How did this happen? I can’t believe our sweet little baby is turning 2 in July. My husband and I are so proud of him and want him to have the best 2nd birthday ever! However there’s a sweet new lovable complication this year. Having just had a newborn, my day-to-day is a bit busy these days so the goal this month is to make his birthday super special without the hassle. I can do this and you can too! Here are some initial planning tips on getting this party started.
Choose a Convenient Location and Time: Since we are keeping it easy this year, we have decided to host Andrew’s 2nd birthday party at the Little Engine Playground across the street from our apartment. And guess what? It has a big train designed for kids to play on and there you have it. Yes, “train” is the theme for Andrews party using red, blue and yellow as the colors. Voila!
Regarding time, in NYC, everyone leaves on the weekends in the summer so it’s best to have the party during the week if you can swing it. Since Andrews birthday falls on a Thursday this year, we will be having it then and in the afternoon after naps and so working parents can swing by late. Done and done.
Keep Sips & Munchies Simple: But don’t lose the cuteness factor! I’m the first party planner guilty of coming up with cute sips and sweets for parties but in this case, we need to keep it simple. Kids are easy so the food should be easy too. For the first hour, we will set out Andrews favorite food- pizza. Towards the end of the party, we will set out some cupcakes with sprinkles (another one of Andrews favorites)! Pizza and cupcakes – who doesn’t love that? We will have water for the kids and a cocktail for adults – maybe a spiked lemonade in a cute mason jar dispenser? Ha – yes please!
Order Your Favors and Extras Now: Don’t wait until the last minute to get your favors organized. Its best to start the thought process and ordering now. I found adorable bubble blowing train whistles, train shaped squirt toys, train-themed photo props, and more to add fun to the playground. I am planning to set out personalized train-themed water bottles for sure. I found the below labels on Etsy and am planning to order them for Andrew. They’re easy to do and they go a long way! Plus the kids will be getting thirsty running around the playground… and the parents will be getting thirsty running after them lol.
Restrict the Guest List: Lets face it, since Andrew’s 2 he really only has a limited number of friends. I am planning to invite them of course, plus some of mommy and daddy’s friends with kids :). We will try to keep the kids number to about 6-10 to keep the party manageable. I’m going to have fun coming up with some cute favors! Since the guest list is small, I have decided to make the invite special by sending it via mail. Here’s my heat-embossed homemade invitation – see below. Cute right? Click on the link or pic for easy how tos!
Get On Their Calendars: I typically send out a save the date email invite 4 weeks prior to get guests to put the date on their calendars. This also allows me to send any last minute party updates quickly and effectively. Also it gives me some time to get out my cute mail invites – we are upping the cuteness factor here!
Sound easy enough? Next is planning the sips and munchies! Tune in soon for Kristi’s take on easy peasy bites for your two year old and their friends to “choo” on. Choo Choo!
Party On,
Ashley