festive party ideas on a budget: theming

Setting a theme for a party or special occasion is important for a few reasons. It enables you to:

• select decorations that will compliment each other 
• stay on track when selecting items and planning the overall day 
• set a menu to match your theme

Please don't be daunted by the task of deciding on a theme. You don't have to go over the top (if you don't want to) and simple ideas such as choosing a colour or pattern such as dots or stripes will help you pull everything together in next to no time. Sticking with a basic theme means it's easier to customise party basics such as plastic cups, cutlery, napkins etc.

Of course if you want to be a little more elaborate and pick a mad hatter style party, then that's great too, but you must be prepared for the challenge, and the work involved.

Below is an example of a theme, menu and decorations that I'm sharing from my daughters' recent first birthday party to provide some inspiration.

The Theme: 
Confetti

The Menu: 
zucchini slice circles
egg & lettuce sandwich rounds
mini burgers
party pies
2 minute cupcakes (in lieu of a cake)
mini meringues
caramel popcorn
jelly beans
M&M's

The Decorations:
balloons (purchased)
crepe paper streamers (purchased)
tissue paper streamers (handmade)
handmade cake stands (DIY tutorial to come)
birthday banner (custom designed on my Silhouette Cameo)
giant paper and styrofoam confetti dots (handmade)
garland (handmade)
confetti (purchased)

Hopefully this has inspired you to start planning your next themed party. If you missed it, there's more images from my daughters' confetti-themed party over here.