#11. First Confession looms and your child won’t share their sins, so you begin to panic about what the priest will hear about you and your family.

#12. You become an avid weather watcher to see what the big day will be like. It may be time to break out the Child of Prague!

#13. You pay way over the odds to get a First Communion cake made, because “everyone else will be having one.” (Don’t worry if you forgot, you could also make your own with these easy Communion cake ideas)

#14. You feel under pressure to book your daughter into the hairdresser for an upstyle, which if you’re lucky, will last just about the length of the ceremony! Need some inspiration? Check out these stunning Communion hairstyles.

#15. You feel under pressure to buy yourself a “nice dress” for the day – what is wrong with all the other lovely dresses you have in your wardrobe?!

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#16. All the extended family assume they’re invited to your house for a mega nosh-up and party after the ceremony, without you ever having actually asked them.

#17. You end up painting, getting the garden done and doing house renovations unnecessarily, because everyone will be descending on your house for the aforementioned party! On the plus side the house will look great for the Summer!

#18. At the 11th hour you decide you no longer want a party at home but can’t get a booking anywhere local, even by name dropping or bribery.

#19. You have booked early and got the venue of your choice but now none of the extended family can tell you whether they will be attending or not and the venue are looking for final numbers.

#20. You actually fork out real money to buy your daughter a pair of white gloves to wear for 30 minutes (if you’re lucky) in April and May when she will barely put on gloves when it’s -5C outside!

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Throwing any party at home requires a certain amount of planning, and having a handy list to work from is essential. Make sure to download your FREE First Holy Communion Party Checklist so your planning goes without a hitch!

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#21. You have to try and explain to everyone why they need to get to the church an hour earlier than the stated time so you all get a seat. Or try and explain to them why they can’t come to the church as there simply won’t be room for them. And you get really annoyed when other parents ‘hold seats’ for family members!

#22. When you have to resort to bribery to get your football mad child into a suit or dress.

#23. …..And promise they can have another outfit that can be worn as soon as they come home from the church.

#24. You have smugly booked the bouncy castle a year in advance and the kids WILL use the darn thing, no matter what the weather on the day.

#25. You wonder how your Mum got through 4+ of these days!

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#26. You find the whole thing more stressful than your wedding day.

#27. Your Mum is no longer talking to you as you have not invited half the extended family. Whose special day is this anyway?

#28. You get the date for Confirmation and realise that you have two children in two different churches at the same time on the same day! Why can’t schools talk to each other? (this is a true story)

#29. Your child’s bank balance is healthier than yours.

#30. You wake up the morning after the First Communion and realise it was worth all the stress and your child had a lovely day. And you have a new found respect for their class teacher, who managed to get every child involved and singing in tune (well most of the time anyway!)

• YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: How to Ensure Your Child’s Communion Day Goes Without a Hitch

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Making their First Holy Communion is a wonderful celebration for your child. It only happens once and will always be remembered.

While the church ceremony is usually reserved for immediate family, grandparents and godparents, a First Holy Communion party at home afterwards is a great way to include your extended family and friends in this special day.

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Take some inspiration from these easy communion cakes that are sure to wow your guests!

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How to Throw a Communion Party at Home

Start Party Planning Early

As soon as you have your date, you should start your planning – particularly if there are a lot of children making First Holy Communion on the same day in your area. All the different suppliers, from caterers to bouncy castles, will book up months in advance so make a list and set a budget so you can start your planning early.

We have a FREE communion party checklist you can download to get you started, but some first items to consider and budget for would include:

• Number of guests – close family or a bigger event with friends, family and classmates?
• Catering – buffet or sit down meal? Will you cook or get the communion party catered?
• Invitations
• Decorations
• Entertainment and activities
• Photography
• Communion party favours

Budgeting is key to all the above decisions, and this list doesn’t take into account the Communion dress/outfit, shoes, hair, etc. Putting yourself under financial pressure is not necessary when the objective is giving your child and family a day to remember.

Don’t forget – this will be an event that must cater for all ages, so make sure you take that into account for food and entertainment.

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The Food

Once you have a guest list and know how many people you are catering for, you can start to think about the food. If you are getting caterers or buying in the food, ask friends for recommendations and book early, so you can relax and enjoy the day.

If you are a confident cook and want to cater the event yourself, keep it simple. Ask for help and do as much as you can before the day. You could ask family or friends to bring desserts/salads. If you have a slow cooker, consider something that would feed a crowd and is easily served – remember, you don’t want anything too finicky or time-consuming when it comes to serving everyone, as you want to enjoy your time with friends and family too.

