It’s never too early to start planning a party. Here at The Detective Project we have been running detective and spy parties for nearly ten years and have picked up lots of handy tips along the way.
Here, we share our top five, bite-sized tips for running a party:
- If the weather is dry and not too windy, it’s great to hold part or all of the party outside. Guests love getting stuck into our parties and going outside to examine a crime scene is such fun.
- Don’t worry if you have older or younger siblings that wish to join in with the party as mixed-age party groups can work really well. The older and younger children often bring out the best in each other meaning the younger children listen well and take turns, whilst the older children are patient and help the younger ones. Multi-generational parties are also a really lovely way to celebrate a special occasion. We have run lots of multi-generational parties, where there is a role for everyone regardless of age or mobility. It’s a great way to get everyone talking and working together to solve the crime!
- At The Detective Project we take the hassle out of party bags by providing them for you. Each party bag contains crime scene tape, a notepad and pencil and a certificate. If you are holding a non-detective party then you might consider seasonal themes or party themes for the party favours such as a miniature plant pot and seeds or a recycled jam jar filled with sweets and small treats or an Easter egg.
- The ‘party tea’ is an essential part of the birthday party. It’s nice to include a variety of bite-sized finger foods either hot or cold and have some treats ready to hand out to adult guests and helpers. In an effort to host a more eco-friendly party it’s worth using reusable plates, cups and bowls rather than single use partyware. Several local groups have popped up that hire out partyware – it is worth researching your area for these services.
- The cake is always a very exciting component of the party, however it doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming to make. A simple sponge cake with an interesting cake topper such as a child’s favourite character can do the trick. Websites such as Ebay and Etsy are great places to find cake toppers that can often be personalised. Equally a shop bought cake can be just as tasty and there is often a good selection of cakes at most supermarkets. For blow the budget options, look at Pinterest for design ideas.
