The Birthday WOW factor
The idea for Kit + Clover came to me as I was planning my daughter’s 10th birthday and she told me that she didn’t want the same birthday party that she’d had for the past 3 years. I have two kids and between them our family felt like we’d already done all of the birthday things and been to all of the birthday places locally. She and I both wanted something memorable. Something magical. So I created a business plan and a small business event planning birthday parties. And now I want to bring that concept to YOU! It doesn't matter where you live or what your skills are. YOU can create a magical birthday party for your kids using simple ideas and budget friendly finds.
The number one piece of advice that I have for creating WOW factor with birthday parties, is to use unexpected elements and one of my favorite ways to do this is with the table. Whether you are serving pizza or cake, a fancy tablescape can be the wow factor.
An interesting set of paper plates and a candlelit tablescape can really elevate the experience for kids. I love these plates and these plates for multiple themes. My daughter and her friends love the idea of a candlelit dinner and this set of flameless candles has been used multiple times and passed around my friend group for various parties. I pair them with mismatched candle holders that I find on clearance at Home Goods or Hobby Lobby or from local thrift stores and garage sales. Disco balls are really having a moment right now and I have used this set more times than I can count. To round out the recipe for the perfect table, I add decor and fabric that match my theme. You can grab fabric inexpensively from your local fabric store, just make sure you buy enough to match the length of your table, either as a table cloth or runner. I also searched for pre-made table runners and this one can be used for a disco theme, under-the-sea theme and winter theme, giving you a big bang for your buck. My favorite places to find decor for my tablescapes are from my own home. I just try to find unexpected uses for things that I already have. A bowl of ornaments and Christmas Tinsel make great additions to a Winter/Frozen themed birthday. I also shop at Home Goods, Hobby Lobby and I definitely don’t skip the Bullseye Spot at Target for vases and frames that I can use in a variety of themes.
If you are able, I recommend using a coffee table and having kids sit picnic style on blankets with throw pillows. They seem to love that unexpected touch and you can have fun with the decor using beach towels and pillows that you might have at home. And creating a menu or party itinerary really ups the excitement.