Top tip – ask a friend or family member to come to your home in the morning while you are at the church. They can help get the food heated or set up, as you will have your hands full getting yourself and your child ready during the morning. There is often a tea and coffee reception in the church or school afterwards, photos to be taken, and so on – you don’t want to be stressed and distracted, or feel like you’re running late.

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The Communion Cake

If your child is making their First Holy Communion this year, you will definitely be interested in our ideas for the party’s centrepiece – the cake.

And if you’re making the cake yourself, you will also appreciate that our suggestions for homemade communion cakes are completely achievable for even a beginner baker!

Tableware & Decorations

Themed Communion tableware, including plates, cups and cutlery can be bought from party supply stores. Or, you could look to hire crockery and glassware (as well as tables and chairs, if needed) from a catering supplier.

Balloons and banners are usually the easiest option for Communion party decorations.

Entertainment

The usual option for activities at a communion party is a bouncy castle, however you may have budget or space restrictions, or find that bouncy castles are all booked up in your area. It also encourages a total separation of kids and adults, so you may find that garden games are a good alternative option.

Toss a can, japlonk, pick-up sticks, lawn darts, compendium of games, giant Jenga, snakes and ladders, and more can either be bought, made or rented easily. Similarly, you could look at setting up an obstacle course, playing some bouncy trampoline games, or any of these fun tween party games to keep everyone entertained.

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Back Up Plans for Wet Weather!

Communion season may be the start of summer, but the weather is not always kind! Look at your guest list – can you realistically have that number if everyone has to be inside due to rain? It is a good idea, if you have the space, to have a Gazebo or covered area for people to stand under – just in case.

Similarly, we found that booking a bouncy castle with a tarp roof meant that kids could still use it (and avoid the devastation that would happen if you said ‘no’ due to rain!).

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Have Some Fun!

Remember, this is a special day for you too, so make sure you keep things simple so you can enjoy the party!

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What do you have planned for your Communion party at home? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post How to Throw a Stress-Free Communion Party At Home appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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Often, we see communion cakes looking a bit like mini wedding cakes – with the cost to match. An easy, homemade communion cake is a great way to cut back on the costs of what can be a very expensive occasion – however, this may fill you with complete panic if you feel your cake decorating skills are lacking! Rest assured, we have compiled ideas for simple, easy communion cakes that are sure to wow your guests!

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Easy Communion Cakes to Make at Home

Simple Flowers

This cake shows just how effective simple decoration can be. We found this image on Pinterest, but you can create your own with a few simple steps.

This easy communion cake is kept simple with plain white icing, then tiny flowers are used to create the outline of a cross. These flowers are created with a flower plunger cutter you can buy online easily – or you could use sprinkles instead to create the same look. Just use a toothpick to gently outline the cross, and then follow that line with your decorations.

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Communion Cupcakes

Image: Mad4Cakes

These Communion cupcakes from Mad4Cakes are a great alternative to a traditional communion cake. A simple cupcake and icing, topped with an icing plaque.

You can buy sugarpaste in most supermarkets, roll it out quite thin, then use a cookie cutter (or even the rim of a glass) to make your topper. You could then add a cross, a flower, an initial or just some glitter and decorations.

If you prefer something simpler, what about learning some new piping skills? We love this video from Sarah Sibley that shows how you can create four types of stunning piped cupcakes with just one nozzle tip – perfect for starting out.

Communion Sheet Cake

Image: WIllow Bird Baking

If you are feeding a crowd, a rectangular sheet cake is a great idea. Keep the decoration to a minimum with some white buttercream, and perhaps a few berries, fresh flowers or sprinkles like this gorgeous cake from Willow Bird Baking.

Communion Dress Cupcakes

Image: Artrageous Desserts

Take a simple cupcake, and look what you can create! Shape your cupcakes into a replica of your daughter’s dress, and then use a swirl effect for your icing to design a stunning communion dress in cupcake form, like this example from Artrageous Desserts.

Cupcake Cross

Image: Artisan Bake Shop

Another great example of an easy communion cake is this cross-shaped cupcake version from Artisan Bake Shop.

Created in the same way as the dress above, the effect is best created with plenty of icing to fill any gaps between the cupcakes.

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Stained Glass Cake

Image: Amy Leigh’s Cakes

We love this stained glass-effect cake from Amy Leigh’s Cakes and based on one by Cambo on Cake Central. Don’t be put off by either the shape or the icing – it’s entirely doable, I promise!

