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A Messy Birthday Party
Don't Fight the Mess, Embrace It!
By Harmony Cornwell
It is time to celebrate your toddler's birthday! If there is one constant for young children it is their expertise at making messes and having a grand time doing it. When planning your little one's birthday party why not incorporate messiness into the party theme? You know it will be a big hit for the guests, and at the same time you can plan for the cleaning up that will need to be done afterwards. If the mere thought of the event brings visions of the after-party mess, here are ways to celebrate the mess that is bound to happen instead of trying to suppress it.
Here are the basics to having a successful messy party!
Dress for the Mess: Right from the get go you should let the parents of the party guests know what you have up your sleeve for party day. It is not uncommon for parents to bring their children to a party in their best clothes and you do not want spoiled outfits on your hands. Dena Franco, a party entertainer and owner of Silly Shindigs, recommends giving parents "fair warning." "Including a simple note in or on the invitation to dress their kids for 'messy play' can save parents from stain nightmares," she says.
Cover-up: The best location for a messy birthday party is outside, but this isn't always possible when the weather isn't at its best or you don't have the space to accommodate. Franco says to carefully choose a place inside your home. "If you'll be heartbroken if something is ruined, forgo that area," she says. "Vinyl tablecloths are great to protect floors. They're cheap and easy to clean."
Cleanup Time: After you have let parents know about the messy birthday party, it is a good idea to provide them with a cleanup station too. Jennifer Shields, a mom of two and co-owner of Posh Tots, an event planning business focusing on children's parties, says a good cleanup station should include baby wipes, combs, brushes, soap and clean towels. Set up the station near the front door or for an outdoor party at a table set off to the side. This way parents can clean up their children as they are preparing to leave and there is less chance of them getting dirty again before getting into vehicles.