have your kids been invited to a Valentine’s party yet? if not already, they probably won’t be.
it’s a bummer, isn’t it? it makes me sad.
but let’s be realistic: when was the last time you invited a bunch of people over for an event other than a birthday party?
why don’t more people host parties???
this has always bothered me. so instead of feeling left out, let’s have our own parties!
i LOVE hosting. i LOVE inviting people over. i LOVE giving & sharing & loving on people.
PEOPLE LOVE TO BE INVITED!
again — PEOPLE LOVE TO BE INVITED!
it makes us feel special. loved. wanted. enjoyed.
#1: make a list of potential invitees {think friends from your children’s class, playgroup, playground friends, church friends, neighbor kids}
#2: decide on a date/time for your party. we are hosting ours on sunday from 4-630. you have to decide if you want to serve a meal or just a light snack. {if you choose snack – try for a late morning around 930-1130 so people can head home for lunch}. if during meal time – considering asking each guest to bring an appetizer to share and you take care of drinks & desserts.
~~for drinks: lemonade, ice tea, water & juice. nothing special, just the basics!
~~for dessert: think boxed brownie mix for $1 – add some frozen chocolate chips or mint extract for the adults. add sprinkles for the kids. we often make boxed brownies in mini cupcake sized… no cutting, no mess!
#3: activities… KISS {aka: keep it simple stupid} – for kids, a simple craft is best. we are cutting out large hearts & tons of scrap pieces of paper. we’ll let the kids glue the paper onto the heart and will dry in time for them to take it home! 
~~ most parties we will make dozens of sugar cookies, make frosting and put into small baby-food sized containers with a plastic knife – tons of sprinkles and small candy and let the kids have a riot making their own dessert. this is fun, interactive and the parents can help or just snap some photos.
~~ we have asked each child attending to bring ONE handmade Valentine to swap with another friend.
~~ LET THEM PLAY!! let them get the playroom or living room messy. dump all of the blocks out. it’s a chance for your kids to show their favorite toys to their friends. no need to keep them entertained with game after game {we learned the hard way!}.
#4: decorate & cleaning. for some quick decor ideas – head over to Pinterest {yes, my search link is attached for convenience} or Google for some inspiration. think circles, doilies, cut out hearts on a string – simple garland. think doily centerpieces, glass jars wrapped in burlap with red ribbon. you do NOT need a lot. a little goes a long way!
~~ cleaning.. oi! okay people – with all that happens at a party, NO ONE is looking at your floors. so, clean the obvious – bathrooms, front entry {sweep, remove webs, remove dying plants, add a wreath to the door}, kitchen sinks should be clear, counter-tops wiped down & table set before guests arrive. makes it much easier to relax if everything is where it should be. enlist the husband for after party cleaning. it’s so easy with some help.
#5: include the kids! this afternoon we’ll be cutting all of the pieces for the paper hearts. tomorrow, grocery store to pick up a few items to bake with. the kids love helping me stir, bake & get the frosting together. this is THEIR party, so let them help!
i am off to make this as a photo prop for our party:
have i inspired you? if so – please share this link & tell someone how easy it is to have a party!!
off i go to decorate!
About Aimee Steckowski
This is a great idea Aimee! I think I will have to consider planing a party for my kids. Like you said keep it simple!
Great tips, Aimee! Your kids will love it (and everyone else, too.)
I’m coming! Get the cookies out
ok, ok, you have just put me over the edge! I have been wanting to host a playdate, now you have inspired me to host a last minute Valentine’s party tomorrow. Thanks!!!