March is here, which means party season has begun! Throw yourself or loved one the best birthday ever with the help of Party Host Helpers! Whether you’re hosting a small get together with your closest friends, or big celebration for your birthday this year, we have some great tips from our Pittsburgh Regional Director and party expert, Kim, that will ensure you throw the best bash yet!
“You can get super creative when throwing a birthday party! Whether it’s for your kids or yourself, I think it’s always best to keep things simple and easy! It allows everything to be light and fun, and you’re guests will be sure to have a blast!”
PICK A THEME
Milestones like birthdays and holidays can be even more festive when a creative theme is chosen to set the tone!
A few of our favorite themes are:
Movie Night
Have everyone come dressed as their favorite movie character. Set up a big screen indoors or outside, throw some pillows on the ground and enjoy your movie of choice! For snacks, set up a popcorn bar with different flavored popcorn and candy, and let everyone choose their flavor of choice!
PJ Party
Keep it casual with your best friends and have some cocktails in your favorite pj’s, while enjoying mani/pedi’s, face masks and more! Have everyone BYOB and set up a fun dessert bar for your guests to indulge in some delicious sweets.
Fiesta
Grab your margarita machine, turn on some great tunes and throw a south-of-the-border bash! Set up a salsa and guacamole bar with a few different types of each for your guests to try.
Great Gatsby
This is a great theme for any time of the day and can be done inside or outside! Set up some croquet in your lawn, or transform you living room into the roaring 20’s with gold balloons & décor, and dance the night away!
MAKE YOUR OWN FOOD
This works for small or large groups, and allows everyone to customize to their liking! If you’re hosting a smaller group, make your own pizza night will be a hit – plus it’s super simple. Get pre-made mini pizza’s and add your own toppings. Or, if you’re hosting a larger group, try a taco bar! It is more accommodating for a bigger group, plus everyone loves tacos! Get your guests in on the fun by asking them to each bring a side dish, appetizer or drink for the bar.
PREP AHEAD OF TIME!
To save yourself some time, it’s always a great idea to pick a drink or cocktail that can be served in a big batch and made ahead of time. I love these options because they are not only simple to prepare, but delicious!
BDAY Punch (serves 10 – 12)
Ingredients: 2 lemons, 1 grapefruit, 12 ounces frozen pink lemonade concentrate, 2 cups tequila, 1 cup Campari or Aperol, 6 cups of chilled champagne
Instructions: The night before serving, wash lemons and grapefruit and slice them into ¼ inch thick rounds (removing seeds). Lay flat in a Tupperware container with plastic wrap in between each layer and freeze overnight.
To make the punch, stir together frozen lemonade concentrate, campari and tequila in a punch bowl until well mixed. Pour in champagne slowly to avoid bubbling over. Stir and float frozen citrus slices on top. Serve and enjoy!
Chocolate Covered Cherry Jello Shots (yields approx. 24 shots)
Ingredients: 3 ounces cherry jell-o, 1 cup boiling water, 3 ounces Crème de Cacao, 1 ounce vodka, 1 bottle maraschino cherries, 4 ounces white rum, 1 bottle magic shell ice cream chocolate topping, whipped cream
Directions: Soak cherries in white rum for at least 24 hours. Add some maraschino cherry juice if you need extra liquid to submerge the cherries. Place one cherry in each empty jell-o shot cup. Mix cherry jell-o and hot water, let cool to room temperature, then add crème de cacao, vodka, and ½ cup reserved rum mixture from cherries. Pour into cups so that cherries are submerged. Chill in fridge until firm. Cover with a thin layer of chocolate topping and place in freezer for 2 minutes. Top with whipped cream and serve immediately.
Party Favors: This is an unforgettable way to end your big celebration! I love the idea of giving out pretty boxes with candies or homemade baked goods – it adds a personal touch and is sure to be appreciated by your guests. I also love small terra-cotta pots with herbs and flowers are super affordable, and even double as a table centerpiece during the party.
Plan Ahead: If you’re going out, plan ahead of time for safe travel, especially for a large group. 5 Dollar Limo in Pittsburgh is a great option, so no one has to worry about finding a ride home after a big night out. The whole group can ride together on one of their party buses, which can accommodate up to 25 people!
Stick with the tried and tested: Don’t wait until the day of your party to try out a new recipe! Plus, it’s always fun doing some taste testing before a party!