Throwing out the "mom guilt" over simple birthdays.

Throwing out the "mom guilt" over simple birthday parties

This last weekend we celebrated my biggest boy and my littlest boy. Maximo Joe turned six and Eli Gil turned two. This summer has been tight money wise, and I was a little concerned about how I was going to throw a party with such a tight budget. We got super creative and hosted a party with over 30 people, and I think it cost us about $20. 

In the beautiful world of Pintrest birthday parties and fanciful events, it is so easy to feel inadequate when it comes to putting on any kind of celebration when funds are low. Luckily I grew up with a mom that threw beautiful parties no matter what the budget was. She was so creative, and I am so glad that she passed her creativity along to me.

Yes... all that really matters at a party is the group of loved ones that are present, and the fellowship that takes place, but if you ask me, a party ain't a party unless you got some pretty decorations that make it a little special. Even if it's just a mason jar full of fresh flowers from your neighbor's yard.

In the past, esty and Pintrest have heavily influenced the celebrations I have put on for my boys. We have had a few hard-drive crashes in the last few years, I wish I had more pics from birthdays past but let's see what I can find here....

Max's first birthday

It was a pirate birthday. Such a sweet day. Here is mom, dad,
and my "other" parents Glen and Diane.

He wasn't so amused.

Max's second birthday

His second birthday was a Curious George birthday.

Complete with a bouncy house and balloon animals.

Grandma and Grandpa Hegstrom hosted.

Max's third birthday

Robot cupcakes in the park with our playgroup. I wish I had more pictures of his party that took place that night. It
was a drive-in movie robot party. Everyone came in their pj's and we watched Wall-e on the projector outside with popcorn and treats.

"whoabot" cupcakes

Funniest thing was that I had made all the cupcakes the night before.
Max got up early, snuck in to the diningroom and took a bite out of EVERY SINGLE ONE.
I was so mad, but knew I'd laugh about it one day.
And your dang right I frosted those babies and served them at the park!!

Max's fourth birthday

I don't have any pictures from his fourth birthday on my computer, but here is a video!

It was a "Wipe Out-Star Wars-Lego" party. 

Max turns five, Eli turns one

Gabriel was still in diapers!
And my hair was super cute... shoot... now i want to cut it again...
okay back to the birthday party.

Oscar and Parker admiring his cool gifts.

We had all of our new neighbor friends over along with our beloved old neighbors,
and the annual guests of honor: The Hernandez Boyz

Auntie LP got Eli his first fedora.

So, like I said, this year we had to get creative. The party location changed about four times. So that stressed me out. It worked out perfectly though. We ended up having it at Max's favorite park in Roseville, Rosebrook Park. It's a playground and a wading pool, lots of shade and plenty of space. The kids all loved it.

We hung up huge paper lanterns that my mom had. They were leftover decorations from our church day camp that were going to get tossed. She knew we'd need them at some point, and they are what made the party special. We covered the ground in colorful picnic blankets and quilts, put a cute tablecloth on the picnic table, and there ya go. Easy, simple inviting decorations. Total cost: $0.

I bought two $5 watermelons and cut them up in to little bite sized pieces. I bought a container of white popcorn kernels for under $3. Matt popped it all in coconut oil the morning of the party. All he did was salt it and bag it up in brown paper bags. Simple. Then I bought red plastic cups that would hold the popcorn: $3. I bought two cases of bottled water at Aldi, $4.50. I already had napkins, and my mom and her husband brought the cooler full of ice and popsicles. They also brought a pinata and brown paper sacks for the kiddos to collect their candy. Matt's parents brought some extra watermelon too. And there ya go. Easy, inexpensive birthday party food. Total cost out of our pocket: About $20.

The rolled down paper sacks actually looked cool!

If you are low on $$$ when the birthday seasons arrive, here is my advice: Make it simple. Have it mid-morning or mid-afternoon so that you aren't having to feed guests a meal. Choose simple foods that are popular in general, and that are easy to prepare and inexpensive to buy. Ask close friends or family members to help out by bringing something. People love to help out. Shop at ALDI or stock up when things go on sale. Talk to friends and family about what they have for decorations, and borrow their goods! (Between my mom and I, we have paper lanterns, mason jars, huge frames for photo booths, vases, a cake stand, tiered plate displays, table cloths, little baby jar hanging candle holders, pretty serving trays, colorful cake plates... etc. etc. So we are pretty much ready for any kind of party or gathering.)

And then after all that advice, here is one more piece. Invite lots of awesome families and shower your birthday kid with lots of love, affirmation, hugs, high fives and kisses. Because really, that's all they are going to remember.

Thanks to everyone who came and who sent birthday wishes and lots of love our way. It was a great day.

This mama was pleased. Especially because I got a new cute hat right before the party. And if you know me,
you'll know this is a big deal, because I NEVER find hats that fit my head. p.s. I got it at Target for under $4!!

So really, the party was closer to $25 if you count my birthday hat.