Plan A Virtual Party with LYFETYMES Party
There are still many ways to still celebrate with your friends and family and put on the best celebration possible in 2020 you can give them while at home during quarantine and engaging in social distancing. Whether it is a Virtual Party, At-Home Party, Drive-by Party, or Hybrid of them all, we have gathered some innovative ways to celebrate the moments that matter most.
How To Celebrate Virtually In 2020
Planning a Virtual Party and not sure where to start? You can plan any Birthday Party, Baby Shower, Graduation Party, Holiday Party, and more, with LYFETYMES - the fastest-growing party planning platform and app.
At-Home and Virtual Parties can still be festive and engaging. It does not just have to be a Face-time call, you can make it as memorable as you want and it is important to celebrate those milestones and recognize they have been accomplished. You can plan for free at LYFETYMES or if you don’t have the time or non-technical, head to the LYFETYMES Vendors Marketplace to find a party stylist or wholesale goods to help plan and style your entire party at an affordable price.
There are still many ways to still celebrate with your friends and family and put on the best celebration possible in 2020 you can give them while at home during quarantine and engaging in social distancing. Whether it is a Virtual Party, At-Home Party, Drive-by Party, or Hybrid of them all, we have gathered some innovative ways to celebrate the moments that matter most.
Virtual At-Home Party
Virtual Major Moments- Great for Proposals, Gender Reveal, Sip and See’s, and College Admissions
These are intimate feel-good moments that people are going to love to be a part of even virtually. We will celebrate more of them than ever because we want to connect even more with friends and family, as these are the precious memories that will bring smiles.
Most commonly, you will physically be with less than 10 people, most likely people that live in your home only, and having friends and family join virtually. You can still decorate, open presents, have party activities, etc. You may want to move things traditionally at the end of a party to the front- So start with singing Happy Birthday, Blowing Out Candles, opening gifts, that way if people cant stay they at least get the big highlight!
Add some front yard signs to add to the moment!
There are many sign companies where you can hire (and support small businesses) to come decorate your yard with personalized signs overnight so it is ready to go in the morning! You will be surprised by the smiles, great selfies, and honking you get from well-wishers driving by!
Hosting a Successful Virtual Party
At Home & Virtual Parties can be fun, but if you want it to be as successful as possible, then it does require some planning and effort. Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!
Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It is a free one-stop-shop for parties.
No more Paper Invites-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can personalize with a picture or a video and share your LYFETYMES Party Website on FB or via text.
Add a virtual party link/URL to your LYFTEYMES from any of the services you use like Zoom or Goggle Hangouts, so all they have to do click it and party with you!
Add a slideshow link! These are great to include on your website for guests to enjoy!
Add an easy registry link for guests to send gifts to your door! Including a registry is a great way to receive cash or gifts directly.
Determine where in the house, backyard, or space you will use for the party, a fun backdrop can be great for gift opening, a central focus of the room for photos.
Determine Theme and Decor and order to your door ahead of time there are a ton of delivery solutions, like yard signs, food, cake, and balloons that can be dropped outside your door. You can add all your ideas to your LYFETYMES party!
Make an agenda, especially for your video call - make sure you have put some thought into the call- the last thing you want is a boring virtual party! You can create an agenda and digital checklist in LYFETYMES to keep you on track for songs and games!
Best 1st Birthday Baby Shark Theme Party
Best 1st Birthday Baby Shark Theme Party
This beautiful 1st baby shark birthday party was submitted by Carter 7 Grand Events. This is what she said was her inspiration to create and style this party. “As a party planner/decorator; we are often asked to repeat a popular theme more than once; and BABY SHARK being as popular as it is; we have completed several setups; however, this was our first large setup and our first setup for the theme outdoors.
It was a very HOT TEXAS DAY, but we managed to pull through. Our client was very excited to celebrate Romir's first birthday party and even motivated and gave us so much eagerness to set up such a memorable event. We took a little bit of everything we had previously set up before and added a little twist to it.
Having the event outdoors under a tent; gave us a little more imagination to work with; from the balloons hanging from the center of the tent; to the props being placed in front of the water wave custom table cloth that was made by our business owner Carla Smith. The entire setup was FUN - FUN -FUN. We never draw out a detailed setup map; we just bring what we need and then we allow our creative juices to flow and we create a GRAND-ness.
Carter 7 Grand Events is our business name; which has a very meaningful meaning behind it; which is part of the reason we love setting up children's events. Carter is the name of the owner of our business’s first son; who passed away during birth; it was her only child; but was the 7th child of her deceased husband, who passed away suddenly 2 years after their son passed away from a blood clot.
When hired to do children's events; it is always an exciting and fun time for us and most of our inspiration comes from our sweet and precious angels who watch over us from above.
