Read on for tips on how you can plan and organize a home-based birthday party.

Birthday parties can be conducted either at a hotel, community center or in the comfort of your own home. Home-based birthday parties can be a roaring success with proper planning. Not only are such parties cost-effective, but having them in your house brings in added advantages too. Our home-based birthday party primer gives you tips to make your party a grand success.

Start early

Start planning for the party at least a month in advance. While you don't need to reserve a venue, you will need to get everything else organized.

Set the date and time

It is not a rule to have the party on the actual birthday (you can instead spend some quiet time with your child on this day). Set a date and time that is convenient for your guests and try and get as many guests on your list as possible to attend the party. Draw up a comprehensive list (that includes address, phone numbers and email IDs) as this makes your job easier when you are actually ready with your invitations.

Select a theme

Having a theme for the birthday party has become the order of the day. Parents can select a theme for younger children, while older children normally select their own themes. When zeroing down on the theme for the party, make sure it would be workable for a home-based birthday party. For instance, a jungle theme may be more fun if the party were outdoors. Of course, with a little creativity and imagination you can recreate any theme at your home too.

Send out the invites

Once you have decided on the date and theme, send out the invitations. You can either mail them or use free online invitation websites to send them out. Online invitations save you a lot of money (on invitation cards and postage) as all you need is the email IDs of your guests. They can also confirm to you directly through email and so it is easier for you to find out who will be attending the party.

Plan the menu

Whether you want to get the food catered or make it yourself, plan the menu in advance and organize groceries and party supplies ahead of time. Do have a kid friendly menu as children sometime tend to be fussy with food. Try to offer fun, healthy and balanced snacks that even grown-ups can enjoy. You can consider snacks like cheese and crackers, fruit and veggie skewers, mini sandwiches, etc. Serving the food and snacks on attractive and colorful paper plates along with decorative napkins (in line with your party theme) is a fun idea.

Organize furniture and food

The main advantage of a home-based birthday party is the informal setting which makes your guests feel comfortable and at home. Don't try to overcrowd the area with too many chairs and tables. Instead, let there be more open space for kids to run around, play and have fun. Keep the food platters away from the play area.

Games and activities

When you have a home-based birthday party it becomes your responsibility to also entertain the kids. Make out a list of possible game ideas and activities in advance and get the required material to conduct these activities. Try and keep the activities short to sustain the interest of the children. If you have children from varying age groups you can divide them into different groups. Come up with age-appropriate activities and games for each age group. You may also consider inviting a costumed character, a clown or a magician to entertain the children. Be sure to childproof your home by keeping away sharp objects or anything that might be hazardous.

Decorate your home

Don't compromise on the decoration for the birthday just because you are having it at home. Use a lot of color and get creative with balloons, posters, crepe paper, banners, etc.