping up crêpe paper and letting a clutch of helium balloons cover the ceiling. …
Despite protests to the contrary, the at-home party doesn’t have to be a daunting undertaking. Yes, there is a bit more mess (those pesky Goldfish crumbs). And yes, there is (possibly) a bit more planning. But it can also be significantly cheaper, more meaningful and, well, more fun. Most kids, despite what savvy marketers want us to believe, are happy to run around the yard, do a simple craft, inhale a sprinkle-festooned homemade cupcake and tote home a balloon. And let’s face it: In this age of constant overstimulation, simple experiences can be incredibly poignant.
With a few at-home bashes under my belt, I realized there’s a method to the madness, and that most parties can be boiled down into a sort of formula, with 10 or so “ingredients” (see sidebar) that add up to a pretty much foolproof event. I also discovered (and this is key) that most at-home soirees are best if they clock in at about 90 minutes—anything longer and you risk a melee.
To make it easy for you to conjure up your own bygone celebration, we've included our formula and some of our all-time favorite party themes. Before you know it, you’ll be jonesin’ to throw your next at-home bash.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
The Fairy Princess (i.e. übergirlie) Party
It’s all about donning your most magical duds—think leotards, tutus, old recital costumes (you knew you’d find a use for those eventually) and a pile of costume jewelry.
The Scene: Drape a mosquito net over the table and let the fun begin. Set out all the supplies for fashioning fairy crowns (artificial flowers, vines and an adult-supervised glue gun) or provide bowls of plastic gems from the craft store plus cardboard or foam crowns so partygoers can customize royal headpieces. You can also set up a little scavenger hunt by hiding rocks, shells and feathers around the house or yard and giving each child a basket and a list of things to find.
The Treats: Fill a big tray with petit fours or miniature cupcakes and serve pink (natch) lemonade in teacups, along with a few bowls of strawberries and green grapes.
The Hero Party
Superheroes and pirates and firemen, oh my! This party is perhaps the most requested among the younger-than-10 boy set. Red and blue reign supreme in all manner of decoration, and activities that burn off steam are de rigueur.
The Scene: Hang some red, white and blue bunting over the table and arm the guests with little muslin bags before you send them on a hunt for lost treasure (i.e. plastic gold coins) in the backyard, then let them exert their energy in a castle-shaped jumpy house.
The Treats: After the kiddos work up a good sweat, serve cake and pretzel rods and plenty of bottled water (to rehydrate)
The Western Party
Embrace your Texas pride with a pint-sized hoedown. Encourage guests to come in their best Western finery.
The Scene: This party can be virtually identical for boys and girls. Use yellow and brown for all your decorations, give each kid a straw cowboy hat and let them play pin the tail on the donkey and have stick-horse races. Set the mood with a playlist chock full of Patsy Cline and Ernest Tubb tunes.
The Treats: Serve homemade trail mix (raisins, mini pretzels and peanuts—be sure to find out if any guests have allergies) plus apple juice and cupcakes topped with little plastic horses.
The Classic Party
Best geared to the 4-and-younger set, the classic party is all about nostalgia. Summon up your best childhood birthday party and you’ve pretty much got it covered.
The Scene: Hang strands of crepe paper in your kiddo’s favorite color and order up a big bunch of balloons. Classic party games are the main event, with egg race, pin the tail on the donkey and clothespin drop sure hits. End the festivities with an (hilarity assured) adults-included sack race.
The Treats: All you need for this party is a big sheet cake (homemade if you’re culinarily inclined, as the wonkier the better) and some punch. Simple and classic.
