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 Michelle Pierre is a freelance writer and Registered Dietitian. Michelle writes comedic essays from a mother’s point of view at www.betweenthecushions.com. She has been designing crafts and party planning for many years. Some of her creations can be seen on her Facebook site, Lucia Grace Bowtique. She can be reached at designsbymichellepierre@gmail.com |
| Growing up my birthday parties consisted of cake, ice cream, and pin the tail on the donkey. Things have certainly changed. Themed birthday parties are popular now but can also be costly. However, there are some ways that you can still give your child a fantasy birthday party that is special and unique without breaking the bank. If you start your planning early, think outside the box and provide some do it yourself items the results will be better than expected and will surely put a smile on your child's face. It just takes a bit of time and some creative thinking. Put the focus on details and as many personal touches as possible to create a mood. If your child has a character in mind then use those colors or pick two or three colors and run with it. If she loves ponies how about a western themed party with pink cowboy hats and bandanas? You can purchase a square dancing caller CD to have the kids up and dancing. Make fun labels using cardstock and scrapbook paper in a western theme. Label the lemonade dispenser with a fun name like "Sarsaparilla Juice". Even if they don't know what that means the name will invoke some giggles. Put bails of hay at the entrance with a painted wooden sign that says "Welcome to Sarah's Hoedown". I painted a sign on a wooden cutting board I found at the dollar store for a fairy themed party I gave my daughter. I had a blast planning this party. Just think lots and lots of glitter, with rustic elements to get that garden fairy theme. I used twigs and pieces of tree branches to display cards. You can't get any less expensive than twigs and glitter. I bought fairy wings in bulk, tied a piece of tulle and a flower around the middle, then hung them with some sparkly clothespins on a "clothesline" from two trees in my backyard. Perhaps you are the mother of one of the most indecisive four-year-olds on the planet and she can't decide on just one princess for her birthday party theme. Make cookies in a variety of princess themes and give out as favors. You can use traditional princess cookie cutters to make a tiara or a castle cookie but you can also think outside the box here and make an apple shaped cookie for Snow White, snowflakes for Elsa and Anna, and a frog for Tiana. Cookie cutters are not just for cookies. Use them for cutout sandwiches or as stencils for decorations. Let your imagination run wild when planning the next birthday. Get your child involved in the process, have fun and make memories. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 