First, make a rectangular cake, then use a sharp knife to cut curved edges at one end for the shape of the window. Next, make your buttercream icing and divide it into bowls (one for each colour you plan to use), then use your icing colours to get the shades you want. Use a light colour (white or yellow as in the photo) to draw the outline of the stained glass panes, including a cross or anything else you may like. Once you have your outline in place, alternate colours and fill in the ‘stained glass’. The result is hugely effective, and very unique!

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Rose Cake

Image: I Am Baker

Don’t panic, we haven’t forgotten that we promised you EASY communion cakes! You’ve seen how to pipe roses on cupcakes in the video above, so this is just taking things to the next level. These roses look amazing and the cake is sure to deliver the ‘wow’ factor. This beauty is from I Am Baker, who made her white layer cake with fudgy brownie…yum!

If you want to see a tutorial on how to pipe these roses on a cake, take a look at Cake Style‘s video here – if you’re feeling brave, you could give the ombre look a go:

How to Make a Cross-Shaped Cake

A cross is traditionally used for communion cakes, but this may seem a bit daunting for a novice cake decorator. We found this image on Pinterest, and you could recreate it with white buttercream to cover the cake, then coloured icing for dots, patterns or edging if you wish.

Image: Cake Central

The best part is that you don’t need any fancy cake tins, you can make a cross cake easily with a large sheet cake. All you need to do is cut the sheet cake in half lengthways, then cut one half at the one-third mark. Join the cake as shown in the diagram (thanks to Doug on Cake Central), cover with buttercream and decorate.

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Cake Bunting

If cake decorating really isn’t your thing, you can still make a special communion cake for your child. We love the idea of cake bunting, like this example from Paper Jackdaw, which you could easily create for your child’s communion cake.

Image: Paper Jackdaw

All you need are toothpicks, wooden skewers or paper straws to hold the bunting, some fine string or twine, and your bunting flags – these could spell out your child’s name, or colour coordinate with the rest of your communion decorations.

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Communion Cake Pops

Image: Show Me Love Confections

Cake pops are a really fun bite-size choice, and kids love them! The best part though is that they can be made from a crumbled cake if disaster strikes! I may or may not have salvaged cake pops from a disaster cake before…

These gorgeous pops are from Show Me Love Confections and are perfect for an easy communion cake idea. If you have never made cake pops before, don’t worry. All you need is a crumbled cake, some buttercream, lollipop sticks, cake melts or white chocolate, and sprinkles (if desired) for decoration. This fun video from Divas Can Cook gives a step-by-step you may find useful:

Will you be creating one of our easy communion cakes for your child this year? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post Easy Communion Cakes for Your Child’s First Holy Communion appeared first on MyKidsTime.

How to Reduce First Communion Costs

Before we get started, these are just my experiences and, of course, every parent has the right to spend as much or as little as they wish on their child’s First Communion.

What Does First Communion Really Cost?

These are the items to be considered when costing your celebration, and the average price range for each item:

• Outfit for Communion child: free to €800
• Outfits for the rest of the family: free to €350
• Accessories, hair and beauty: free to €150
• Catering for the Communion Day: €200 to €800
• Entertainment for the Communion Day: free to €250
• Photographs: €20 to €250
• Gifts for friends’ children: €100 to €300

The Communion Child’s Outfit

The Communion child’s clothes, and accessories if needed, can be a big ticket item. It is their special day after all, so why shouldn’t you kit them out? After all that’s what every one else is doing…or is it?

If you care what other people think, learn to be vague about the cost and origin of the outfit.

• Shops from Aldi to TK Maxx are selling Communion clothes and local charity shops will often have new dresses on sale, donated by local retailers from previous years’ stock or well presented second-hand dresses.
• Look out for sales at high street department stores too. You can often pick up a bargain at the end of Communion season that can be kept for the following year.
• If you do opt for a more expensive outfit, check it well to ensure it is made of high quality fabric and has been well finished.
• Alternatively, borrow an outfit from a relative or friend. Most Communion outfits and accessories will only be worn once and look as good as the day they were purchased.
• If you feel very strongly about the subject, petition your school to adopt a school uniform policy for the day. And then if parents wish their child to dress up after the Mass, they can buy Communion clothes or a new special occasion outfit for their child, which may have some hope of been worn again.
• No matter what outfit you go with, try to pick shoes that can be worn again, or dyed to use for summer months.

