The Ultimate Guide to Planning and Hosting the Perfect Party or Event

by Katie Lynch

Birthday? Baby Shower? Hens Party? At Katie J Design & Events, we have everything you need to throw an amazing celebration for any occasion. We print in Australia and ship Australia wide, plus to the US and New Zealand.

Here is our ultimate guide to throwing a party, with tips and tricks for every part of planning, from picking your theme to decorations, food, games and saving those special memories.

Picking a Party Theme

If you’re ready to host a celebration, the first step is choosing a party theme. Your theme ties together food, favours and decorations.

At Katie J Design & Events, we have over 300 party themes to choose from. They’re perfect for any occasion, including children’s birthday parties, 18th, 21st & 50th milestone birthdays, baby showers & naming ceremonies, christenings & baptisms, engagements & anniversaries, and hens parties & bridal showers.

When you’re browsing our themes, think about the celebrant. For kids, consider favourite characters or hobbies. For adults, lean into personal style, glamorous, rustic, cheeky, we have a theme for everyone. You can also explore simple styling wins with our balloon and banner styling ideas to level up your party look.

Here are a few examples:

Our Boys Campout Party Theme is perfect for a kid who loves the outdoors.

This Rustic Timber & Baby’s Breath theme is beautiful for a baby shower.

You might also like these theme guides for more ideas:

Decorating for a Party

Once you have your theme, look at your party space and pick two or three key colours to repeat. Tablecloths and balloons are quick wins that make a big impact.

Our party themes come with banners, posters & bunting you can use for decorating a party space. All are printed on high quality, durable, waterproof material. They handle spills and messes and can be used outside.

They’re also customisable with the celebrant’s name and details like the occasion, age or date.

See our guide to decorating and hanging party banners for hanging tips and a simple banner and balloon stand.

Party banners also make brilliant photo backdrops. Here’s our guide to capturing amazing memories with DIY birthday photo backgrounds.

Flag bunting is super versatile. See our tips for decorating with flag bunting around doorways, across entrances, along the front of a dessert table or layered on tabletops to frame the cake.

Add place cards and food labels for a personalised touch. Here’s how to make DIY themed place cards to style your party table.

Personalised Party Supplies

Beyond banners, posters and bunting, our personalised supplies make it easy to theme treats and favours for your guests.

Our range includes party invites, chocolate wrappers, loot bags, water labels, juice & bubble wand labels, round lollipop & favour stickers, wine & beer labels and more.

If you’re hosting a party for little kids, try our personalised rectangle stickers for drinks and bubble wands. Juice and bubbles are always a hit.

Our mini chocolate wrappers are incredibly versatile. Use them as treats and favours for almost any celebration. See how to wrap mini chocolate bars with personalised labels for quick, cute favours.

Since our personalised supplies make such great favours, don’t miss our guide to party favours and loot bags, with display ideas and tips for guests of all ages.

Making Party Food

From easy party foods to simple cake hacks, we have tried and tested crowd pleasers over the years. Many are so simple the kids can help, and some double as party activities.

For kid friendly, versatile treats, try chocolate spoons, iced biscuits, rainbow jelly and wafers dipped in sprinkles. Swap icing colours or toppings to match your theme.

We also have 10 no bake cake hacks. Pick the one that suits your theme and time:

Planning an adults only celebration? Try our cheeky willy cake hack for hens and divorce parties or set up a simple DIY mimosa bar.

Creating Party Games and Activities

Games keep everyone entertained and can be adapted to any theme. We have created lots of DIY party games over the years, simple twists on classics.

Kids especially love party games. Try these fun kids party games for all ages, including DIY pinatas, musical chairs and outdoor activities.

When the weather cooperates, a park party is always a win. See our ideas for throwing a fun party at a park, with games, food tips and theme suggestions.

We went all out for my son’s 7th birthday. Our fun and easy Minions party games include pass the parcel, musical chairs and pin the eyes on the minion. Simple ideas that adapt to any celebration.

Kids Party Entertainment

For hosted entertainment, Yabadoo Kids Parties offer packages across Australia with experienced entertainers and activities kids love.

Make sure to Visit Katie J Design and Events

As you wrap up your event planning, versatility is key so every guest feels included and engaged. For extra inspo, see our feature in Host with the Most: Home Appliance Hacks for Effortless Parties by Porch.com. It is full of practical tips you can adapt at home.

Looking for more party ideas? Parties by Katie J has helpful advice, easy recipes and DIY guides. Ready to personalise your decorations? Shop our full range, printed in Australia and shipped across AU, US and NZ.

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FAQs

How far in advance should I order personalised party decorations?

Order 2 to 4 weeks ahead. In peak seasons allow a little extra time. We print in Australia and ship AU wide, plus to the US and New Zealand.

Are your banners, posters and bunting waterproof?

Yes. They are printed on durable, waterproof material suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Can I add names, dates and custom text?

Absolutely. Most products allow custom text so you can match your theme perfectly.