We would like to invite you all to our business page on Facebook @Carter 7 Grand Events and on Instagram Carter 7 Grand Events
We would like to give a special thanks to She's Making Sweets for the amazing cake, custom candy apples and cupcakes; and also La Casa de Carton for our amazing marquee numbers that we love so much.
Romir's Baby Shark 1st birthday was definitely one of our favorite setups since dealing with this pandemic. Due to the pandemic of course business for us is not what it once was and parties are not how they use to be. Through the hand sanitizer on each table, and no candles being blown out on the main birthday cake, and food being served in to-go containers; we were still able to bring some sunshine with our decorations; even during the pandemic storm. We pray for the safety and well being of everyone and this too shall pass; we hope very soon.
We’ve included lots of pictures for you to enjoy every child’s dream party!
Vendor Credits:
Party Stylist & Event Planner: by Carter 7 Grand Events
Cake: She's Making Sweets
Party decor: La Casa de Carton
LYFETYMES is the #1 party planning website. Check us out for all your party planning needs!
Want to be in the party business but don’t know where to start? Whether you specialize in party planning, baking, or balloons Hostessy Pro can help you get your party business off the ground. Hostessy Pro will create your personalized business webpage, URL, and email. As well as access to our digital media library with over 100 of our best content & more, Check them out to get started on your party dreams.
The Best Safari Baby Shower Ideas
The Best Safari Baby Shower Ideas
When hosting a baby shower choosing the perfect theme is part of the fun of party planning. You get to use your creativity and showcase your talents for the expecting mother and guests to enjoy.
Party Submitted By Janessa Morton Resendes!
A Safari Themed Baby Shower will definitely set the tone for a cute and intimate gathering to celebrate the expecting parents and new baby! The possibilities are endless when it comes to planning a Safari Themed Baby Shower with all the fun animals and jungle greenery this Safari Theme is sure to be a hit!
Janessa is a teacher but does party planning as a hobby. Her kids are 5 and 6-year-olds and she says they always have pretty fun parties. Janessa styled this Safari Themed Baby Shower for her sister and she said, “I’m pretty simple. The only person I used was a cake lady, and the rest was me. It’s a lot of work, to say the least… my sister created a safari themed nursery for baby Gavin so that’s what inspired me to go with the Safari theme.”
Check out all the beautiful photos we’ve included showcasing all the beautiful details and creativity that went into styling this Safari Themed Baby Shower.
6th Birthday Cactus- Themed Party Ideas!
LEA LOVES CACTI. SHE LOVES THE ROUND ONES. I WANTED TO FOCUS ON A FEMININE CACTUS EVENT THAT MAINTAINED A MODERN FEEL. I LOVE THE PAIRING OF TERRA COTTA WITH ALMOST ANYTHING BUT ESPECIALLY WITH SAGE AND PINK. THE BEAUTIFUL PLATES CAME FROM THE LITTLE ARTIST AND WERE THE INSPIRATION FOR THE WHOLE LOOK OF THE LUNCH. THERE'S NOTHING THAT MAKES ME HAPPIER THEN A PRETTY TABLESCAPE SO I FOCUSED ON DETAILS.
6th Birthday Cactus-Themed Party Ideas!
Submitted By The Amazing Party Victoria Petrovsky @queen_victoriap
It’s been a pretty wild time we’ve all going through these past few months. Emotions are running high and if you’re like me it’s been kind of hard to wrap my head around it all. My niece who is only six understands some of what is going on but not exactly everything, so when we told her she might not be able to have a birthday party this year she was okay with it. Although, that didn’t exactly sit well with me because this little girl has been pulled out of school and had her entire world turned upside down. I felt like I had to find a way to celebrate her.
Lea loves cacti. She especially loves the round ones. I wanted to focus on a feminine cactus event that maintained a modern feel. I don’t know about you, but Cacti themed parties are one of my favorite themes. I am showing you how you can throw your own Fan-Cactus Birthday party!
I love the pairing of Terra-Cotta with almost anything, but especially with sage and pink. These beautiful Himalayan shot glasses were purchased from Himalayan Secrets.
The beautiful plates came from The Little Market and were the inspiration for the whole look of the lunch.
There’s nothing that makes me happier than a pretty tablescape so I made sure to focus on the details.
Since we were outside, we set up the umbrella for some shade. I decided to decorate the umbrella with this cute balloon garland from Nifty Balloons.
Cactus shot glasses, pink Himalayan salt shot glasses, sage drinking glasses, and terra cotta bowls. The floral arrangements from Pavan Floral were absolutely stunning and fit the vision perfectly. I couldn’t have dreamt it up any better.
Sharp balloons provided the amazing balloon cactus that was used as the backdrop for the dessert table. This cute sign made by @Creativeamme on Instagram was also a great touch to one of my favorite tables at the party.
The food ordered from Heirloom was delicious and paired great with the theme.
