How to plan a birthday?

How to plan a first birthday party?

• My daughter is turning one in july. So I'm trying to plan her birthday party a little early, to avoid some stress. I'm expecting about 50 or a little less people. There all family, some are from my side and the rest are from her fathers. The 50 people also include 12 kids. Her theme will be hello kitty. Not sure about the rest. I have no clue where to have it, how to start, and what food to have. With out spending to much. I think I already have to many people coming, but like I said there all family. I was thinking about the park but if it rains. Well then what? And, having at my house isn't an option either unfortunately. Can anyone share some advice? And, personal experiences with their little ones first birthday party? I live in nj by the way, so if anyone can suggest some places here. That would be great too.

• Answer:

  Well, I can't suggest any place since I don't live in NJ. But I can suggest some ideas. Buy HK invitations in any party supply store. If you have the time or is crafty to make your own invitations, a cute idea is cut the shape of a bow from pink or red paper and decorate with glitter glue or sequins. Decorate the party in pinks, whites and reds. Hang paper lanterns or tissue pompoms from the ceiling, it will give a great effect. Buy a HK banner, balloons and the tableware can be in solid colors or HK themed (I think that solid colored is better because they're less "busy"). There are party kits that serves 8 or 16 peoples. For food serve mini sandwiches (cut in shape of cat, heart, flower, bow and star. Do the same for cookies.), pink mac & cheese, pink popcorn, chocolate covered strawberries and apple pie (HK’s favorite food.). For drink, pink lemonade, soda and sweet tea. I suggest you bake a smash cake for your daughter (take pics of the mess!) and serve cupcakes for the guests. For activity and games, print out some HK free coloring pages (here: http://www.coloring-book.info/coloring/coloring_page.php?id=135). Pin the bow on HK. The adults or bigger kids can play "Name that cat", a game where the guests break into teams and try guess the most pics of famous cats. Another cool game is Pass the Kitty, use a plush HK, have everyone sit in circle and play music, when the music stop, whoever's holding the Kitty is out. Keep going until have one person left (the winner.) Give HK activity books along with crayons and other small things such as plastic heart-shaped sunglasses (http://www.amazon.com/Hello-Kitty-Heart-Glasses-Pack/dp/B003XCIBF8/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1336277268&sr=1-1-spell) hair clips (like these: http://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Hair-Clips-Asst-count/dp/B003XCJI14/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1336277202&sr=1-2) and bottles of bubbles inside cellophane bags tied with pink or red ribbons. Don't forget a kid pool or place a blanket on the floor with some toys for your daughter (and other young children, if any) play. Just get creative. Hope this helps.