Tips for hosting a party at your home
Two weeks ago, we hosted our son Patrick’s fourth birthday party at our home. Our house is really amazing for entertaining, it’s a mid-century ranch with a full finished basement. The basement has a second kitchen and a wet bar, so we have plenty of entertaining space.
One of my favorite parts of our house, the bar :) photo by Tori Sikkema Photography
I don’t even know how many people showed up, but I’d guess almost 25 kids and 50+ adults. It was so great to see my kids enjoy themselves with their family and friends and friends who are practically family. We usually host parties like this twice a year for our kid’s parties and it’s something Pat, the kids, and I really look forward to.
Our boy and his ice cream sandwich
Tip one: hire a bartender
We have always used Kt’s Cocktails for our bartending needs, and she always does the most amazing job! In the past, she had a helped come with her, so there were 2 bartenders. This time, it was just Kate so I made a separate beer and wine station so Kate would be making mixed drinks only behind the bar. It worked out perfectly, and if I didn’t have he the party would have been a lot to keep up with.
Birthday boy’s sassy sister, Margot, enjoying the party
Tip two: have something special for the kids to do
It doesn’t have to be anything crazy, this year we had the bounce house that my bestie bought for the kids blown up (shout out Auntie) and since it was a warmer November day, the kids enjoyed it most of the night! Last year, I had a face painter for a couple of hours which was really fun, and for Margot’s birthday we did farm animals in the yard :)
Pat, Patrick and me <3
Tip three: Take off the next day. And get a babysitter.
I didn’t follow my own advice and it made for a rough Sunday, LOL! Take off the next day so that you can take your time recovering, cleaning and reminiscing. Hosting a party is so much fun, but its the opposite of relaxing, so you’ll need your down time the next day. Reminding myself of this for the next event!
