10 Tips for Organizing The Best Winter Birthday Party

Oh… dear Quebec of my heart! A lively spring, a summer of gentle heat, a fall filled with colors that awaken my senses but a cold winter that I would gladly skip!

To help me pass the winter faster, I find myself organizing many celebration parties. First off there’s my birthday on November 25th and then we have Christmas and New Years. We start off the new year with Nathan’s birthday in January, my husband’s birthday beginning February and then finally William’s birthday mid-February. As you can see i’m pretty busy! With the years, i’ve noticed that planning a birthday party in the winter has its distinctions. Today I am sharing with you my 10 best tips for a successful winter birthday party.

TIP 1: STAY HOME!

With Quebec’s winters, we are never certain of the weather. Best plan an at-home birthday party instead of an outdoor activity. This way, you depend less on the temperature and you are not stressed.

TIP 2: DON’T PLAN SOMETHING TOO FAR FROM HOME

It is preferable to plan something close to home (if not at home). You might be comfortable driving in a blizzard but not everyone is.

TIP 3: LIMIT THE NUMBER OF PARTY GUESTS

You want your child’s birthday to be memorable and not a day to forget. Limiting the number of party guests to 8 or max 10 is usually a good way to keep thing under control. My kids have so many friends that I prefer to have 2 different parties then to have 25 kids at my house at the same time.

TIP 4: A 3 HOUR PARTY IS LONG ENOUGH

When we organize an at-home birthday party in the winter, a 3h time period for the party is ideal!

TIP 5: ALLOW TIME FOR FREE-PLAY

When arriving at a birthday party, kids are usually very excited. I believe that 30 minutes of free-play at the beginning of the party is essential. Kids can go a little crazy but the adrenaline goes down! Afterwards, it’ll be easier to have their undivided attention for a presentation or party games.

TIP 6: SCHEDULE TIME FOR OUTDOOR PLAY

By providing a little time to go out and play, even if the temperature does not allow it, your schedule is not too turned upside down. I invite you to read my blog for ideas for outdoor games.

TIP 7: BRING IN KIDS GRADUALLY

Before coming back in the house, tell the kids that they will come in 2 by 2. Upon coming into your home, put the children’s hats and gloves in their jacket. Place boots and jackets in an orderly fashion. This organization will be of great help when the parents come back to get their kids.  

TIP 8: PREPARE A COMFORTING SNACK

You should have a small snack ready for when the kids come back from outside. A hot chocolate and marshmallows is the best snack to have during winter days.

TIP 9: ALLOW A 45-60 MINUTES FOR STRUCTURED ENTERTAINMENT

In your day’s planning, it is good to include a structured 45-60 minute presentation or structured games. With so many little one running around, you want to keep thing under control. You can avoid many mishaps if kids are busy!

Prototype schedule

1 pm: children arrive

1:30 pm: structured entertainment

2:30 pm: outdoor play

3 pm: snack

3:30 pm: cake and gifts

4 pm: end of the party

TIP 10: FINISH THE PARTY WITH CAKE AND GIFTS!

Finish your celebration by offering guests the cake and then unwrap the gifts. A wonderful way to end a great day of partying!

Don’t forget to take pictures!

Have an awesome day!