Throwing a party for your baby's first birthday? Have a whole bunch of mixed feelings and even more mixed opinions from friends and family?
I recently read somewhere that a great tip for throwing parties for babies till they were five was to have as many guests as their age.... So if they have turned one invite one close friend, when they are two... invite two friends and so on.... however... in India we all know that that is impossible...!
A first birthday is a matter of great celebration..... every phupha, chachi neighbour and child within a mile is to be invited... a big venue, lots of food and drinks ... its mainly a party for adults.... even if it means the little one is sleeping in the corner of the room!!!
A few friends of mine however, celebrated it very quietly, a small lunch at their temple and close family and friends at home... some, not even that much.
But if a party is on the cards, well here are 10 tips that will help:
1. Keep it small:
The little one really isn't going to remember anything of it... So you can safely avoid the mini train and big bouncy house....yes there are other more grown up kids at the party but there are also amusement parks for them to have that kind of fun! This party is about your little one let her be the centre of attraction!
2. Party as per the baby's personality:
If your kid isn't into too many people, too much loud noise... don't put her thru it. Its not fair to have an uncomfortable baby all thru the party. So if she prefers few people enjoying a quiet meal... do that. But if she is a peoples person, a party gal... go ahead and throw a big party!
3. Keep within your budget:
Again, she isn't going to remember this party anyways.... and you need to remember that as she grows up, she will demand things for her birthday.... save up for then!
4.Hire a photographer:
Don't depend on photos from your friends phones and cameras.... get a professional... even if its a small party... 1st birthdays come once... you want the pictures to be perfect.
5. Have a theme:
Mainly because it makes for easy planning but mostly because it makes for great photographs!!
6. Plan the day, but roughly:
Have some idea of what the flow of the party should be... when to play the games, when to serve the snacks, when to cut the cake... mainly depending on the little ones sleep schedule... but don't be a stickler for things... just have an idea about how you want your party to happen.
7. Be open to help:
When friends offer... say yes! With the little one you cannot possibly do everything... so if friends offer to so the food or decor.... always be welcoming to their generous offer.... trust me you will need it especially on D day!
8. Get Crafty:
As pretty as the options are at every party store in the city are , go for a few handmade personal decor using the little one's photographs from the day she was born showing her growing up till this precious birthday. Its always nice to see how your little one has grown up over the last year!
9. Don't get Competitive:
Don't think about all the other parties you have been to... all the other themes you have seen at other birthdays... remember you are having a party to celebrate your little one and not to show off what you can do to the other moms....
10. Have fun:
Its a kids party.... kids run around drop things break things spill things... its going to happen and there is really nothing you can do about it... So once your party starts... step back and enjoy it.... Pick up your little bubba and dance with her.... because as soon as she's thirteen she's going to send you packing once her party starts!!!!
