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The Party Teacher MAKING BIRTHDAYS EASY Want to make your child's next birthday party easy? The Party Teacher is here to help.

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Spend your party favor budget on one special favor, tied with a charming ribbon and thank you tag. Think beyond a bag of...
06/02/2025

Spend your party favor budget on one special favor, tied with a charming ribbon and thank you tag. Think beyond a bag of trinkets.

The approach that always works for me is to unify the party favor with my party theme. Match the favor to the theme by color or by activity.

For instance, at my Flower Fairy Party, with a purple color palette, we gave violet seed paper. The favor matched the party on color and theme.

Here are some party favor ideas that work for any theme:
- Book or Mad Libs
- Coloring book
- Custom Play-Doh
- Custom Crayons
- Decorated cookie
- Candy
- Mini pinata
- Bracelet
- Hair bow
- Picture frame
- Slime
- Stickers

For sooo many more ideas, go to:
https://thepartyteacher.com/the-party-course/

I have made the Pinterest-first party planning mistake more times than I care to admit. A too-broad search term + so man...
05/02/2025

I have made the Pinterest-first party planning mistake more times than I care to admit. A too-broad search term + so many stunning ideas and soon enough, Pinterest had me questioning my creativity, and ready to give up! 😅

But that's exactly where the 15-minute Post-It Note method comes in. Because sometimes you don't need a 47-step party planning checklist — you just need a simple way to cut through the overwhelm and get started.

This super simple system helps you focus on what really matters:
* One dream element your kiddo wants
* One practical must-have
* One special thing just for you. (Because let's be honest — you deserve a little party magic too!)

Trust me, if this method could help me plan twin parties without losing my mind, it can work for you too!

On the blog, I walk you through this 3-question system PLUS
* How to turn your 15-minute plan into action
* My bonus brainstorming trick that keeps creativity flowing

https://thepartyteacher.com/2025/01/13/15-minute-party-planning-magic-where-to-start-when-youre-overwhelmed/

Or tell me: What's your biggest party planning struggle? Is it the overwhelming options, staying organized, or something else?

I've got a whole course on dessert tables, but here's the short version.1 - Pick a smaller dessert table.2 - Choose your...
05/02/2025

I've got a whole course on dessert tables, but here's the short version.

1 - Pick a smaller dessert table.

2 - Choose your menu and decor.

3 - Sketch your table arrangement idea. (Then try out your arrangement in advance with the actual table and serving pieces, if possible.)

The easiest arrangement to get right is a SYMMETRICAL approach: elevated cake in the center, taller items in the back and either side of the cake, and flat trays in the front. Vertical elements (like risers or tiered trays) keep your dessert table layout from being flat.

Add a few decor items, but remember the Coco Chanel rule: get fully dressed and then take off one accessory. It applies to dessert tables, too!

To see everything possible inside the course, go to:
https://thepartyteacher.com/the-party-course/

I'll never forget standing in my kids’ playroom, surrounded by yellow brick road decorations and rainbow necklace crafts...
04/02/2025

I'll never forget standing in my kids’ playroom, surrounded by yellow brick road decorations and rainbow necklace crafts, totally stumped about how to time my twins' Wizard of Oz birthday party. Should we melt the witch first? How long would it take 8 seven-year-olds to make their own Tin Men out of soup cans? 😅

After years of twin-mom trial and error (and watching little Dorothys race through all the games I planned), I finally cracked the code on perfect party timing.

The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your kids' ages and the type of party you're planning. But I'm breaking down exactly what you need to know to keep your guests engaged (and prevent party fatigue!).

Head to my blog to learn:
• The ideal party length by age group
• How venue choice affects your timeline
• Signs your party might be running too long
• My tried-and-true timing tips

👉 https://thepartyteacher.com/2025/01/23/how-long-should-a-kids-birthday-party-be-heres-what-to-know/

P.S. I’ve got a free party timing worksheet for you inside the post.