I also added a charcuterie board filled with greens and some pretty pink flowers to add to the party aesthetic.
The lovely desserts were made by Janice Wong, and let me tell you Janice never disappoints with her desserts. You can find her @janice.w0ng on Instagram.
She made the cutest cactus macaroons in terra-cotta pots
and a delicious rose gold drip cake with the cacti on top. She did such a fantastic job that I didn’t want to mess it up, but I couldn't resist and ended up having two slices.
At the end of the day, my niece was smiling and was so happy. She felt celebrated and that’s all I wanted. I hope this inspires you to have a little backyard cactus themed birthday celebration. We all need a little love and celebration.
Vendor Credits:
Flowers: www.pavanfloral.com / Insta: @pavanfloral
Rentals: www.3littlebirdseventplanning.com / Insta: @3littlebirdseventplanning
Balloons: www.niftyballoons.com /Insta: @sharpballoons.com
Sign: Insta: @creativeamme
Music: Insta: @djwillgill / www.djwillgill.com
Dessert: Insta: @janice.w0ng
Cactus Shot glasses: https://www.burkedecor.com
Himalayan Shot glasses: https://himalayansecrets.com
Dinner Plates: https://www.thelittlemarket.com
Food: www.heirloomla.com / Insta: @heirloomla
AMAZON DEALS & STEALS TO GO WITH THIS PARTY!
7 Unique Last-Minute Father's Day Ideas
Check out these 7 unique last-minute Father’s Day ideas in this latest post and more. LYFETYMES is the #1 Party Planning Website! Check us out for all things party!
7 Unique Last-Minute Father’s Day Ideas
Father's Day is right around the corner; do you have your gift planned yet? If you said no, do not worry we do not judge, and we’re here to help you. With so much going on in the world now, a gift for the man in your life might have been overlooked. It is even more important this year as we face yet another holiday in some degree of quarantine to hold onto those who matter the most. Which is why we came up with some creative and unique ways to celebrate the father figures in your life. So ditch the button-ups and read on for 10 unique gift ideas for the super dads we want to celebrate!
Go DIY for Father’s Day
This is the perfect way to put your heart into dad’s gift and be creative. And who does not love homemade gifts? Dads do a lot of building and repairing so have the little ones build and create something for dad. You know what they say it’s the thought that counts and a DIY gift is sentimental, and dad can hold onto it for a lifetime. So, get crafty and DIY something special this Father’s Day.
Backyard Camping
Want to plan a fun night full of adventure for dad, but are running short of time and money? Consider a backyard campout. Grab your tent from the garage. If you don’t have one ask a friend or family member so you don't have to purchase one. Bring out the s’mores tasting and warm up those vocals for some campfire singalongs. Stargazing and letting dad share his childhood stories is the perfect way to spend some quality time with dad.
Buy a Grill or Grilling Supplies
Every man needs a grill. This is the perfect time to give dad a nice BBQ pit. If he already has a grill maybe it’s time to replace it with one he’s been eyeing or gift dad with some new grilling supplies. Nothing says ‘Grill Master’ like having the latest grilling gadgets and tools. The Back of the Yards Collection by The Spice House is a great gift. It comes with four spice jars that celebrate locals whose families come from Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Dad can add some flavors from all over the world to his favorite dishes.
This grill set by Wüsthof is just what dad needs for a quality grill setup (And it’s on sale right now.) All handles are heat resistant and have hooks that make them easy to store. Make it extra special by engraving it with a sweet Father’s Day message.
DAD’s Old Records
If your dad has a collection of old Vinyl Records in the attic it's time to dust them off and bring them out. If he doesn't already have a record player this is the perfect time to purchase one. Kohl’s has a great collection to choose from like this Victrola Suitcase Turntable Record Player that is currently on sale. Play some records and revisit the memories. Let dad tell you all about his Vinyl record days and don’t forget to take lots of photos or videos of your father and family dancing around the living room to his favorite tracks.
Learn About Your Family History
Nothing shows you care about your dad’s future and past like an Ancestry DNA kit. You can help your father learn more about his origins while also learning about his health. This DNA kit is a great way to get to know your dad. Your dad will love to uncover his ancestry and maybe learn more about his father as well. Ancestry.com is having a Father’s Day Sale on their kits so grab one today and share a unique interactive experience with dad.
A Monthly Membership
One of the best Fathers Day gifts in 2020- a Dollar Shave Club monthly subscription. Every month dad will get a box full of everything he needs to have a clean and sharp shave delivered straight to his door. From super sharp razors to moisturizing shaving creams this gift is the perfect mix of convenience and quality. It will have dad feeling young and hip.
Breakfast In Bed
Start dad’s special day with a great early- morning surprise. We all know mom usually gets the breakfast-in-bed treatment. But that does not mean dad wouldn’t enjoy the same indulging. Everyone loves a good breakfast in bed, especially when eating in your room is normally off-limits. So, let dad relax and make his favorite breakfast food and have your little sous chefs join in on the fun and create cute drawings or a sweet message to accompany dads’ breakfast.