Outfits for Other Family Members

So you have the Communion child sorted but what about the rest of the family? They need to look good on the day too.

Again it is all about being smart about when and where to look. The focus will be on the child making First Communion and not on the rest of the family – you don’t want to outshine your child!

• Yes it is great to look good in the photos, but do you really need to go out and buy a new outfit? Has anyone who will be at the Communion actually seen any of your dressier clothes before? Surely there is something in everyone’s wardrobe that would fit the bill?
• If you do want to splash out on a new outfit for yourself or the rest of the family make sure you purchase clothes that will be worn again.
• Check in the summer sales the previous September or pay a visit to an outlet shop.
• Accessorise to make your outfit different so that even if someone else is in the same one, you will look different on the day.
• And there is no shame in borrowing from a friend.

Hair and Beauty

Looking good on the day is important but don’t let it take away from the true meaning of the day. An upstyle for your child may cost from €50 + and may only last for the ceremony.

If you do want to get hair done, appointments will need to be booked well in advance, and try and get an appointment closer to the time of the ceremony.  A simple wash and blow day can make your child, and you, feel special without costing the earth.

• If you have a talented friend or relative, get them to come to your house in the morning and help with the hair – both your’s and your child’s.
• Alternatively, do the hair yourself. Many girls will have their hair covered with a veil and do you really want them to look very different from normal?
• As far as beauty goes, clear nail polish for your daughter will make her feel special and is anything else really necessary?

Ensuring your child is comfortable is the best measure for hair and beauty.

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Catering Costs for First Communion

First you will need to decide whether to have the Communion party at home or go out and there are pros and cons to both options.

Communion Meal Out

If you decide to go out for your Communion party, you will know in advance how much the day is going to cost and can budget accordingly. You won’t feel under pressure to spend time and money on the garden or the house, plus with no cooking and cleaning to do, everyone can relax and enjoy the day.

A few points to remember:

• Decide on a sensible number of guests.
• Leave enough time for chatting and photos outside the church or at the school and invite your guests to arrive directly to the venue, thus avoiding having to cater at home too!
• Settle the bill once the meal is finished, as if you or your guests wish to move to the bar afterwards it will be easier and not end up costing you more than planned.
• If you do decide to go out I would recommend booking your venue as soon as you get the date for your child’s Communion, as restaurants/hotels will get booked up quickly.

Communion Party at Home

For at home parties check out our guide on how to throw a stress-free Communion party at home.

• Many people use a Communion or Confirmation year to spruce up their home and gardens. With careful planning and budgeting this can work out well. But do remember, it is only one day and most of your guests will be regular visitors to your home anyway!
• Be sensible about the catering quantities required. Have enough with some allowance for unexpected guests, but be reasonable – the family will not want to be eating leftover party food for the following two weeks!
• Try making a homemade Communion cake instead of buying one. Or perhaps ask a friend who likes to bake, and offer to pay her a nominal fee/mind her kids some day/evening in return.
• Consider ordering in two main courses and/or ask friends and family to bring along dishes. Most will be delighted to help out.
• Give yourself time together in the house before everyone arrives, or ask a neigbour or friend to help get things ready while you are out at the ceremony.
• If you are having entertainment, like a bouncy castle, make sure you order this well in advance as they get booked up very quickly.
• Don’t be afraid to put an end time on the invitation.

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Communion Photographs

A few important points worth noting about communion photographs:

• Most churches these days don’t allow parents to take photos/video during the ceremony, and usually get the children to come up onto the altar afterwards for photos. So be respectful of that.
• Check if your school has organised a teacher or professional to take photos or a video which can be purchased afterwards.
• Take photos in or outside the church, before or after the ceremony, and be sure to get them printed and into an album so that you can remember the day. Make sure to get a few snaps of your child with their friends.
• There may be a professional photographer there on the day if you wish to get a family shot or you could book a session in a studio for the following week and get everyone back into their outfits from the day. This will mean that children will have to try and keep them clean!
• Alternatively, one of your family/friends is probably a good photographer so why not ask them to come to the house before the ceremony to get some family shots, and save yourself the expenditure of professional photos.
• If any special people in your child’s life cannot be with you on the day, do check if the church has a webcam (many do these days), and those people can share in the day after all.

Gifts for Communion Children

If you would like to give a gift to the friends and classmates of your child, it can be a good idea to chat to the other parents in advance and decide between you all on a sensible amount to give as a gift.

If you wish to give a physical gift instead of cash, check out our creative ideas for First Communion Gifts with options for all budgets.