P.P.S. Those Wizard of Oz party activities? They were a hit — once I figured out the right timing! If you want to see some throwback photos, head to https://thepartyteacher.com/2012/05/09/our-parties-wizard-of-oz-7th-birthday/.

Serving a dessert table at your party? Plan to serve three to four bite-sized desserts plus cake, ice cream and a drink ...
04/02/2025

Serving a dessert table at your party? Plan to serve three to four bite-sized desserts plus cake, ice cream and a drink for each guest. That will be plenty — especially if you're serving food at your party.

P.S. Just schedule your party for a time when guests won't expect a meal. You'll lower your party costs. And, kids care more about playing at a party than eating anyway.

If you want to fill out the dessert table, turn to candy.

But don't buy candy by ounces per guest. Instead, purchase candy according to how much it takes to fill your containers. (Try the candy calculator on Nuts.com.)

We spend a yummy amount of time on dessert inside the Party Course: https://thepartyteacher.com/the-party-course/

Finish your tablescape. Finish your dessert table and backdrop. Finish your party favor table.Then step back and take a ...
03/02/2025

Finish your tablescape. Finish your dessert table and backdrop. Finish your party favor table.

Then step back and take a few quick photos.

Problems show up in the photos that you don't see with the naked eye. Why? Beats me!

Make whatever quick adjustments are needed.

Want more practical tips for DIY birthday parties? Check out the Party Course: https://thepartyteacher.com/the-party-course/

Party away from home when the location has amenities you can’t replicate at home. Think horseback riding, rock climbing,...
02/02/2025

Party away from home when the location has amenities you can’t replicate at home.

Think horseback riding, rock climbing, roller skating.

If the location is irresistible, then adjust your budget and find helpers, because carrying all your party décor and food and favors to and from the location is no small feat.

(Or, have your location activities, then cart the guests back to your house for cake, ice cream, decor, gift opening and party favors.)

Is it easy to party away from home if you're still DIYing food, decor and more? Nope. But I've learned the hard way and can help you avoid all my mistakes inside the Party Course.

For more info go to https://thepartyteacher.com/the-party-course/.

Host your party at home when you want to save money, time and effort. Bottom line: having a party at your house is just ...
19/01/2025

Host your party at home when you want to save money, time and effort. Bottom line: having a party at your house is just plain easier.

If you aren’t paying for a rental space, you can put those funds towards games, decorations and treats — and create a more personalized event.

You'll save time because you can get ready for the party gradually, as it works for your schedule. A little bit here, and a little bit there.

And you'll save a ton of effort on party day. No packing everything up, hauling it to your location, setting up at the location, and packing up again at the end of the party.

I walk you through both at-home and away-from-home parties inside the Party Course: https://shop.thepartyteacher.com/products/party-course

You know those moments when a simple idea turns into pure magic? That's exactly what happened when my friend Beth remind...
18/01/2025

You know those moments when a simple idea turns into pure magic? That's exactly what happened when my friend Beth reminded me about our Grinch Soda Float tradition... and inspired this sparkly pink Raspberry Soda Floats!

Just 7 ingredients for instant party magic:
- Raspberry Rose Soda
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Pink sanding sugar (for that fancy rim!)
- Karo syrup
- Gold star sprinkles
- Your favorite festive glass

✨ Pro tip: Rim your glasses before the party starts, then just add soda + ice cream when it's celebration time! Quick assembly = more party fun with your kiddos.

The best part? These take literally 2 minutes to make and your kids will think you're the coolest party-planning parent ever! 😉

Want the full step-by-step? https://thepartyteacher.com/2024/12/30/how-to-make-raspberry-soda-floats/

The more party-ready your home is, the easier it is to host all the time.Look, it's really simple. If you are going to h...
18/01/2025

The more party-ready your home is, the easier it is to host all the time.

Look, it's really simple. If you are going to host your party at home, it's about a million times easier if you can just start decorating.

If you have to declutter and clean first, it's that much longer before you can get to the fun party stuff.