Game Night With a Twist
If your Father is a board game kind of guy or loves to play parlor games such as Charades and Pictionary, then the best way to celebrate Father's day at home is to have a game night where you play all his favorite board games or parlor games. To make it more special, put a twist in every game. For example, you can have prizes that will be beneficial to your dad, or you can make the topics of the charades about your Father.
Father's Day is a time to express your love and let him know that he is appreciated. Recognize his hard work. Express all the things you love about him and things he does for you. That’s why we’ve got you covered with this fun and creative Father's day ideas and things to do with dad.
How To Host A Virtual Baby Shower
When we think of baby showers, we typically imagine a group of a dozen or so close relatives and friends all gathered together celebrating the approaching bundle of joy!. Although celebrations around the world can be postponed- some things can’t be postponed- like the birth of a baby! Due to Covid-19, your in-person baby shower plans have probably changed or even postponed, but let’s face it, one of the best parts of the baby shower is getting some gifts that you are in dire need of day 1 of the baby’s arrival. We are coming up with solutions to mom’s to be so you can still celebrate the upcoming arrival.
Connecting Family and Friends to celebrate your baby shower.
We’ve collected all of the best ideas to help you plan your online Virtual Baby Shower!
When we think of baby showers, we typically imagine a group of a dozen or so close relatives and friends all gathered together celebrating the approaching bundle of joy! Although celebrations around the world can be postponed- some things can’t be- like the birth of a baby! Due to Covid-19, your in-person baby shower plans have probably changed or even canceled, but let’s face it, one of the best parts of the baby shower is getting some gifts that you are in dire need of day 1 of the baby’s arrival. We are coming up with solutions for mom’s to be so you can still celebrate the upcoming arrival.
Introducing the virtual baby shower. That’s right: virtual. All online, no matter the distance. The concept of virtual baby showers is not new, we have been including our loved ones who can’t be there for some time now by virtually. having them on video chat here and there. The difference is now it is just not Aunt Becky in Georgia, it is pretty much everyone that will need to attend online. So it takes a bit more organization and effort so it’s enjoyable for everyone.
What is a Virtual Baby Shower?
Virtual or online baby showers are generally the same concept and usually will happen before the baby arrives The difference is you will only have one or two people attending in person with you vs. 10 or 20, and more than likely, they are living in the house. Once the baby is born, it is a great time to have Virtual Sip and See, which we will cover in a later post.
We should acknowledge mom-to-be’s feelings now- a virtual shower isn’t going to totally replace the one you have been dreaming and planning since you found out you were expecting. This situation isn’t normal, so if you are feeling a bit down or disappointed—it is ok, that’s normal. It will be different, but that does not mean you can’t celebrate, register, have a theme, open gifts, play games, and everything else you dreamed of!
If you are thinking of taking your baby shower virtual, here’s our expert guidance on how to pull off an amazing and unique virtual baby shower.
Who Hosts a Virtual Baby Shower?
The nice thing about Virtual Showers is the rules are thrown out on hosting. Here are FOUR options
1) The expecting parents to host their own shower. Start planning your shower for free at LYFETYMES, -everything you need in one place to plan any party or shower.
2. You can also have a close friend or family member help you host.
3. But even if your Co-host or Co-Hosts live far away, it’s still totally possible to coordinate via LYFETYMES, since the party is entirely virtual anyway and you can be added as Guest Of Honor.
4. Check out our LYFETYMES Vendor Marketplace to find party services such as event planning, balloon stylist, photography, catering, and more.
Steps to Hosting a Successful Virtual Baby Shower
Virtual Showers can still be festive and engaging. It does not just have to be a Face-time call, you can make it as memorable as you want, but if you want it to be as successful as possible, then it does require some planning and effort. Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!
Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It is a free one-stop-shop for all thing parties.
No more Paper Invites-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can add a virtual party link, so all they have to do click and party with you! Digital invitations are super popular and totally boring. At LYFETYMES, you can create your Shower Website in a few clicks, add links to your registry and personalize with any picture or short video. Guests can RSVP and get all the party details from your site and just simply click on the virtual party link when it is Shower time! We also have Digital Thank you’s you can email once the shower wraps.
Add an easy registry link for guests to send gifts to your door! Including a registry is a great way to receive cash or gifts directly.
Determine where in the house, backyard, or space you will use for the party, a fun backdrop can be great for gift opening, a central focus of the room for photos. Zoom just launched backgrounds you can add to virtual call which is fun or you don’t want to worry about decorating.
Determine Theme and Decor and order to your door ahead of time there are a ton of delivery solutions, like yard signs, food, cake, and balloons that can be dropped outside your door. Tableware isn’t really necessary. Streamers and balloons? Definitely be camera-ready. Check out the best Balloon Bar we have found yet here.
