When it comes to classroom parties, homeroom parents can often feel the pressure to perform. Thanks to the plethora of ideas readily available on Pinterest, the pressure to provide over-the-top themes, decorations, and recipes can get a little overwhelming. And with class party season is upon us—Halloween, fall festivals, Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays—it’s enough to set the “Pin it” button on fire.
If you are questioning whether the kids in your child’s class will even notice the super cute printables, banners with fun fonts and one of a kind crafts, you are not alone. But, what is a mom to do when the crafter deep inside us wants the fun themes and unique decorations that go with it?
There may be a way to satisfy that inner Martha Stewart, give the kids what they enjoy and not break the bank in the process.
DIY, Reuseable Decorations
Banners, chalkboards and chalkboard paint are really popular right now. Using a chalkboard to decorate for class parties is a fun way to use this popular item, and it can be reused for party after party. As an added bonus, many home improvement stores provide plywood already painted with chalkboard paint on their lumber aisle for around $10. Use it to create a fun sign, serve goodies on it or even use it to play games. During the holidays, draw a snowman and play pin the nose on Frosty. The possibilities are endless—and, at the end of the party, a quick erase and it is ready to go for the next party.
Quick and Easy Themed Banners
When it comes to cute banners you don’t need a fancy cutting machine. Visit your local craft store and select a few sheets of fun paper in the scrapbooking aisle. You can purchase the paper by the sheet for pocket change, making it easy to coordinate with the holiday or party theme For added flexibility, mix in with coordinating primary colors or school colors. Then, simply cut out triangle shapes of your desired size. Use clothes pins to attach them to a ribbon and you have an instant, adorably cute banner.
Want even less work for yourself? Cut out a triangle from card stock then set the kids to work cutting out the number you need for the banner. Have younger children trace the shape on the wrong side of the paper and let older kiddos cut them out.
Fun Food
When it comes to the perfect food to serve at your class shindig, stick with what you know. Don’t try a complicated recipe on kids who probably won’t appreciate all the hard work and how late you stayed up the night before preparing a masterpiece. Simply rename kid-friendly food to fit within your party theme. While they may have just been green grapes on October 30th, they turn into “Monster Eyeballs” on October 31st. Fresh figs become “Heart of Rat” and you can make “Friendly Ghosts” by dipping Nutter Butter cookies in melted white chocolate and use mini-chocolate chips for eyes. How easy was that?
The most important lesson for us overachieving moms? When it comes to class parties, remember that simple can be just as cute—and give you more time to enjoy the celebration.
Find local party venues and party-planning services on our guide. For even more tips and tricks to pull off a memorable birthday party, click to learn more.
