Q&A for How to Host a Birthday Party

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  • Question
    How do I host a birthday party just for family members living in the house?
    Community Answer
    All the steps in the article will still apply. Depending on how many people there are in your family, you may have to adjust some things.
  • Question
    Is it my responsibility as the host to provide my invited friends with transportation?
    Community Answer
    No, it's not typically the responsibility of the host to provide transportation for attendees.
  • Question
    How do I invite people if I don't have friends?
    Community Answer
    Family is fine, too. Try opening up to more people a few months in advance so you do have friends to invite.
  • Question
    I want to plan a backyard water slide party for my little brother. About 10 kids are coming, and I want to be their lifeguard, camera girl, etc. How do I plan this all and ensure that everything goes smoothly?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    Safety first. Think of the wildest, stupidest things anyone could do on your setup, and prevent this. Kids are wild, and when the fun is on, they're thinking even less of their own safety. Whatever roles you give yourself, don't let anything get in the way of your role as safety supervisor. Make solid, clear rules, e.g. "Absolutely no jumping", and put attendees in timeout the second they break the rules. Finally, consider asking a couple friends or family members to come help you out so you can divide these tasks over more people than just you.
  • Question
    Should presents be opened on a child's first birthday?
    Community Answer
    It is common to open gifts during the party, but it's not necessary. If you do decide to open presents, there are a few things to consider. If there are a lot of little kids attending the party, opening presents could cause a bit of chaos, because the kids will inevitably want to play with all the new toys. On the other hand, guests might enjoy watching the presents being opened. You could also see what the mood feels like during the party and decide in the moment if you want to open presents.
  • Question
    Are goody bags necessary at a teen's birthday party?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • Question
    How to talk on the platform?
    Community Answer
    It's all about confidence. My father says that before speaking in front of others, take a deep breath and remember that even if you screw up, you will make others smile.
  • Question
    What are some good themes for tweens' parties?
    Community Answer
    Just a few would be a Nerf war, sleepover party, pool party, dance, any sport the kid likes as a theme.
  • Question
    Can you help with which theme I choose?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the interest of the birthday person. If they like to play baseball, you could do a ballpark theme. If they like glamorous events, you could throw a Hollywood red-carpet themed party.
  • Question
    What type of gifts should be given to girls of 13?
    Community Answer
    A jewelry-crafting set, Nerf guns, gift certificate for a clothing store, all-in trip to the mall, a set of sleepover essentials, make-up, cute onesie pajamas, sports equipment, a wooden puzzle enigma, school supplies other than the usual stuff, new shoes, an all-girl sauna visit, boxing lessons or a good book are just a few ideas.
  • Question
    Is it okay to drive guests from an event to my house in my own car?
    Community Answer
    Of course! It's your party, after all. Just make sure your car is clean.
  • Question
    My daughter's 21st birthday is in January at home. I'm having cheese and wine, then light food, then dessert, like a buffet. How do I prevent them from eating everything together on 1 plate?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    You can serve the cheese and wine first, or you can set it out on a table so guests can serve themselves. Use lids to cover the pots you made for dinner so they stick to the cheese at first. Or put the food items for dinner on a separate table, maybe even with a cloth draped over it, creating a moment of surprise when you reveal dinner. You can also collect the plates after each course and give guests new ones or wash the ones you collected, creating a pause between courses.
  • Question
    Is it not normal for a teenager not to have a birthday party?
    Isolde
    Top Answerer
    It is normal to have a party or to not have a party. It is entirely up to you and your family's preferences. While birthday parties can be fun, not everyone enjoys them; some people even find them stressful, expensive and challenging. If you don't want to have a party as a teenager, that's just fine. It's completely up to you and what makes you feel comfortable.
  • Question
    What if all of my friends hate each other?
    Isolde
    Top Answerer
    If all your friends hate each other, you must be very busy seeing them separately all the time. As such, your party might be a great opportunity to get them together to talk over a few things and see if you can't get them to at least be friendly toward each other, if not good friends. Tell each of them how much it matters to you that they all come to your birthday party and to be on their best behavior at least just for the day.
  • Question
    Would a circus theme be a good idea?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely!
  • Question
    What if some of the guests don't know each other?
    Isolde
    Top Answerer
    It is the responsibility of the host to ensure that guests have the opportunity to get to know one another. Hence, introduce them when they first arrive, take the time to bring them into conversation during the party and pair them up with people you think they'll get along with easily.
  • Question
    I want to do a Zoom party, what do we do at the party?
    Tara Burke
    Top Answerer
    For a Zoom party, you can play games, together online (i.e. Cards Against Humanity or Kahoot) or just with each other on the call (Would You Rather, Never Have I Ever). The most important thing is to have fun, so just talking together is enough!
  • Question
    For adult birthday parties, is there live entertainment?
    Tara Burke
    Top Answerer
    Generally not - if it’s a big birthday celebration and is being held at a venue, there may be live music/a DJ.
  • Question
    I am 12 but I have three sets of friends who don't mix. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Invite all your friends and introduce them to each other. Maybe they'll mix better than you think. Or have a mini-party for each group.
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