Let’s face it, at the stage of life I’m in right now most special occasions or important events fall into the “last minute” category. Between work, family, kids, pets, homework and a million other day to day tasks, it can be hard to plan in advance. However, one thing I’ve always been good at is shopping finding good deals and throwing a party. If you’ve been reading for a while, then you know how much I love to entertain. I love to celebrate and don’t need an excuse to do so!
If there’s one thing my kids love more than anything, it’s their Dad. He is the fun parent. He’s the one always down for an adventure, always down for a wrestle match or staying up late on a weekday. The kids adore him! He works so hard and we love celebrating him any chance we get. With his birthday coming up, we thought we’d have an early celebration and surprise him after work one day. I turned to www.groenerekenkamer.com/ for ideas on what to give him this year. Luckily I only had to make ONE stop to get something for this low-key party. Yes, only one. I’ve had plenty of experience hosting dinners, girls nights and throwing parties so there are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years. These are 3 of my fool proof tips that I always use!
1. Pick an easy color theme and plan ahead! I’m so guilty of doing this, but whenever I’m out and see fun paper plates, party hats, balloons or festive napkins on sale, I immediately toss them in my cart. I then store them all in a plastic party bin in our basement so I always have party goods on hand. I will not tell you how many times this has saved me. I love sticking with neutral colors because then you aren’t so limited. Another plus of buying ahead of time? It’s one less thing you have to worry about the day of a party or gathering! Knowing I always have decor on hand keeps my stress level low for sure!
2. A fruit arrangement from Edible Arrangements! My husband has never been much of a cake fan, but he loves himself chocolate and will eat just about anything covered in chocolate. Luckily, the Salted Caramel Birthday Delight from Edible® is filled with an irresistible assortment of salted caramel apple wedges, pineapple leaves, orange slices, semisweet chocolate dipped strawberries and topped with a Belgian Chocolate Pop! Edible Arrangements are made to order fresh daily and hand-crafted at one of their 1,200+ stores. They only use high quality fresh, never frozen fruit and 100% real chocolate. Oh and did I mention they deliver? For as little as $75, you can get this decadent gift from Edible® delivered fresh to your door. They make entertaining simple and stress-free and with plenty of year-round and Holiday selections, there is a fruit arrangement for every occasion. I’m a huge fan of getting food for a party catered or picking up pre-made items!
3. Fresh Flowers! Adding floral arrangements to a table scape is one of the most inexpensive ways to spruce up your party without spending a ton of money. Most grocery stores have bouquets starting at $7 so I usually buy a few of them! If you have a larger area to decorate, break them up and put in mason jars or cute glasses and vases. I also have a mixture of vintage glassware that I keep on hand for this very reason.
Do you have any last-minute tips or tricks that you use when getting ready for a party?
*Thank you to Edible Arrangements for sponsoring this post! As always, all opinions are my own*
You can literally never go wrong with an Edible Arrangement. I remember after my mom passed away last year my dad got about 15 of them and all we ate for about a week was fruit 🙂
We don’t throw a bunch of parties. More just get together casual type. I do like all your ideas
These are some great ideas. I just LOVE Edible Arrangements. I always am happy when I get a fruit bouquet from them. It goes fast, because it’s so tasty.
That picture of the kids’ dad kissing your son…. oh my. Melted my heart! This party looks every bit as good as those that spend hundreds and work for weeks on it.
Great photos! You have a beautiful family.
I love Edible Arrangements! I do not buy them that often because they were using as a special treat but when I do eat them they are gone within a few minutes LOL.
Love these ideas for last-minute party ideas. It never fails someone wants to through a inpromto party at the last minute.
Fruit bouquets are the best. They are so tasty and beautiful!
My go-to gift for birthdays, newborns and weddings are Fruit boutiques. Fruit arrangement are literally always welcome as gifts! My kids actually love when we receive one as well. (PS your floors are gorgeous)
These are really cute at the same healthy treats for Birthday. Best part that we can put it together in the last minute.
Life gets so busy, and these are great tips. As nice as it is to plan well in advance, the reality is that it doesn’t always happen. Thanks for the tips!
These are some great tips, I have to admit I am always leaving things till the last minute so I am all for tips that help make my scatterbrain still pull something amazing off.
I really enjoyed reading this post. These are really helpful tips. Love your photos! I try to have a on hand list in my planner with items to get and gift ideas.
Those edible arrangements are the best. I’ve had several over the years and they’ve all been good. Good party tips too!
Oh gosh! I love any and everything black and white patterned so I think your party decor is super cute!! Love it!!
It is the great way for some last minute preparations for celebrations. I really love your ideas especially for busy people.
Very valuable tips you have here for parents. I am not good in throwing a party so these help a lot.
Mmmm, I love Edible Arrangements. I love your display and decor, it’s so pretty! Thanks for sharing.
We love edible arrangements. Both for receiving and giving. Our parties are generally small and just with the family. Love your tips
Hey lady! Where did you get the besos sign? LOVE it and loving your blog! Xx
Thank you girl! It’s from Sugarboo & Co! https://www.sugarbooandco.com/products/besos?variant=18937542405 xoxo