My precious girl just turned one! She is a beautiful summer baby and we had a pool party for her. My birthday is in February and I’m from Chicago. As you can imagine, that meant I was never able to have an outdoor birthday party. Backyards, parks, and pools were not an option in the frigid winters. Now, I’ve planned and executed my first outdoor birthday party and it was a BLAST! Here are 6 tips for an outdoor birthday party that is sure to make your child feel special!
1. Pick a Theme
Extra points if its outdoorsy or matches the season! Ours was “ONE in a melon” with lots of watermelons for our summertime girl. Maybe a pirate adventure, enchanted forest, backyard Olympics, picnic in the park, or glamping would be fun for your child.
2. Decide a simple menu
Now this is an outdoor party. We’re keeping it simple (maybe a little themed) and easy to transport. Our menu included croissant sandwiches (pb&j/turkey/ham), muffins, applesauce pouches, fruit, water, lemonade, juice boxes, cupcakes, and a smash cake for the birthday girl. All purchased from Costco and put together by myself and a couple of aunties (shout out Auntie Christy and Auntie Stephanie). A couple Scout bags and a cooler full of ice got the transport job done. Or make it really easier on yourself and get catering!
3. Purchase simple decorations
The great thing about the great outdoors is that’s it’s already beautiful! Decide on a few simple decorations and let nature speak for itself. I decided on balloons, a birthday banner, and a “one” banner for her high chair. Now, the birthday banner was the star of the show but you could mix it up however you want. Just a few things to help your child feel celebrated at their party.
4. Decide on an activity and schedule
If you haven’t picked up on my intentions yet, it’s to keep this simple but still special. Our pool party had an obvious activity- swimming. The schedule was very relaxed. People arrived, swam when they wanted, ate when they wanted, we all sang happy birthday, people swam some more, and then they went home. A beautiful morning! Create a schedule around one special activity and any other birthday traditions (singing, pinata, presents, ect.) Some ideas- scavenger hunt, themed craft, sip and paint, hired entertainer, obstacle course, treasure hunt, cookie decorating. The options are endless!
5. Prep as much as possible
Prep, prep, prep. Get as much as you can ready, have it packed in the car or by the door. Think through every little thing that you (and your guests) will need for the outdoor party. Ribbon for the balloons, twine to hang a sign, scissors to cut that twine, a bowl for the ice, a basket for cards, tablecloths, ect. I try to sit down and imagine the party and every item I would need to make it happen. It’s a little tedious but it works!
6. Have a “morning of” plan
Create a plan for how to make the morning (or afternoon/evening) of the party go smoothly. First, have a list of all the food and beverages that need to make it out the door. Then have a plan of attack for when you arrive at the park, pool, or other outdoor venue. Food set up, decor set up, and activity set up.
You got this, mama! Have a great time celebrating your sweet kiddo! We’d love to see pictures of your outdoor party setups. You can tag us on Instagram or Facebook. Happy party planning!
