Children’s Summer Party Essentials

summer parties

Scores of strawberries, a bounty of barbecues and a plethora of paddling pools are making their way out of hibernation across the UK.

The ‘Great British Summer’ has landed and with it, our fantastic Summer parties. They’re a whole heap of fun and often afford more flexibility than winter parties, as you can host them both indoors and out. When planning your summer party this year, do consider the following top five tips for a flawless event.

One: Come rain or shine…

Let’s be honest, British summertime can be unpredictable and even if you wake to glorious sunshine, by lunchtime it could be pouring down. Weather-proofing your event to ensure that it is practical against all elements is essential when planning your summer party.

A marquee, gazebo or tent is a perfect way to offer cover, whilst still maintaining an outdoorsy feel. Marquees in particular are a flexible solution, as the sides can be removed or re-attached with little effort, transforming the space in an instant. Even if the sun is shining, it is best to include a covering of some description, as treats and confectionaries don’t fare well in direct sunlight.

If your party includes children, it is best to offer them a shady area, particularly if your party is in the daytime. If you are using balloons, paper tableware or light-weight styling or props at your party, please remember that these will shift easily in the wind, so it is best to keep these elements indoors, or inside a sheltered marquee.

Two: A host’s work is never done…

Washing the dishes can be laborious at the best of times but the last thing that you want to be doing after a relaxed afternoon in the sun is washing up. Disposable plates, napkins, cups, straws and cutlery can be a great solution, so long as you choose an environmentally friendly product.

Dazzle and Fizz rejects plastic straws, cups, cutlery and plates, opting for biodegradable, or at least recyclable paper tableware and wooden cutlery for a practical and ecological solution. Paper tableware can also be super stylish for both children and adults. Check out their gold geo-print napkins and scalloped plates for a summer rustic-luxe finish!

Three: The great outdoors…

If you are hosting an outdoor party, in a private house, local park, or venue, use the space! When planning a children’s summer party, games-based activities work really well, as the children feel free to run around and have a great time. Next you can choose your party music but remember to check the following:

  • Where the closest power supply is (if any).
  • If your music system is wireless, how long the battery lasts – and pack spares!
  • Site rules on music (if partying in a park for example, you may not be permitted to play loud music and if you are, you will need to be very considerate of others).

If your outdoor space does not permit loud music use, opt for sports-based games and activities over dance-based games, as these operate perfectly well without a sound system. Most traditional craft activities including paper are also best avoided at outdoor parties, as the wind will send them flying! However, more organic craft utilising your natural surroundings can be amazing. If you’re at the beach, make sand castles or sand drawings for example, or paint foraged stones. Muddy settings are perfect for mud-pie making and grassy venues are perfect for treasure hunts.

summer partiesFour: Be site specific…

This tip concentrates more on styling than on entertainment and activities. There are so many summer parties where the styling and décor completely clash with the natural aesthetic of the grounds. Not least because  outdoor views are (usually) completely free of charge!

The great British outdoors can beautiful, quirky, idyllic, edgy or industrial but whatever your setting, use it as a wider styling element! What might look fabulous in one setting might look completely out of place in another. That’s not to say that you can’t indulge your creativity and playfulness however, quite the opposite! Experiment with man-made materials in organic settings, for example, such as balloons appearing to magically grow in gardens like plants and oversized props in unexpected places.

summer partiesFive: Once you pop…

Balloons are a classic addition to any party but can be disappointing outdoors if not properly planned! Traditional bouquets of balloons are best avoided at outdoor events as they blow away very easily, even when heavily weighted. You can stake the bouquets into the grass but if it is a very windy day, the balloons can still blow about and pop on the grass. ‘Heavier’ balloon structures such as air-filled spiral arches (when properly secured) and balloons built around central structures works best outdoors. Giant balloons on supporting poles can also be really fun (they make particularly good planets at a space-themed events; especially marble print versions)! Single foil balloons can be great outdoors when pegged straight in to the grass and work well with fishing wire to give the illusion that they are floating in midair! If you want to try displaying floating balloons yourself, ensure that they are positioned in an area that children will not run through, as this could pose a danger to young children.

With thanks to Charlotte Morris, Managing Director of party company Dazzle & Fizz. All images courtesy of Dazzle & Fizz

For further inspiration & your own slice of Dazzle & Fizz magic from their new online shop.

 

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