Planning a 1st Birthday Party
Dear Penelope,
Our son is turning one this Saturday and we are planning for his first birthday celebration this weekend. This is our first hosted party and we feel a bit nervous. Could you please give us some tips for a successful party?
Regards,
Shailesh
Via e-mail
Dear Shailesh-
Whether you’re a first time host or have been throwing parties for years, one of the most important things to remember is to focus on your party theme. Emphasizing your party theme at every turn in the party planning process will help your party appear well planned and consistent in the eyes of your guests. Since you’re celebrating your son’s first birthday (a major milestone…congratulations!), focus on him for your decorations and your party theme. What are his favorite animals? Favorite foods? I suggest choosing your favorite photos of him and displaying them in your party space to really focus the party on celebrating such a wonderful occasion.
Another very important aspect of hosting a party is to remember your guests. While the party may be about celebrating your son's first birthday, it's still your first venture into being a host and keeping guests happy should be something you focus on no matter the party theme. The best way to make sure your guests enjoy your first party is to make them feel special and to make sure they’re well cared for throughout the party.
Be attentive to their needs and keep an eye on their food and drink levels during your son’s birthday party. Are any friends or family members vegetarians? Do they have allergies? If so, be sure to offer several food options for partygoers so that they leave feeling satisfied and not underfed. Make a point of thanking them for coming and try to demonstrate without necessarily saying it out loud how glad you are to have them there for your first party.
My last piece of party planning advice for you: relax! People attend parties because they’re fun, and it should be no different for you as the host. Take pleasure in celebrating your son’s first year…each one goes by faster and faster!
Enjoy Planning.
Penelope
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