Remember…

• Don’t lose sight of the religious aspect of the day.
• It is only one day.
• Be sure you can afford all that you are spending. And see if there are alternatives for items you feel are too expensive.
• Put a little away each month towards the cost of Communion and that way it will be easier to budget for the day you want to give your child.

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Most kids will be thrilled to receive some cash in a card, but at Communion age they are often a bit young to know what to do with it. Perhaps they want to save for a larger item, but it will always be much more special and memorable to give a physical gift.

We’ve compiled some great ideas to give you inspiration when it comes to shopping for the Communion child – and you’ll find these ideas for Communion gifts are definitely well received!

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Creative First Communion Gifts to Give

A Treat-Filled Pinata

What child wouldn’t truly love a treat-filled Pinata on their Communion day? It doesn’t need to be religious in nature, it could be something to do with their interests – unicorns, emojis, sports, shapes, or favourite TV/movie/game characters – and filled with their favourite treats, to celebrate their special day.

Pinatas are widely available to buy filled or unfilled from party supply stores.

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Books

Books are always a great gift to give, and there is a wealth of choice for this age group.

Find a boxed set of books you think they would enjoy or perhaps gift something you enjoyed at their age.

If you need some inspiration and have an inkling about what the Communion child enjoys, check out these 23 books like Harry Potter or what about 30 books for fans of David Walliams?

We love these 20 brilliant books that celebrate Bold Girls, while mini Houdinis might want to hone their skills with these 12 mesmerising magic books!

Movie Fun

Give them a voucher for their local cinema so they can enjoy a fun afternoon out with their friends (or with you!).

Religious or Angel Inspired Communion Gift

A unique handmade doll or other angel-inspired gift will give the Communion child something they can treasure forever.

Religious gifts such as rosary beads, a prayer book or other symbolic items are often given by grandparents or godparents, so do check with the Communion child’s parents before buying something.

A Summer Camp Place

With summer just around the corner, the Communion child may wish to attend a summer camp with friends. You could offer to book a place in their chosen summer camp as a gift. Check out the best summer camps for kids so you can offer some suggestions.

Jewellery

A watch, cross necklace, charm bracelet or earrings can all make good alternative Communion gifts, especially if you are the child’s godparent.

If you’re unsure where to start, check out brands like Pandora, Alex and Ani, and Thomas Sabo which are all very popular.

Photo Shoot

A voucher for a photo session could be given on the day and the child could visit the studio in their Communion outfit, with family or friends at a later date. This will give them a memento to keep forever.

As an alternative, creating a photo book for them is always a thoughtful gift.

Foodie Voucher

A voucher for their favourite restaurant or ice-cream shop makes a great gift. They could ask their BFF to join them for a special treat and how grown up they will feel when they can pay the bill.

Adventure Day Out

If they are the adventurous type, an action-packed day out together makes a great Communion gift.

Ziplining, escape rooms, water sports, wall climbing, tree top adventures, trampolining, hiking – there are lots of options available. Even if you don’t want to partake, you could organise a day for the child and their friends. They can create special memories that will last a lifetime.

A few examples for Ireland could include: Boda Borg at Lough Key, Delphi Resort, Croke Park Skyline Tour, a trip to Westport House, Powerscourt Estate, or a trip to go kayaking, wall climbing or other adventure facilities.

Savings Bond

Ok so we know it’s money, but it is in a different format and they do last a lifetime. My daughter recently won on Prize Bonds that were bought for her when she was born!

Plus, buying Prize Bonds or savings bonds means that they can’t get at the money for a few years, so you are saving for their future.

Personalised Gifts

A personalised gift that’s just for them gives the child a special memory of their Communion day.

Engraved jewellery, personalised team jerseys, monogrammed clothes or accessories, a mug, room decor, and wall art are all good choices. Sites like Etsy, Not On the High Street, Getting Personal, and Prezzy Box all have lots of items to choose from.

You can even personalise a large range of Adidas products, including trainers, clothes and accessories – these would definitely be popular!

Communion Keepsake

A Communion keepsake book or photo album can be found in religious shops or large bookstores.

The Communion child can gather together photos and mementos of their special day in one place and have it to show to friends and family.

Fairy Door

Image: The Irish Fairy Door Company

There is something magical about a Fairy Door, and it would be a really memorable gift to give a Communion child.

The doors can be placed inside or out, and the Communion child can decorate however they see fit for their new fairy friend.