So, if you're starting in the hole with a normal house that needs a little attention AND you've got a party coming up, here's what I want you to do:

1 - Declutter 15 minutes a day. Literally take a trash bag and walk around putting crap in it. I don't care if you focus on one room or float like a butterfly.

2 - Put clutter that isn't tossed back in the room/place it where it belongs.

3 - Take still-good stuff to Goodwill if you want/have time, but don't hang on it, thinking you'll have a garage sale. You won't. Just get rid of it.

4 - Don't go all Marie Kondo. She's fab, but you're not trying to overhaul your life — you're just getting ready for a party.

5 - Clean something, anything. Again, 15 minutes a day. I usually start in the kitchen.

6 - Focus on the rooms people will see during the party: living room, dining room, kitchen, power room.

7 - Don't deep clean. Just get it friends and family clean.

We keep it do-able inside the Party Course. If you want party planning help designed for real moms, find out more at: https://shop.thepartyteacher.com/products/party-course

🎊 "But how do we keep the kids busy until midnight?" (Or um, "fake midnight" — no judgment here!)Save this list of kid-a...
17/01/2025

🎊 "But how do we keep the kids busy until midnight?" (Or um, "fake midnight" — no judgment here!)

Save this list of kid-approved NYE activities:
- Pop balloons each hour with surprise activities inside
- Create a family year-in-review timeline
- Make vision boards (magazines + glue = entertainment!)
- Set up a simple photo booth
- Write resolutions on party hats
- Play New Year's Eve Twister
- Make a time capsule for next year
- Light sparklers at midnight

🌟 Pro tip: Mix active games with quiet activities like movies (kid-friendly NYE movie list on the blog!)

Remember: Your celebration doesn't have to last until midnight to be magical. Pick a "countdown time" that works for YOUR family!

See the full list of activity ideas: https://thepartyteacher.com/2024/12/30/mini-new-years-eve-celebration-for-kids/

Hot take: open gifts at the party.You may not want to “waste” party time by opening gifts, but unless you're paying for ...
17/01/2025

Hot take: open gifts at the party.

You may not want to “waste” party time by opening gifts, but unless you're paying for activity time away from home, go ahead and open gifts at your party.

Kids love watching what their friend is receiving. I've never found guests unable to sit through gift opening as long as they had cake to eat. (And this is coming from a twin mom: we opened twice the average number of gifts.)

Plus, it gives your child the opportunity to practice gratitude.

Disclaimer: we did open family gifts separately AND we always hosted smaller parties (my two girls + about 8 guests).

Inside the Party Course we look at the best ways to organize your party schedule (whether or not you open gifts at the party). Learn more: https://shop.thepartyteacher.com/products/party-course

🎉 New Year's Eve dessert station that's both festive AND easy? Yes please!Here's our super simple spread:- Birthday Cake...
16/01/2025

🎉 New Year's Eve dessert station that's both festive AND easy? Yes please!

Here's our super simple spread:
- Birthday Cake Cookie Bars (made with Baby B!)
- Store-bought brownie bites (no shame in the shortcut game!)
- Mini vanilla cupcakes with gold stars
- Raspberry soda floats for our signature drink

✨ Party hack: Dress up store-bought treats with festive sprinkles and toppers. Instant party magic!

Keeping it real: Those gold toppers? Leftover from a Sweet 16 party! Sometimes being a "party supply hoarder" really pays off 😉

See the full party here: https://thepartyteacher.com/2024/12/30/mini-new-years-eve-celebration-for-kids/

If the thought of entertaining a bunch of kids at your home for 2+ hours strikes a little fear into your heart, you're n...
16/01/2025

If the thought of entertaining a bunch of kids at your home for 2+ hours strikes a little fear into your heart, you're not alone.

But I have a magic formula that helps.

Depending on the ages of your guests, choose 2 to 3:
- Arrival Activities
- Seated Activities
- Active Games

Keep them busy with something simple like a coloring page while everyone arrives.

Then start a craft or seated entertainment, like a magic show.

