Host a Nicole Richie-worthy Kids Party

Nicole Richie recently threw her daughter Harlow a fifth birthday party at a swanky hotel running thousands of dollars per night. It’s no surprise – kids’ birthday parties have become bigger and bigger spectacles in recent years – but celebrity kids’ birthday parties take the celebrating to a whole new level. From lavish floral arrangements to towering cakes, celebrity chef-catered meals to mansion-sized venues, parties like Harlow’s are as much for the parents as they are for the birthday boy or girl; and rightfully so after all the planning that’s required.

But while little Harlow may only remember that her party was very pink and very sparkly, her parents will have the pictures to prove that it was also lux, delicious and uniquely themed.

To host a celeb-style kids’ birthday party like Harlow’s, but with less fuss and a reasonable budget, follow the below tips.

• Start by checking out Pinterest for decorating and DIY ideas. If you are not a natural crafter, seek inspiration from and order items on Etsy.
   

• Establish your theme with the invitation. Use your digital camera (or borrow one from a friend) and do a photo shoot that highlights said theme. For a “Pretty in Pink” party, for example, dress your birthday girl in her favorite pink dress, snap some pics, and design printed invitations via Shutterfly. The invitations will indicate to guests that your party will be unique, and will also make lovely keepsakes.  
   

• Helium balloons make everything festive and are reasonably priced. Order balloons in all shades of pink and tie them to candy stations and chairbacks throughout your home.
   

• No need to give every little girl a tutu as a party favor. Instead, set up a basket or a dress up box with props that include tutus, tiaras, and feather boas, all of which can be played with throughout the party.
   

• Set up a dessert table “candy shop” with vintage glass candy jars filled with pink jellybeans, candy canes, and gummy bears. Give every little girl a cellophane bag so they can shop at the candy store and fill their own party favor bag to take home.
   

• Set up a drink table with mason jars filled with pink lemonade topped with pink polka dot paper straws.
   

• Make homemade mini cupcakes rather than ordering and serving a cake. They give the party a sweet, homespun feel and are perfectly portioned for little hands.
   

• Set up a photo booth with pink fabric as a backdrop with hanging streamers or ribbons and snap photos of each little girl. Let them use their imagination and play dress up. Print the photos and give them as a party favor or as a thank you card.

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