Clothing

Who doesn’t like to receive new clothes? A voucher for the Communion child’s favourite clothes shop/site, or clothes with a gift receipt will go down a treat.

Perhaps they play for a sports team or support a particular club – you could buy a football kit, hoodie or something in team colours.

An Ice Cream Delivery!

If the party is at home a few of you could club together to get an ice-cream van to come on the day and give each child (and some lucky big ‘kids’) a cool ice-cream treat.

Friends of ours did this last year and all the party guests, young and old, were wowed!

The Communion Cake

If you are a confident baker, you could offer to bake and decorate the cake – here are some simple homemade Communion cakes if you want some inspiration.

If baking is not your forte, let the Communion child pick their favourite cake from a local bakery and buy that for them to share and enjoy on the day. You will be a big hit with Mum and Dad too!

Stationery

From cute cards to notebooks, stationery is always a hit with this age group. And they will have all those thank you cards to write after their Communion Day…!

Super stationery gift ideas for tweens include: journals, novelty items, colouring pencils and books, notepads, sketch books and drawing books, doodle pads, pens, markers and highlighters (especially Sharpies).

Game Sets or Sports Equipment

There are some great outdoor game sets and sports equipment available to buy, such as:

• a basketball hoop
• goal net
• football, rugby or GAA gear
• tennis or badminton equipment
• Giant Jenga and garden games

These can not only be used on the day itself, but will give the child many hours of fun into the future.

Canvas Print or Painting

If you have a beautiful picture from the Communion Day or of the child, you could consider getting a canvas print made from it. Or, if you would prefer to have a gift on the day itself, ask the Mum or Dad for a nice photo of the child with their friends that you could use.

Fun Outing / Your Time

The promise of a future fun day out with you to the cinema, for a special lunch, or to visit a fun attraction will appeal to most children.

The build up to their special day can be hectic and sometimes there is an anti-climax in the aftermath. Having something special to look forward to is a bonus.

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With 2 communion and 2 confirmation days under my belt, some with a party at home and some out, here are my top tips of things to remember and organise for the big day.

In advance shop early for the communion outfit for your child, ensure they have shoes, socks and other items to wear on the day. And don’t forget the rest of the family too!

For girls it can be a good idea to have a shrug or cardigan that compliments the dress in case the weather is not great on the day.

Ask the godparents to buy the child a prayer book or rosary beads that they can keep as a memento. On the day, there will usually be an order or service provided for everyone.

Make sure all your guests have directions to your home or venue and if you are hosting the party at home, that you have ordered any bouncy castles/slides well in advance! And remember to pick up the cake the day before.

Don’t Forget These Things for First Communion Day

#1. Powered Up

Ensure all phones, cameras and video equipment has been charged the night before. And that your device has enough storage to capture those special moments.

Many churches do not allow for photos of videos during the ceremony, so if this is something you want, check with the school to see if they could organise getting a professional to take photos and video footage on the day, that can be ordered by all parents.

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#2. Fuelled Up

Ensure the whole family enjoys a big breakfast on the day to keep them going until the party. It can be a long wait, especially for younger children from breakfast to the party.

#3. Christening Candle

Some schools may request that you bring along your child’s christening candle for the ceremony. They will also need to provide the school with a copy of their baptismal cert in advance. This can be obtained from the parish office where you child was baptised. Check with the school what is needed.

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#4. Be On Time

Traditionally the Communion child sits with their classmates. Some churches allocate seating, with a pew per family, but some don’t. Be sure you are at the church on time to ensure you all get a seat together.

Parking can also be an issue, so the earlier you are there, the better spot you’ll get!

Do check that there is no other mass on just before the ceremony as you don’t want to be waiting around outside the church for it to end.

#5. Who To Invite

Space can be at a premium and many schools limit the amount of family members who can attend the Communion ceremony. Decide in advance who you will invite to the church and tell them to be there at least 30 minutes in advance. It is usually parents, siblings, grandparents and sometimes godparents. 

Many churches have webcams, so for those who can’t come to the ceremony, you can suggest they watch it live!

#6. Don’t Rush Off

Your child will be excited to spend time with their friends after the ceremony, your school may even organise a get together for the children and their families. You may also want to take photos afterwards as many churches do not allow them during the Communion ceremony.

When planning a time for people arriving to your home or venue, be sure to build in time for your child to enjoy after the ceremony.

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#7. Spares!

If you or you child is wearing tights, pack a spare pair in case of emergencies.

It is also good to have a couple of spare cards and cash on hand, just in case your child receives an unexpected card. 

