Two Ways to Amp up your Next Party

There are two simple ways to take your next party or gathering to the next level that do not require party coordinator skills or a ton of money. All you need is a little imagination, a little help from our Pinterest board, and a little prep time.

Here are two ways that you can easily add a little something extra and to your next event.

1: PARTY FAVORS

Party favors are one of the easiest ways to say thank you to your guests and a great way to not only incorporate your theme but also giving guests a gift of gratitude for participating in the celebration. Buying premade or bagged goodies for party favors in your child’s favorite character is certainly convenient, but at my house, those items typically make their way into the garbage fairly quickly. The thought here is to send guests home with something that can be used or consumed with less of a chance that it will get lost under the seat in the car on the ride home.

Here is a simple guideline as to how and what to use for your party favors:

• Relate it to your party theme
• One item that can be used or reused (ex: cups, beach pail, reusable bag)
• One item or a couple of small things that can be consumed (ex: candy, snack bags)
• One fun surprise item (ex: temporary tattoos, bubbles)

Here are some examples of party favors I have done in the past:

Trolls themed birthday party:
A plastic Trolls cup
Trolls PEZ dispenser and a couple of pieces of chocolate
Trolls temporary tattoo

Under the Sea birthday party:
A beach pail with shovel
Swedish fish and goldfish snack size bags
Bubbles

40th Birthday:
Mini Coke Can
Self-filled mini bottles with rum and personalized sticker
Reese’s mini peanut butter cups

2: A DIY “PHOTO BOOTH” WALL

A Photo Booth Wall is a super simple and inexpensive way to add a little flair and fun to your event! I just started adding this feature to events that I have hosted, and it is fun for both the kids and adults. I am a huge proponent of recycling party materials and the photo booth wall the perfect example of where party materials can be reused.

Here is a list of items that can be used to achieve an awesome backdrop:

• Foil fringe curtains to use as your backdrop – buy neutral colors such as black, gold, or silver that can easily be incorporated into different themes
• “Dress up” your backdrop with items that are related to your theme with balloons, characters, garland, etc.
• Add Props – the dollar store, party store, thrift store, your closet, the kids toy chest—are all places you can find silly props for your photo booth. Try to have an array of fun dress up items that can easily be put on such as hats, sunglasses, boas, or signs that people can hold.

Tip: Build up your prop supply over time—you can always add new items

Extra tips for your Photo Booth Wall

• Find a place in your home or at your event venue that has good lighting for taking pictures.
• I recommend having enough background (foil fringe) to be able to take a picture with a group of people without seeing any unintended background.
• Have a bucket, tote, basket, or table space in which props can be placed while not in use.

Planning a party soon?  Check out my article on Party Planning and Hosting Tips + FREE Printable Checklist

HAVE FUN!!! And share your party favors and photo booth wall pictures with us!!

Melissa Bracikowski

I am a Virginia girl living and embracing Texas life! I am one of “those moms” that makes all the decorations for birthday parties and gatherings at our house—but in my defense, crafting is synonymous with relaxing.