Make an agenda, especially for your video call - make sure you have put some thought into the shower flow- the last thing you want is a boring virtual party with no structure!
Cue The Music! Get in the mood with our favorite Baby Shower Songs here!
Drinks! Check out the Parents 20 Fun Baby Shower Cocktails and Mocktails Recipes.
The Tech- Video Chat Services
There are lots of solutions out there to choose from, we recommend going with a free video service like Zoom, Skype, Facebook messenger rooms, or Google Hangouts. As long as you and your guests have an internet connection and a phone or computer with a webcam, then they can join. These are the top four easiest video solutions we have found:
Zoom: Zoom is free for everyone to use, allows up to 100 connected devices (500 for an extra charge), and doesn’t require you to download an app, though there is an app option. All you need is an internet connection and a web browser (you can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone). The host sets up a virtual room with a unique ID and password, then sends out the information to guests. Guests don’t need an account to gain access to the party. Keep in mind: The free version of Zoom allows up to 40 minutes of meeting time per room; additional time is available for purchase, but you can also close out the room and start a new one, with that said, if some of your guests are not technical, this could prove to be trying exercise. Additionally, Zoom has come under fire lately for privacy concerns, but they claim they’re taking measures to increase security.
Facebook Messenger Rooms- Facebook is launching this feature to compete with Zoom. Messenger Rooms make it easy to spend quality time with friends, loved ones, and people who share your interests. Create a room right from Messenger or Facebook, and invite anyone to join your video call, even if they don’t have a Facebook account. Rooms will soon hold up to 50 people with no time limit. Facebook plans to add ways to create Rooms from Instagram Direct, WhatsApp, and Portal as well. Features will include 14 camera filters and changeable backgrounds.
Google Hangouts: This service only works if you have a Google/Gmail account, which is free and fairly easy to sign up for. Google Hangout video calls allow a maximum of 10 devices, but up to 250 participants if the call is audio/phone only. They just launched the tile view comparable to Zoom and planning on adding noise-canceling features.
Skype: One of the most well known and been around a while. Skype is free to use on any computer, tablet, or mobile device, and it doesn’t require you to download the app if you’re using a computer web browser. The key differences: it allows up to 50 devices, and there’s no password protection.
Gift Opening at a Virtual Baby Shower
So with any Virtual Celebration, we suggest you flip around the traditional agenda! People love to see their gifts opened and you want to keep the shower engaging and not everyone can stay on for over an hour so start your first activity with drinks and gifts! You open the gifts sent to you (because you provided the information on your LYFETYMES Guest Website) on camera for everyone to see. Or you can have guests hold onto their gifts during the shower and open them for you on camera so you can see (then they can send them to you later). Or you can do a combination of both! We are seeing delays in shipping due to Covid-19, so the earlier you plan and get the word out, the better!
Virtual Baby Shower Games
You can still have a ton of fun playing Baby Shower Games with your guests- but keep it simple!
The Price Is Right: Have guests take a moment to fill out a card with their best guesses for the price of each item as they join. Toward the end of the shower go through the list and the person with the closest price of each item scored one point. The guest with the most points won bragging rights! Get copies of the game card that you can download and print for free HERE from https://realhousemoms.com/ Tip: Look up prices ahead of time!
Baby Bingo- Everyone loves bingo—and when it’s baby-themed, it’s even better. Use these printable bingo cards to get the party going when the mom-to-be opens presents. Instructions: Have Guests print out bingo cards ahead of time. Each gift that the mom-to-be opens at the shower becomes a clue for bingo. You can download a free set of 24 Bingo Cards to print HERE.
If you are wanting to be more adventurous, check out our How To Throw A Drive-By Baby Shower article here!
Host an Awesome Drive-By Baby Shower
Honk If You're Having A Baby!
Having a Baby Shower is part of the excitement when becoming new parents. With the Coronavirus and Stay At Home order in place around the world. Many of these special celebrations are being canceled. Unfortunately, pregnancies cannot be rescheduled. These are milestones that need to be celebrated because we will never get them back.
Plan A Drive-By Baby Shower Ideas
by Liz Grisham and Carmen Lopez
Honk If You're Having A Baby!
Having a Baby Shower is part of the excitement when becoming new parents. With the Corona virus and Stay-At-Home order in place around the world, many of these special celebrations are being canceled. Unfortunately, pregnancies cannot be rescheduled. These are milestones that need to be celebrated because we will never get them back.
From drive-by celebrations to virtual ones, people around the world are getting creative on ways to continue the celebrations. Drive-By Baby Showers won't replace traditional ones, but they will make the expecting parents feel loved. Read on to discover how to plan the ultimate Drive-By Baby Shower Parade.
How or Where to Set Up?
