Birthdays are one of the few occasions where we can focus on ourselves, so why not dedicate the day by throwing an awesome birthday party? Whether you’re hosting kid's or adult parties, using your home as the location is an inexpensive way to have a great time.
If you have no idea where to start or you’re getting your ideas jumbled, stop, relax, and get comfortable, we’re here to help walk you through the entire experience. In this blog post, we will be going through all the steps to help you throw a birthday party.
How do you plan a birthday party at home?
While it might seem like a simple and easy process to follow, many elements go into hosting a birthday party. So, before we begin, think about whom you’re organising the party for. Is it for yourself, a friend, or a family member? Are you catering to adults or children? Our below steps will give a basic outline for how to plan a birthday party, and you can alter them to suit your needs. It’s important to note that as you go through each step, think about the person you’re celebrating and what they will like.
Step 1: Organise a budget
Depending on whom you’re throwing a party for, your budget can change. Ideally, you would want to spend less for a kid's party and splurge for an adult. But, if you’re hosting the birthday party home, what would the budget cover? You would use the budget to cover the following:
- Decorations
- Food and Beverages
- Goody Bags
- Games and Activities
- Hired Entertainment
- Invitations
Some of the included items may not apply to you, this is just an overview of what you may need to purchase in preparation for your birthday party.
If you are hosting a party for a friend or family member, have a conversation with them to see what they would like to spend their budget on. You can take their opinions under consideration and put together a plan.
Step 2: Choose a theme
Brainstorming birthday party ideas can be a lot of fun, and some of our favourite things to think about is what your theme could be. The party theme will determine different elements of your birthday party. From your party decorations to invitations, there are lots of ways you can incorporate your theme. Although, if you’re struggling to decide what themes best suit you, here are some of our top picks for kids and adults.
Birthday party ideas for kids
Kids parties involve a variety of fun games and entertaining activities. Although if you are looking for suggestions, here are some birthday party ideas your kids will adore.
Pirates
Whether you choose to supply the costumes or have all their friends dress up, there are many creative ways you can use this theme. From having all attendees wear eyepatches to setting up a treasure hunt, a pirate theme is always well received. See what you and the birthday kid can come up with.
Royal Court
Prince and princesses, kings and queens, it’s time to get the whole royal court together. A royal court themed party could include a jumping castle and a high tea experience with cordial and tiny sandwiches. You could also theme it around your child’s favourite royal characters.
Rainbows
We all enjoy a pretty rainbow when it comes around. But how can you make it a theme for a birthday party? One way you can incorporate it is by asking all the recipients to dress up in their favourite colours. Don’t be afraid to be a little inventive with this theme. All your decorations can be bright and colourful, and rainbow birthday cakes are easy to find.
Jungle Safari
Take the party guest out for a jungle safari. You can organise activities where they make their own animal masks or hire a petting zoo. Most kids love animals, and they will thoroughly enjoy a tactile jungle safari party.
Birthday party ideas for adults
Adult birthday parties are a little different than kid's ones. While friends and family can enjoy a get together, there are fewer games and activities than you would expect. Here are some of the top party themes we know you will enjoy.
Under The Sea
Dive to the deeper depths by hosting a birthday party with sushi, cocktails, music and more. Have streamers hanging from the ceiling, and ask your guests to dress up. There are plenty of directions you can take to an Under The Sea themed birthday party.
Old School (Retro)
Take it back to the good old days with a birthday party that's centred on your favourite era. Whether you prefer the 60s, 70s, 80s, or 90s, you can have your guests dress up and listen to popular music from your chosen decade. You can mix drinks and relax as your close friends and family enjoy reminiscing.
Masquerade
If it’s a masquerade party you know you’re in for a fun time. Dim the lights, play your favourite music and enjoy getting ready for a night of fun. You can tailor the theme to include costumes, or leave it as a cocktail dress. Everyone loves the excuse to dress up, and we know your guests will enjoy your party.
Murder Mystery
Have all your guests put their thinking caps on for a life size version of clue. You can dress up, have fun and solve a murder mystery together. This theme may take a little more planning, but if you enjoy roleplaying, it’s a fantastic choice for you.
Is your perfect birthday party theme not listed? Have a look at our Best Party Themes For Kids and Adults for more ideas.
Step 3: Decide who's going to attend
Creating a guest list may not seem like a huge deal, but it can make all the difference to your party. To ensure you have enough entertainment, food and beverages for everyone who arrives, make sure you have a guest list you can manage and afford. If you’re hosting the party for someone else, get their input and list people you both want to attend.
Step 4: Plan a timeline
From organising a day for your birthday party to plotting out activities, creating a timeline will help ensure you're right on track for your party. Write a timeline of when things are arriving and what time you should start preparing. Noting down everything will help keep you on track and ensure everything is prepared before and during the birthday party.
Step 5: Design invitations
Once you have a party theme and a guest list developed, you can then start thinking about your invitations. Get a little creative and send out invitations that compliment your party. They could be on paper or sent as an e-vite. And don’t forget to get your kids involved if you’re hosting their party. See what invitation ideas you can come up with that will make your guests excited to attend.
Step 6: Organise party food and beverages
One of the most important things to organise for kids or an adult birthday party is the food and beverages. You can provide the typical sausage rolls and meat pies, or organise something more on theme. There are plenty of party food options for you to choose from. See what options are available that fit within your budget, and DON'T forget the birthday cake!
Step 7: Rearrange your living area or create a party space
Now we’re coming up to the day, or it’s the day of, and it is time to start organising your birthday party space. Whether that is moving around all the furniture, or creating a new party space outside. Ideally, you want to make a space that can house the people you invited, and have enough seating to accommodate them all. You might even like to include a food and beverage section. Think about what layout works best with your space and move things around accordingly.
Step 8: Add decorations
This is where the fun begins. In the decorations portion of your planning, you can have a lot of fun preparing your space to match your theme. From shopping for items and finally displaying them all, there’s a lot you can work with. You can invite other people to help you, or do it yourself. Be a little creative and turn your birthday party space into a beautifully constructed themed palace.
Just make sure your decorations stay within your budget!
Step 9: Greet everyone as they arrive
Once everything is prepared, there’s nothing left for you to do than greet people as they arrive. Wear a smile on your face and make sure all activities are following your timeline. You only need to worry about ensuring the birthday person is having a fantastic time.
Have a look at our birthday gifts!
You never want to go to a birthday party empty handed. Have a look at our birthday gift ideas and give your recipient a chocolate bouquet or gift hamper you know they will enjoy.