Your child’s birthday party can be an expensive day, so why not host the party at home? The Mykidstime team between us have hosted numerous kids parties at our homes so here are our top ten tips for hosting your child’s birthday party at home.

Don’t miss the chance to have your say! We’re looking for parents to get involved and give their feedback on all aspects of family life. Find out more here.

To get your party planning going download our free Birthday Party Checklist which will help you plan.

#1. Arrival and Pickup Times

Make sure you pick a good arrival time that fits in with after school, if on a week day, but not too late on a weekend day – nobody likes to have to go out late on a Saturday or Sunday evening to collect their child.

#2. The Food

• If you’re using a caterer, ask friends for recommendations and book early.
• If you enjoy cooking and want to cater yourself keep it simple.
• Most kids don’t eat much at parties, so little bites are perfect for them.
• Do as much as you can before the day.

Related: 11 Easy Party Food Recipes.

#3. Tableware

Paper plates and plastic cutlery are great for kids and cuts down on the washing up!

#4. Back Up Plans for Bad Weather!

Unfortunately here in Ireland, the weather can be variable. Make back up plans for what to do if the weather is awful and everyone has to be indoors.

#5. Entertainment

Many people hire a bouncy castle or slide, book these early as weekends can be busy. See if you can get an all weather inflatable, to be prepared for rainy weather. Ask friends or family to recommend a good supplier.

Have games for children of all ages. Try some classics like Pass the Parcel or Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Here are 20 Fun Kids Party Games and Activities.

You could also play big games like Twister, Giant Jenga, Giant Snakes and Ladders, Giant Connect 4 which are all available to buy online.

Or you may like to hire an entertainer for your party, again get recommendations from friends and family.

#6. Keep a Record of the Day

Don’t forget to take pictures!  Sometimes you can be so busy organising food and running the party so assign the job of picture taking photos to another adult or older child.

You could also have some disposable cameras – children and adults will enjoy taking snaps on the day and they are a lovely momento.

#7. The Cake

We have lots of fun cake ideas all made by real parents in our Birthday Cakes You Can Make, otherwise ask friends or family for a cake maker recommendation if you intend to order a cake.

Depending on the theme of the party you might also like to bake cupcakes – kids love small bites and won’t eat big slices of cakes.

You might also enjoy: These Fun Cupcakes would be idea for Dog Lovers

#8. Do Something a Bit Different

A Pinata or Chocolate Fountain can be a bit different, they are great fun and will keep the children happy.

#9. Party Bag Ideas

You could make some of the activities craft-related so the kids get to take their newly-made items home.  Here are more ideas for loot bags.

#10. Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Occasion!

Above all, enjoy the occasion – this is a special day for you too as the parent!. Don’t be afraid to delegate and ask for help, so that you get the time to celebrate too!