Home Of U And Me

This past weekend was my daughters 12th birthday. I have loved putting together parties for as long as I can remember. But as we all know, Birthday Parties can get expensive quickly, so along with sharing pics from her party. I want to share a few tips and tricks I have learned over the years that help create the look you want without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re turning five or fifty, here are some things that have helped me over the years to create cherished memories, and unforgettable birthday parties, for my kids and loved ones.

1. Theme Selection: I always choose a theme or color for the party based off of what the kids are into each year. Are they a fan of a particular movie, book, trend, color? Do they have a favorite hobby or destination? I love to create a party that’s not only cohesive and fun, but also feels personal and meaningful.
2. Invitations: Here is something I chose to save money on. You may be traditional and love paper invites, but over time I decided cutting that cost and going digital is my go to. You can make super cute invites on the Canva app and email or text them to everyone. Make sure to include essential details such as the date, time, location, and RSVP information. Additionally, consider incorporating elements of the chosen theme into the design of the invitations to give guests a glimpse of what’s to come.
3. Decor: Decorations are what bring the theme to life. From balloons and banners to centerpieces and table settings, every detail contributes to the ambiance of the party. With that being said, every detail adds up quick! I love a Pinterest perfect party just as much as the next person, but I get creative with DIY decor, using faux florals (or inexpensive flowers from Trader Joes) backgrounds that can be used for multiple parties, cake hacks etc and I cut costs wherever I can without compromising the look I am going for. I share tips/videos on my instagram if you want to check it out HERE http://www.instagram.com/homeofuandme. Simple can still be stunning and Instagram-worthy.
4. Entertainment: No birthday party is complete without entertainment to keep everyone engaged and entertained. Depending on the theme and age of my kids over the years, we have done everything from carnival games, yard games, piñata, painting, swimming etc. Activities that encourage participation and create lasting memories (and keep the kids from being “bored”)
5. Food and Drink: Food is always a must at every party. If the party is during lunch or dinner time I usually do a buffet-style spread. If I choose a party time more in between lunch and dinner I usually make some type of charcuterie, themed snacks and treats. Then for the cake, this is where I save some money. I have done custom cakes from a bakery and as beautiful as they are they come with a larger price tag. So over the years I started buying cakes from the grocery store. I go in ahead of time and order a plain white frosted cake (or sometimes a color that matches the theme) no sprinkles no writing no extra fluff. I then add my own touch to it, flowers, something that matches the theme, fun cake toppers etc. It always turns out beautiful and just as delicious.
6. Party Favors: These are my favorite to put together! The key to crafting an unforgettable birthday party lies in the personal touches. I love gifting and putting together a themed basket. I choose a color from the party or specific theme and look for fun things from Amazon, Dollar Tree, Target, Wallmart etc. I try to buy things that won’t just get thrown away. For example this year, at my daughters tween birthday I found candy and treats in her party colors, nail polish, manicure kits and hair clips. They all LOVED it and I know the items will get used.

Birthday parties are more than just gatherings; they’re opportunities to celebrate the ones you love. I love paying attention to detail, being creative, and personalization, but big or small it’s truly just about creating cherished memories for years to come. Unforgettable birthdays are truly about the joy of bringing people together and having fun!