#8. Ask For Help

If you are having the party at home, ask for help. Whether that be your neighbour coming in to turn the oven on while you are at the church to asking guests to bring along a salad or a dessert.

Friends and family will be happy to help.

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#9. All Change

Consider getting an outfit for your child to change into once the ceremony and photos are over.

It gives them the freedom to run around with their friends and not worry about destroying the dress, suit or smart clothes they wore for the ceremony. And if your child has to wear their uniform for the ceremony, it can be nice to get them a special Communion outfit for afterwards.

#10. Make Them Feel Special

Remember who the day is for and what the day is about. The Communion child should be the belle of the ball or your prince charming, so make them feel special as this day will only come once.

Have you got any other suggestions for things not to forget for First Communion Day? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post Don’t Forget These Things For First Communion Day appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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When my daughter made her First Holy Communion last year, I spent ages thinking about details like the dress and what food we’d serve afterwards, and I didn’t once think about her hairstyle – that was until every other mother at school started talking about it! I had completely missed the boat on this one, although (luckily!) it transpired that my daughter only wanted to wear her hair down with a “grown up and glittery” hair clip. Phew!

We picked up some very simple diamanté slide clips that were perfect for my daughter’s chosen style – she wanted everything very simple – and then I threaded some baby’s breath flowers in for a little something extra. Quick, easy and surprisingly stress-free…all of which is exactly what you’re looking for on the day.

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Communion Hairstyles: What to Consider

Things to consider in the weeks and months in advance of your child’s First Holy Communion include how long (or short) you and your child want her hair to be, and will that length restrict the communion hairstyles you can choose from; also, factor in going for a trim (or more sizeable chop) in advance so her hair is in good condition on First Holy Communion day.

If your daughter would prefer an updo, or a more detailed hairstyle, you will want to arrange a trial with your hairdresser, or have lots of practice sessions at home if you’re doing it yourself. The last thing anyone wants is any fighting, tears or stress on the morning of the communion, leaving no time to get ready.

Similarly, make sure that any hair accessories such as a veil, headpiece, bow or hairband are factored in to your decisions around the style.

To save you some of the last-minute panic I had, here are lots of gorgeous ideas for First Communion hairstyles that will suit short, long and everything in between.

Have fun picking something together – and don’t forget to let us know which one is your favourite!

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Take some inspiration from these easy communion cakes that are sure to wow your guests!

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First Communion Hairstyles

Simple and Laidback Styles

From short styles with pinned back curls pinned back to hair decorated with a single flower, a simple and laidback Communion hairstyle still has great effect.

Loose plaits, fishtails, classic buns or sprigs of flowers are all options here.

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Skip money in a card and try one of these creative Communion gift ideas that will go down a treat!

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Up Styles

A bun is often a classic Communion hairstyle, with or without a veil or headpiece. You may opt to soften the look with a looser style and pinned curls.

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Headpieces and Hairbands

Flowers are a great option when you are looking for headpieces, using either fresh or artificial flowers. Choose from simpler hairbands to full on flower crowns, which are particularly effective with vintage-style dresses.

Perhaps your child would like to wear a veil, in which case a statement diamante hair clip can really complete the look.

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Image: Etsy

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Intricate Looks

If you are in anyway talented at braids and more intricate, detailed looks (I’m not!) then you may prefer to opt for something like one of these look. Make sure you practice several times in advance so there is no on-the-day panic or time restrictions.

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Image: Princess Piggies

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Image: Bite of Delight

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Image: Babes in Hairland

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Image: Bite of Delight

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Image: Les Petits Inclassables

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What are your favourite First Communion hairstyles? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post 48 Simply Stunning First Communion Hairstyles for Girls appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Whether you are hosting your 1st First Holy Communion or your 5th I am hoping you will find some new tips and wisdom within these pages.

We hope your child has a wonderful day and that these tips help ensure it goes smoothly. It really is one of life’s truly memorable family occasions.

Michelle

You can also download our special Communion Day guide here in PDF format.

You might also enjoy reading:

• 20 Alternative First Communion Gifts That are Not Money
• How to Save Money on the True Cost of First Communion
• How to Throw a Stress-Free Communion Party At Home

Over to you now. Did you find our special Communion Day guide useful? Tell us in the comments below. 

The post How to Ensure Your Child’s Communion Day Goes Without a Hitch appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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Throwing any party at home requires a certain amount of planning, and having a handy list to work from is essential.

