articles

How to Have an Awesome Birthday Party at Home

Have the Best Birthday Party at Home!

By Karyn Martin, Publisher, Carmella Moran, Intern, Ava Aldrich, Intern, Megan Harvey, Intern, Corben Bowen, Intern September 29, 2024

Want to know the key to having an awesome birthday from home? You may think the environment is limited compared to an off-site birthday, but we’ve got lots of creative ways to make that day special for your kiddo! Planning is key and best to start 1-2 months prior to the party. To help, we’ve got a complete checklist ready to go for you.

At-home Birthday Checklist:

1-2 Months Before:

Select a date.

Choose the venue (indoor/outdoor).

Select a theme.

Order decorations.

Create a guest list.

Order the cake or make plans to create your own.

Professional photographer? How will you capture the day?!

2-3 Weeks Before:

Send out invitations.

Think about the type of food you want served.

Start getting birthday decorations.

Order the catering and/or create the menu.

Create a special birthday playlist.

Order balloons.

Week of Party:

Pick a Birthday Outfit!

Make sure everything is in order.

Start decorating the venue.

Create gift bags for the guests.

Day Before the Party:

Pick up cake & balloons (or blow them up)

Clean the house.

Set up the decorations.

Day Of Party:

Buy ice for the drinks.

Set up the food and drinks.

Turn some music on.

Set out the candles for the cake.

Give every guest a gift bag.

Have fun! Eat some cake, blow out the candles, and enjoy the party!

Day After Party:

Take the decorations down and clean up.

Store the items and decorations for future events.

Write thank you notes to your guests.

Birthday Activity Ideas for an at-home Party:

Birthday Parade

Have friends and family get together to do a parade with their cars. This trend became popular during COVID-19 and was a way for family and friends to see each other while social distancing. Add your own twist by designating a theme or adding a parking lot tailgate meet up!

Birthday Treasure Hunt

Have clues planted around the house that lead to birthday presents or party favors.

Create an “Out of this World” Star Wars Party

Use the force to blow out your candles and make a wish. The Star Wars franchise is one that gets everyone excited! Take a look at the article linked below to read more about tips on throwing a Star Wars Themed Party!

DIY Carnival Games

Make DIY carnival games to set up in the house or outside (front or backyard).

List of examples to get you started:

Bean bag toss

Donut Eating Game - Try to eat a donut tied to a string with your hands behind your back and the winner gets a prize!

Set up a face-painting station

Set up an area for photos and get silly accessories (hats, glasses, scarves, birthday signs)

Everlasting Characters

Everlasting Characters and Events (Pelham)

Create a magical experience for your child with their favorite movie or book character(s)! Disney princesses, superheroes, mermaids, and more–Everlasting Characters and Events has over 50 adored characters to choose from.

Once you’ve completed your birthday checklist, there is nothing more to do than to have FUN!

------------
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE!
Love this article? Want more like it and to get the latest on local Greater Nashua area events? Subscribe HERE to receive our free, weekly Macaroni Kid Nashua newsletter in your inbox every Thursday morning. Our goal is to bring you all of the best family-friendly events, activities, and businesses in our area. We proudly serve Nashua, Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Milford, Merrimack! Contact us anytime (karynm@macaronikid.com) with your ideas, event listings, and suggestions. Have a small business and want to reach thousands of local families? Advertise with us!