Depending on the neighborhood and if you have a driveway available, set a time and date for friends and family to line up their cars and drive by your house. If you are living in an apartment complex, schedule a meet up at an empty parking lot where you can wave at your guests from afar. It could be a church lot or school parking lot. Decorate your driveway or car trunk with balloons and garland. Grab a chair, kick back and be ready to feel the love as friends and family greet you with honks and cheers.
Layout some fun printable games like baby bingo and baby word scramble, and your guests can fill them out or take home to play together virtually through a Livestream. You can find some fun baby shower printables at The Spruce.
We can't forget the gifts, so make sure to set up a spot for guests to drop off gifts.
Expectant mothers are not only anticipating the arrival of their little ones, but they are panicking about being prepared for their little love. The stores are bare, and necessities have become hard to find at times. Help the mom-to-be stock up on essentials such as diapers, wipes, sanitizer, and food, so everyone is staying safe at home
Shower Me With Love Baby Shower Parade
How many can say they've had a parade for their baby shower? Not many!
Getting all loved ones involved by having them decorate their cars for a drive-by parade is an exciting way to celebrate in these crazy times. Your loved ones will be even more excited to drop off their gifts when they get to see the visuals you have been spending hours planning on Pinterest. Get everyone even more involved by holding a fun prize for the winner of the best-decorated car, and it will make their drive-by appearance feel even more special! Gift cards make for good prizes and will be easy to mail out to the winners. They are also a great way to support your local businesses at this time.
How To Plan A Drive-By Baby Shower or Parade
Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!
Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It’s a FREE Party Planning and Free Guest Websites for all thing parties.
No more Paper Invites or boring e-invitations-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can add a virtual party link, so all they have to do click and party with you! Add a Picture or Video to capture guests’ attention!
Title Your Party “Drive-By Baby Shower” Make the location of your party your house and explain in the comments section of your Website guests should drive by the location.
Add an easy registry link for guests to buy gifts to drop off at your door! Including a registry is a great way to get what you want and need.
Have a “Drop Station” and decorate it so they know. Fun to add yard signs, balloons, decorate a porch, add garage door banners, or decorate your front door.
Set up your social distance spot, where you can wave, say hello, and thank them
Get Your Guests involved- have a contest of best-decorated car, sign or custom.
Video yourself opening gifts or host a Virtual Gift Opening Happy Hour so guests can enjoy seeing you open gifts.
Hosting a Drive-By Baby Shower probably wasn't what you pictured your celebrations were going to be like, but it's a great way to overcome the circumstances. Nothing will make you feel more showered with love then your friends and family making time and coming out of their shelters to celebrate your growing family.
Need Help Planning a Drive-By Shower or Parade, visit our LYFETYMES Vendor Marketplace or plan for free at LYFETYMES.com
The At Home & Virtual Quarantine Survival Guide
There are still many ways to still celebrate with your friends and family and put on the best celebration possible in 2020 you can give them while at home during quarantine and engaging in social distancing. Whether it is a Virtual Party, At-Home Party, Drive-by Party, or Hybrid of them all, we have gathered some innovative ways to celebrate the moments that matter most.
How To Celebrate In 2020
by Liz Grisham and Katie Cunningham
Celebrations both large and small have been canceled or postponed that was planned for the Spring and Summer, which are the most popular Seasons for major milestone life events such as Weddings, Showers and Graduations. Not only has this interrupted these important life events friends and family had looked forward to, but the entire event infrastructure we use to help us with these Celebrations mostly made up of small businesses, have been severely impacted.
Many of us have considered canceling a Birthday Party, Baby Shower, Graduation Party, etc that are coming up in the next few weeks or months due to Social Distancing related to COVID-19. This may seem like a realistic approach to celebrating “when this is over” leaving some very disappointed kiddos, graduates, and moms to be, but the Leading Physiological Experts say this does more damage than good.
Take Your Party Medicine
It’s important to revisit why we celebrate milestones in the first place and the positive emotional effects brought forth by continuing it. It is not just important for our children, but there are major benefits that we as adults can benefit from celebrating.
According to social psychology researcher Fred Bryant and others, when we stop to savor the good stuff, we buffer ourselves against the bad and build resilience—and even mini-celebrations can plump up the positive emotions which make it easier to manage the daily challenges that cause major stress. Which is so important for all of us right now.
When we have something to look forward to or look ahead to something worth celebrating, we feel more optimistic, according to research led by Hadassah Littman-Ovadia.
Dr. Allen Schwartz states: In my opinion, as a therapist, mental health worker, and human being, these (Celebrations) things are not only not childish, but are extremely important. These celebrations are markers of achievements in our lives and the celebrations to recognize or remember these events help to reinforce to each of us our significance as unique individuals. Perhaps the most important celebration of all is the birthday because it demarcates our arrival on this earth.