Your child’s First Holy Communion is a special event and a wonderful family day to spend together. However, if you decide to invite extended family and friends to the party at home, your guest numbers may start to increase dramatically. Food, drink and seating will need to be considered – do you want to get a caterer, do you need to rent extra chairs and tables, are there a large number of children coming who will need entertaining? And, most importantly, what’s the budget allocated for the party?

We’ve got numerous tips on how to throw a stress-free Communion party at home that you won’t want to miss – from making food choices to planning for a rainy day – and that can help you fine-tune the plan for your own event.

As soon as you get the date for your child’s First Holy Communion, you can get started by downloading our FREE Communion party checklist to help with your party planning.

Did you find this Communion Party checklist useful? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post Download Your FREE First Holy Communion Party Checklist appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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The morning of your child’s communion or confirmation is not the time to be trying to cook and bake! I am a big fan of preparing in advance.

From nibbles to desserts there are many items that can be prepared in the weeks leading up the to party and frozen to be thawed out the day before or just baked straight from the freezer and most main courses can be made the day before and reheated on the day.

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Don’t miss our FREE Communion party checklist to help with your party planning!

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Easy Party Food to Prepare and Freeze in Advance

You could lay out a buffet for when guests arrive and hold off serving up main courses to give you time to meet and mingle with friends and family.

There are a large variety of easy party foods that can be made and frozen in the weeks leading up to big day, perfect for a buffet on the day. Sausage rolls, homemade chicken goujons and mini quiches will go down a treat with younger guests and adults alike and are great to have ready for kids when you get home.

For a healthy option, how about serving up crudités & breads sticks with shop bought or freshly prepared dips, giving you time to get on with the main course?

Creating a vibrant broad bean hummus or smoked fish dip couldn’t be easier. And for a more traditional dip, check out our favourite hummus and guacamole recipes. And remember, you can buy freshly prepared veggies at your local M&S, perfect to serve with your dips.

Main courses can also be prepared and frozen in advance. My favourite make-ahead dish is homemade lasagne, and for those wishing to serve up other options we have freezer friendly mains, with everything from chicken cacciatore to pulled pork.

We haven’t forgotten about dessert and these ice cream cakes are sure to be a hit!

Food to Order In

For those who may not be as confident in the kitchen or who want wow guests with delicious treats, check out the full range in your local M&S.

You will find everything for your celebration, from canapés to mains and desserts to drinks and nibbles. Best of all most can be bought in advance and frozen. Do look out for special offers in the months leading up to your celebration and you may even bag a bargain!

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Make-Ahead Party Food Ideas

Some foods improve when they are left overnight. From tasty beef stroganoff to hot and spicy lamb curry and vegetarian dishes to cater for all tastes.

Or you could try one of our one pot meals, cutting down on the washing up and perfect for self service.

Easy Party Foods to Prepare on the Day

Sandwiches and salads are usually better prepared on the day. We have some inspirational salad ideas for kids and adults to enjoy and easy salad dressings too. I would recommend buying ready washed salad leaves and prepared salad vegetables to cut down on prep on the day.

Easy Communion and Confirmation Cakes

Every good party needs a cake and communions are no different. If you want to try your hand at making your own cake, we have some easy to follow communion cake ideas as well as several Confirmation cake ideas to amaze and delight your child and their guests.

For those who wish to buy a cake, check out the stunning range on offer in your local M&S store.

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Communion Party Planning

As with any party, planning is key. There are a few extra details that you may need to consider when your party celebration is for Communion or Confirmation:

• Don’t invite guests to arrive too early. You will need to leave time after the ceremony for photos and for your child to spend some time with their friends.
• Ask for help. That could be getting a neighbour or relative to come to your home while you are at the ceremony to get food in the oven or set up on tables. Or asking family or friends to bring along a dessert or salad.
• Hire glasses, crockery and cutlery from a local supplier rather than purchasing new. Good quality disposable plates, cutlery and glasses are great for children and will cut down on washing up!
• Decide in advance whether you are going to serve alcohol. It is a celebration for your child, so your guests will understand if you decide not to serve any.

You’ll find more tips and ideas here for how to throw a stress-free Communion or Confirmation party at home because, above all, you need to enjoy the day too. It only happens once and it is a special day, not only for your child, but for you as a parent. Delegate and ask for help so you can enjoy the celebrations too.

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Have you any easy party food ideas that you love? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post Easy Party Food Ideas for Communion & Confirmation Celebrations at Home appeared first on MyKidsTime.