We've only held one venue party and they provided all the decorations - table cloths, plates, cups, balloons, even matching cupcake wrappers. They requested DD's favorite colors (pink and orange) and those are the colors they used for decorations.

A #9 helium balloon, cupcakes served on colored plates with matching napkins and a bottle of water each. That’s all I brought to our party last weekend at an arcade. It was dark, kids are jumping everywhere, no need for more. Had enough cupcakes and water bottles for the parents that stuck around. Super easy.

I did early on but there isn't enough time to decorate and often we forgot to put up the decorations with the mad rush to feed the kids. What you'd is plenty.

I do. I bring butcher paper for the tables instead of using the venue-provided vinyl/plastic ones. I usually use whatever the venue provides for plates but I provide a themed centerpiece. If the venue is doing the cupcakes I might bring cupcake toppers. We do some parent platters and I diy some stuff for napkin and utensil holders too. Basically I’m trying to mitigate the cheap plastic feel of a kid party because I don’t like it- I like adding a few cute touches. I avoid balloons bc of the environment and do try to use the same things over and over again like my table runner. Adults seem to love the food we put out for them. No one seems to notice the decorations but it makes me happy!

Anonymous wrote:Places like bounce houses, little gym, etc? I buy themed plates, napkins and goodie bags and that is the extent of it.

We went to some parties where parents decorate with cakesicles, balloons, platters for adults.

Is this the new trend?
Do you decorate?

Now I feel like I’m being lazy doing just pizza and cake.

That's not really decorating - cakesicles? Do you mean cake pops? That's in lieu of cake or cupcakes. Balloons are normal - I don't think I've been to a party that didn't have balloons, and I've been to several parties with extra food for adults - it's a nice thing to do if it's at a mealtime and parents are sticking around.

You are being a little lazy - at least add plastic or paper tablecloths. We bring a happy birthday balloon banner - you can get them on amazon.

Also, we always have a fruit platter and veggie platter (so easy to pick up at grocery store and costco or order through venue) and enough food and water for adults. I've been to so many parties where there was nothing to drink for adults - so annoying.

Anonymous wrote:Yup I do! But I think you're talking about two different things. I wouldn't consider platters for adults decorations. We invite classmates.and family friends to our parties so I like to make sure everyone is well fed. Our kids are young so parents are staying for the party.

Separately I like to decorate to match the theme.of the party. I like being creative and it makes the party look more festive.

You don't have to do either.

Op here. When my older kids were younger, I put some more effort. I had home parties with entertainment, decorations and adult food and drinks.

Now I have 3 kids. I have always just done pizza and cake at those places. Most parents seem to stay although our kids are now elementary.

My youngest is in preschool and the venue parties also seem to have decorations nowadays. We went to a ninjago party where the mom went all out with and decor. The tables at a recent moana and frozen party were very cute place settings with centerpieces. I feel like I’m being lazy.

Yup I do! But I think you're talking about two different things. I wouldn't consider platters for adults decorations. We invite classmates.and family friends to our parties so I like to make sure everyone is well fed. Our kids are young so parents are staying for the party.

Separately I like to decorate to match the theme.of the party. I like being creative and it makes the party look more festive.

You don't have to do either.

PP here. The balloons made it more nicer. Just go to the dollar store and pick up the helium balloons and balloon weights.

Our venue restricted outside food so we didn't do food.

But we brought balloons, themed plates, napkins, table covers, forks, spoons and table center piece and a Happy Birthday Banner.

We also did our own party favors (they charged $5 for crap).

I bring a couple balloons, party favors, themed cake, and always get a veggie platter and some other snacky thing for parents/kids that don’t want pizza.

I have no idea what a cakesicle is and don’t bring themed napkins, plates like you do.

Do what you like and don’t worry about it - it’s just a kids party!

Places like bounce houses, little gym, etc? I buy themed plates, napkins and goodie bags and that is the extent of it.

We went to some parties where parents decorate with cakesicles, balloons, platters for adults.

Is this the new trend?
Do you decorate?

Now I feel like I’m being lazy doing just pizza and cake.