Making a List & Checking it Twice: 2016 Holiday Planning Tips

Every year when Christmas time rolls around, my first thought is always, "Ugh, our families are SO BIG." Being one of 7 girls is a blessing but it also makes the holiday planning more complicated. There has been at least one new niece, nephew or brother-in-law every year for the past decade or so...and this doesn't even include Tuan's side of the family! The biggest challenges we face are keeping track of gift purchases for the twenty-something odd kids we shop for and planning all the various holiday parties. I'm sure many of you face the same challenges so I am sharing my tried and true tips on how to stay organized and keep yourself holly and jolly this holiday season.

1. Get a Christmas planner. These 20-30 page planners will help you track gift purchases, budget, grocery lists, activities, party menus and so much more. I started using a Christmas planner 2 years ago and have never looked back. Below are some of my favorite designs from Etsy. If you are going to be looking at this planner for the next month, you might as well pick a pretty design. Cost varies from $5-$10 and they are worth every penny. 

[PaperMousePlanners $6.00]

[Yellow Bliss Road $7.99]

[GrafikaStudio $7.86]

[missdesigngirl $6.50]

2. Use an online invitation system to invite guests and track your party RSVPs. Since I am an event coordinator by trade, I always find myself volunteering or being volunteered to organize holiday parties. I've come to embrace this duty but I do try to make my life easier by sending online invitations. Whether you are planning a cookie swap, white elephant, holiday movie viewing or ugly sweater party, there is an e-card for every occasion. Luckily for us, Paperless Post and Minted now offer beautifully designed cards that are available for free. Both sites offer guest management options that will be sure to simplify your hostess duties. 

Paperless Post 
(25 free coins when you sign up for an account)

Minted Online Cards 
(free during beta preiod)

Ideas for an Epic Wild Kratts Birthday Party

We've decided to host Parker's 3rd birthday at a local arcade to cut down on the amount of work we would have to put into party planning. True to form, I have made up for all the time saved from throwing a "simple" birthday party by coming up with ideas that will take up a lot of time. Ha! Can someone please save me from myself?

The theme for this year's party is "Wild Kratts" and we are going to turn the party room into an animal party! Here are some of the ideas that I am planning to incorporate into the party. 

[via Pinterest]

We are opting for a small cutting cake since Parker has never been a real fan of cake. Something simple like the cake above will look great on the dessert table. The plan is the fill the rest of the dessert table with boba drinks, Parker's favorite sweet treat. 

[Wild Kratts Adventure Banner]

I love this affordable birthday banner from the PBS Kids Shop. We'll be hanging it from a 10ft frame above the dessert table. 

[Jungle Vine DIY]

I'll be creating some jungle vines for decor. The vines are simple, cost effective and create a big impact. Instead of using brown paper bags like the tutorial in the link above, I bought a large roll of kraft paper. I cut all the leaves using a Cricut machine to save time.

[Walking animal balloons]

A large shipment of walking animal balloons arrived this week! These fun animal balloons will work as both party favors (everyone will be able to adopt an animal at the end of the party) and decor.

[Plastic animal centerpieces]

I love the idea of using wood stumps for decor but have no idea where I can find said stumps. Help!

I'm not sure what else I will come up with before the party but I hope Parker likes it. I can't believe he is turning 3. If you want to see my full idea board on Pinterest, follow me at https://www.pinterest.com/marychu33/. Stay tuned for pics of the party!