I mean, when you think back -- this likely occurred when you were young and adamant about what you wanted to wear to school, that conflicted with what a parent figure was telling you to wear.
Using a similar youth-inspired party design sensibility-focus today, think like a kid as a way to tap into your creative kiddie party genius.
When you have to design a child's birthday party and feel stuck about what direction to take, and don't know what colors to choose, stop by a store like GapKids for some inspiration. Always use 5 good party principles for your child's birthday party.
Take a look at what's displayed, from infants to about age 12. Even look at the onesies. And of course look at the separates. When you're planning a baby shower and don't know the sex of the baby, go with neutral colors. For the older kids "cool factor" (which of course is paramount when planning their parties) choose much "louder" primary colors, used monochromaticly. And when you're planning a party for boys, you can never go wrong with a superhero theme and costumes.
Project the look the parents (or you, if you're the planner) want for the child, keeping in mind that kids are very aware of what they like -- what they want their party to reflect, and what other kids parties have reflected, for that matter. Kids tell you what they like when they excitedly come back from another child's party, going on and on about how cool it was, and how great it was. Pay attention. When kids like something, they'll out-compliment everyone; letting you know.
Take what a child says to heart, literally bypassing what you think. Do that and you'll never go wrong.
Still conflicted about which direction to take? Bright yellow is always works as the main color for kids parties. And when in doubt, conjure up something from your own childhood memory. The sentimental factor can really get your creative juices going; remembering board games, books, favorite animals and toys, TV shows and music, even your favorite clothes,
Kids love music. So do something different and throw a kiddie disco dance party, irregardless of how young they are. Ask that kids show up dressed as a rock 'n roll hero -- be it Cyndi Lauper, Bono, Madonna, Michael Jackson, or Beyonce. Then, hire a neighborhood kid DJ "wanna-be" to play dee-jay (going over the complete party play list beforehand -- from start to finish, of course) and you're off to a great start.
Wanna really "go different"? Ask your DJ to play music kids would like from all genres of music - starting out classical, moving into big band, jazz and all the rest, even playing a popular song that's been chopped and screwed up. You're in control of the party, so you can make it as unique as you'd like.
Don't know what kind of food to serve? Allure them by keeping it simple. Again, to "be different", serve an all vegan and cruelty-free menu. Create DIY kiddie party food platters. What's the major upside to do-it-yourself kiddie food platters? You have all the control! Unlike buying food platters from restaurants and grocery store deli counters, you can rest assured that there will be no cleanliness issues or cross-contamination possibilities.
The bottom line about how to tap into your creative kiddie party genius...
Entertain and engage kids with colorful graphics. It's modern and the best way to go. And as everyone knows, whether you have kids or not, it's hard enough to be a parent and get things done (and done "right", according to your kids standards). Even though it isn't always easy... when you're able to do it, the main thing to remember is to keep them 100% entertained.
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I do this... I write to help to create to opportunities for all of you to pursue your passion to have parties without regard to economic constraints.
I think if we keep talking about the cost of parties (I blog, you write comments), together, maybe we can break down some of the party industry price barriers and shame some of the people who've taken your money and delivered a poor quality product right into growing a conscious and treating you right (nice thought, isn't it?).
Opportunities to be inspired about parties are everywhere. Yet, people looking out for your wallet are few and far between. My goal is to inspire you, causing you to question the way things are that have been the status quo for too long. When we stand together and speak up, we can be a powerful force.
Let's keep the conversation of change going. Because in the sea of everyone talking, one voice is a whisper... several voices are a scream.
Leave a comment and share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions below. Remember to be as specific as possible because what you have to say helps us all.
I really love you guys. There, I said it.
Always... be encouraged and be encouraging to others too,
“Don't be ashamed to need help. Like a soldier storming a wall, you have a mission to accomplish. And if you've been wounded and you need a comrade to pull you up? So what?” - Marcus Aurelius
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