Traditions and celebrations surrounding birthdays are important for other, deeper reasons, too, and are a “special – and necessary – part of childhood,” says Heather Ulrich, Ph.D., child, and family psychologist in Asheville.
“Children come to depend on these events for consistency and continuity in their lives and birthdays, in particular, provide unique benefits for children cognitively, socially and for parent-child relationships,” says Ulrich, who is also an assistant professor of psychology at UNC Asheville and the parent of two girls, ages 4 and 7.
“Celebrating a child’s birthday allows parents to demonstrate the joy and love they have due to the addition of that child to our world (and the family),” says Ulrich. “Sharing special experiences and creating memories enhances the bond and security between parent and child, and increased secure attachment has lasting effects on a child's self-esteem, development, behavior, and emotions.”
Celebrating a child's birthday every year helps them to understand “the growing up process of aging each year and assists them in understanding what each age means and its developmental significance,” says Ulrich. “It’s not the party or elaborate celebration that matters; it’s the focus on the individual child for that day and a focus on their new age and development.”
Neuroscience on https://www.psychologytoday.com/ explains what impacts by having positive celebrations can have on emotions:
Celebration Conversations elevate the level of such “feel good” chemicals like oxytocin and the endorphins—neuropeptides produced in the central nervous system. Their release into our system gives us a sense of well-being.
Serotonin that is boosted by cheering and pleasant conversations is widely known for increasing motivation and can even transform stress into success.
When you celebrate, endorphins are released inside your body and you feel incredible. When you accomplish something and don't take the time to celebrate, you are robbing yourself of an important feeling that reinforces your success.
Conversely, if you fail to celebrate, you are training your brain that what you are doing isn't all that exciting and important. Simply put, the lack of celebration will lead to a feeling of emptiness lower our self-esteem over time.
So What in the Confetti do we do?
There are still many ways to still celebrate with your friends and family and put on the best celebration possible in 2020 you can give them while at home during quarantine and engaging in social distancing. Whether it is a Virtual Party, At-Home Party, Drive-by Party, or Hybrid of them all, we have gathered some innovative ways to celebrate the moments that matter most.
Virtual At-Home Party: Great for Birthdays and Baby Showers
Most commonly, you will physically be with less than 10 people, most likely people that live in your home only, and having friends and family join virtually. You can still decorate, open presents, have party activities, etc. You may want to move things traditionally at the end of a party to the front- So start with singing Happy Birthday, Blowing Out Candles, opening gifts, that way if people cant stay they at least get the big highlight!
Do a Drive-By: Great for Birthday Celebrations
Even though we’re social distancing, that doesn't mean you can't get into your car! Deck out your car with balloons and signs then drive by your friends or family’s house. Tell them to look outside and start singing "Happy Birthday" when they come out to look! The extra thought, time and attention decorating your car will make anyone smile.
Trunk Party! Great for Graduation and Baby Showers
The way this works is you have a specified time and date at your house, you turn your vehicle around or put up a table and friends get out of their car (one at a time) and drop off the gift and set it in the trunk or leave on the table. We have many vendors that offer services that set up some amazing banners and balloon displays in the front yard. You can say hi and wave from a socially safe place.
Virtual Major Moments- Great for Proposals, Gender Reveal, Sip and See’s, and College Admissions
These are intimate feel-good moments that people are going to love to attend. We will celebrate more of them than ever because we want to connect even more with friends and family, as these are the precious memories that will bring smiles. These can last around 15-30 minutes, decorate a cute backdrop and have confetti bomb ready!
Hosting a Successful Virtual Party
At Home & Virtual Parties can be fun, but if you want it to be as successful as possible, then it does require some planning and effort. Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!
Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It is a free one-stop-shop for all thing parties.
No more Paper Invites-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can add a virtual party link, so all they have to do click and party with you!
Add an easy registry link for guests to send gifts to your door! Including a registry is a great way to receive cash or gifts directly.
Determine where in the house, backyard, or space you will use for the party, a fun backdrop can be great for gift opening, a central focus of the room for photos.
Determine Theme and Decor and order to your door ahead of time there are a ton of delivery solutions, like yard signs, food, cake, and balloons that can be dropped outside your door. We are obsessing over Hero parties where they dress as our Front line Hero’s reinforcing how critical these roles are in our community.
Make a mental agenda, especially for your video call - make sure you have put some thought into the call- the last thing you want is a boring virtual party!
What will be your first Virtual Celebration?
So At-Home and Virtual Parties can still be festive and engaging. It does not just have to be a Face-time call, you can make it as memorable as you want and it is important to celebrate those milestones and recognize they have been accomplished. You can plan for free at LYFETYMES or if you don’t have the time or non-technical, head to the LYFETYMES Vendors Marketplace to find a party stylist or wholesale goods to help plan and style your entire party at an affordable price.