Finally, serve cake, open presents, and let them run off all the sugar with active games.

If the kids are older, plan an adventure (bowling, horseback riding, pool party) then follow up with a sleepover.

P.S. I share loads of party activity ideas inside the Party Course: https://shop.thepartyteacher.com/products/party-course

Another better late than never share: our last-minute New Year's Eve party, using mainly what I already had in my party ...
15/01/2025

Another better late than never share: our last-minute New Year's Eve party, using mainly what I already had in my party stash.

I cleared off our hallway dresser, grabbed some sparkly garlands, and created a mini celebration station.

Here's what I used:
- Quick backdrop: Made a poster in Canva (grab the free file in the blog post; you can update the year for next year)
- Silver garland swag
- Gold star garland for extra sparkle
- Simple ribbon bunting across the front of the dresser
- Party hats & disco balls for festive fill

💫 Pro tip: Pick your colors first (Baby B and I went with pink, gold & silver) and everything else falls into place!

Remember: You don't need a huge setup to make memories. Sometimes the sweetest celebrations are the simplest ones!

See the full party: https://thepartyteacher.com/2024/12/30/mini-new-years-eve-celebration-for-kids/

Plan your party with your kids. They have the best ideas and they don't have that internal voice telling them something ...
15/01/2025

Plan your party with your kids. They have the best ideas and they don't have that internal voice telling them something won't work.

From the time they were little, I'd ask my kids, "Would it be fun if we did XYZ at your party?" Kids will give it to you straight!

Kids know what's fun, they know what's popular, and they aren't afraid to throw out ideas.

If you can make even just one of their ideas happen at the party, they'll have a great time and feel so proud of their contribution.

Inside the Party Course we go deep on planning party activities and crafts.

For all the details about the course (and how it can help you plan your party as you watch the lessons): https://shop.thepartyteacher.com/products/party-course

🍪 Cookie Decorating Party Prep Guide! Save this one, party planners!The Baking Game Plan:- Make cookies 1-2 days ahead (...
14/01/2025

🍪 Cookie Decorating Party Prep Guide! Save this one, party planners!

The Baking Game Plan:
- Make cookies 1-2 days ahead (we do sugar, chocolate & gingerbread)
- Prep icing the day before (we use meringue powder to avoid egg whites)

Must-Have Tools:
✨ Squeeze bottles for flood icing
✨ Quality piping bags for detail work
✨ Mini mason jars for sprinkles
✨ Thick cardboard trays for decorating
✨ Parchment paper for layering cookies
✨ Cookie tins or gable boxes for taking treats home

🎯 Game-changing tip: Keep those sprinkles in 4oz mason jars — they stack for storage and look cute on the table! Add tiny spoons for easy sprinkling.

Want my complete cookie party guide? https://shop.thepartyteacher.com/collections/holiday-planning-worksheets/products/christmas-cookie-decorating-party-planner-instant-download

Photography:

Send invitations 3 weeks before your party (text, email or mail) & include an RSVP.Folks are busy. Give them time to get...
14/01/2025

Send invitations 3 weeks before your party (text, email or mail) & include an RSVP.

Folks are busy. Give them time to get your party on the calendar so they're not already booked by the time you announce your party.

And if you want to know you will show, for the love of Pete: include an RSVP with a deadline.

Don't choose "regrets only." It's meaningless. You'll never know who will attend vs. who forgot to send regrets.

If you've got questions about guest lists, invitations or RSVPs, I've probably got answers for you inside the Party Course: https://shop.thepartyteacher.com/products/party-course

Or, just ask here!

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Happy National Donut Day! Wish I could go back in time and celebrate again with our Hawaiian Donut Party! For my daughters' 15th birthday, we had a small family party with decorate your own donuts. Yum. Donuts... See it on the blog: https://thepartyteacher.com/2020/02/23/hawaiian-donut-birthday-party-for-teens/ #donuts #doughnuts #birthdayparty #celebrate #nationaldonutday

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