The world is full of an incredibly diverse population with different looks, different skills, different hobbies, different music tastes . . . But we all have one thing in common: we all have birthdays! Whether you have a big birthday bash every year or just for the big milestones, you’re bound to invite friends and family over at some point to celebrate one more year of being spectacularly you. When that time comes, here is a list of birthday party essentials to get the celebration started.
Get the party hoppin’ with a bounce house
The bounce house is the quintessential children’s birthday party fixture. Many of us remember the nostalgic hum of the industrial fan, the smell of warm vinyl in the summer sun, and the pile of small shoes by the bounce house entrance. A bounce house has all the fun of a trampoline without the danger of slipping between the springs or falling off the side, so parents can rest easy knowing their children can play safely while they enjoy adult conversation. Many bounce houses also include a climbing ramp and slide for added entertainment, like this combo bounce. While bounce houses are seen predominantly at children’s parties, that doesn’t mean that’s where they have to stay! Many adults also love the opportunity to kick off their shoes and relive that childlike glee, so don’t pass up on surprising your adult friends with a bounce house for their birthday celebration.
Ignite friendly competition with yard games
Yard games are a great way to entertain adults and children alike at any backyard celebration. A party is a great time to brush up on your cornhole skills or challenge your friends to a game of horseshoes. If you’re a fan of tabletop party games, then upping the ante with giant versions of the classics like Jenga or Four-In-A-Row is a great way to get everyone involved.
Spoil your guests with a sweet treat
A cake at a birthday party is a given, but why limit your guests to one dessert option? Offering another sweet treat can be a great way to include guests who aren’t a fan of the traditional birthday fare. Planning to have another dessert on standby is also a great opportunity to add a showstopping element to the party. Consider offering snow cones or slushies for parties on a hot day, or set up a chocolate fondue station with fruits, pastries, and candies for guests to dip. You can even set up a cotton candy machine for guests to enjoy at the party or take home as favors (this one is especially popular at kids’ parties).
Create the perfect photo op with balloon arches, banners, and backdrops
Customized photo ops are becoming increasingly popular at celebrations like baby showers, graduation parties and – you guessed it – birthday parties! There are several companies who will set up a custom balloon arch for you, but you can easily make one at home by affixing balloons to a metal arch frame. These, along with pipe and drape stands, are also great for displaying custom banners and creating draped photo backdrops.
Have guests take a seat
A place to sit and rest makes for a happy guest, so make sure you have enough seating to go around. There are lots of chair options available to fit every aesthetic, from clear crystal resin chairs to rustic wooden x-back chairs. If you’re just looking for functionality and affordability, folding chairs are lightweight, easy to transport, and reliable in a pinch. For children’s parties, consider setting up tables and chairs of their own like these child height tables and small-sized children’s chivari chairs.
Dress up the party with colorful linens
Whether bright and whimsical or dark and moody, table covers are the easiest way to display your theme colors. Depending on the type of tables you have, there are lots of table cover options available. Polyester cloths are very affordable and available in numerous colors, so they are easily the most popular option, but upscale cloths like velvet and satin certainly see use in more elegant birthday soirees. If you’re planning a children’s party and expecting a gaggle of clumsy little tykes to attend, then you might consider forgoing linens altogether and opting for a Kwik Cover instead. These covers fit tight to the tabletop, removing the concern for tripping, pulling, or blowing in the wind. These have the benefits of being disposable after use while also being much stronger and more durable than a dollar store plastic table cover.
Stand out with a cake stand
Cake stands are not just for weddings. They are for any event where cake is involved! Using a cake stand is a great way to add height to a dessert table, elevating the birthday cake and making it a focal point among any other items. While you can certainly choose an ornate silver or gold stand like those popular for weddings, you can also opt for something more casual like these clear crystal stands. You can even get stands for more non-traditional forms of cake like this tiered cupcake stand and this cake pop tower.