Raise your hand if you love Pinterest, but just feel too overwhelmed with ideas and costs.
Give me any reason to plan a party or celebration and I’m on it! But it can certainly feel overwhelming if you don’t set any limits. Pinterest may sometimes get a bad rap with all the perfection, intensive crafts, and over-the-top-ness. I get it. But “Pinterest parties” don’t have to be anything more than you’re wanting to spend, time-wise and money-wise. After fun themed birthday party #4 in our house, I’ve found some great tips in ensuring we’re not going overboard while still using a lot of Pinterest inspiration. Check out these tips to keep your Pinterest parties fun yet under control.
Choose a specific space to decorate.
At our house, we have a tall breakfast table that we designate the “birthday space”. For parties, this is pretty much the only area I decorate. My daughter gets so excited to come upstairs in the morning and see what the table looks like. Limiting the space helps limit the ideas and decorations. You don’t have to decorate the whole house to make it a special party.
Don’t. Pin. Everything.
Just don’t go down that path! If you start scrolling and feel overwhelmed, just stop. That’s when the fun gets sucked out of a cool website. Putting limits on the inspiration you find can make a party actually do-able on whatever timeline and budget you have in mind. You don’t have to do it all. Decide on a few things you want to make, pin just those, and use it as a to-do list.
Set a décor budget.
If you hit up Etsy, Amazon and Party City…you can spend SO MUCH. I personally like to make things, so I can usually keep the cost low by crafting decorations. If you plan to buy decorations, plan how much you want to spend beforehand. Balloons, plates and banners add up quickly.
Serve desserts & snacks rather than a meal.
Try throwing the party in the late morning or early afternoon. Hosting a party that is not during a meal time saves lots of money and prep work. Serving just cake or cookies or cupcakes is just as exciting for kids!
When all is said and done, try to remember that the party is for your child- not necessarily for you! They will really be happy with just a few balloons to throw around, a big cupcake just for them and colorful paper plates.
See the party and special day through your child’s eyes, not through the big eyes of Pinterest.
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