LYFETYMES: Why it's The New Way to Plan a Party in 2020
LYFETYMES is your #1 party planning website and is the NEW WAY to plan a party! Our founder shares why she came up with LYFETYMES today on the blog.
Here’s a little backstory of why LYFTYMES was created.
I volunteered to plan my close friend’s baby shower; I figured I'd crush it. I’ve been the right-hand gal supporting huge corporate organizations in many roles for years. If I could do that, how hard could it be?
So when it came time to start planning, I started with what everyone does. I pulled out my laptop and entered:
"How to plan a baby shower."
"Tools to plan a baby shower."
"I need help planning a baby shower."
I kept getting printable checklists, helpful blogs, and great articles. There were plenty of pictures and inspiration, but I could not find an end-to-end website for all things party outside of weddings.
I went through the same thing planning my niece's graduation party (and let me promise you one thing, you do not want to screw up a teenage girl’s party). I was running around like a crazy person, trying to divide and conquer with co-hosts, worried sick it wouldn’t be the guest of honor’s vision, or I would forget something important.
I was so stressed over it and a full-time job working mom with little time.
I love to celebrate life’s milestones or just throw a party on the weekend, just because. My fondest memories are from these moments, and I hope there are many more.
But as I sat at my computer and thought of everything that needed to be done for my friend’s baby shower, I knew it should not be full of pain points—a baby shower should be full of joy and most of all, fun!
That's why I decided enough was enough, and LYFETYMES was created.
LYFETYMES is a free, fun, DIY website that is easy to use for any celebration or party. It's like having a personal party planner. It’s great for baby showers, birthday parties, bridal showers, graduation parties, holiday get-togethers, or ANY occasion. LYFETYMES has you covered, no matter what you are celebrating!
When you join our party, you will have access to powerful tools like:
Celebration Dashboard
Easily to read dashboards to keep track of important information and updates, including countdown clocks.
Free Sharable Party Website to share celebration details with guests and gather RSVPS
Invitation Station
Build easy email, mailing and texting lists(coming next month), import previous guest lists or from your contacts, send invites and track RSVPs and the numbers of attendees. Great for Save the Dates & Thank You notes. Email & message co-Hosts and guests party updates.
Inspiration Boards
Upload and share your favorite pictures to capture or inspire your vision for decor, cakes, themes, etc.
Vendor & Venues
Your “party motherboard” of all the things you may need for a party all in one place!
Registry & Gift Board
Create wish lists or add registry URL’s that can be shared with guests or begin a new registry with your favorite store.
Planning & Tools
Interactive checklists, add and track to-do’s, assign tasks and due dates. Assign your celebration a budget and track spending.
Food, Drink & Dessert Center
It’s the center of every celebration! You can order catering, book a restaurant, order food delivery or DIY grocery lists – it’s all in one place!
Decoration Center
Browse decorations based on the occasion, purchase from top suppliers or get inspiration for your celebration!
Include the Guest of Honor
Are you hosting for someone? Maybe graduation or baby or bridal shower? No problem, with LYFETYMES you can send your guest of honor a link to help personalize the celebration with a limited view (so you don’t give all the details away!) to help with invites or provide registry information or theme favorites.
Guest View
Guests will be able to view invitation details, mapping directions, gift, and registry information and send the host or co-host questions.
We know that not every day is a party, but it’s still important to remember someone's birthday, anniversary, or any special day. To keep you organized so that you never forget one of these special days, we created LYFEMINDERS: Lyfe’s little reminders - you pick the day, and we will send you a reminder so you can send your love.
You can even plan multiple celebrations at the same time and access past celebrations to reuse tools and information like past invite lists to make LYFE easier!
LYFETYMES has also personalized the experience for all party goers including:
Star of the Show (Guest of Honor)
Hostess with the Mostess (Host & Co-Hosts)
LYFE of the Party (Guests)
We can't wait to start celebrating with you. Come for the party, and stay for a LYFETYME!
Check out our website at www.lyfetymes.com and start planning in 30 seconds and follow us on social media for the best tips, inspiration, and trends.
Baby Shower Trends for 2020
Planning a baby shower in 2020 and looking for baby shower inspiration? LYFETYMES has all of the latest trends for you to create a special baby shower for the person you love. From baby shower themes to baby shower decorations, it’s all right here!
There are so many ideas for baby shower themes and we’re seeing some cute and unique trends popping up in 2019 for baby showers. Check out our ideas below on how to make your baby shower extra special.
Baby Shower Trends in 2020
Baby Shower Balloon Arch Decoration
image: Tula Mama
Looking for a way to add some dimension to your baby shower decor? Balloon installations are the hottest trend to help transform any party into a masterpiece. Balloon installations provide the perfect backdrop to your celebration, but they are particularly fun for a baby shower as they feel young and happy. Balloon arches are definitely trending for baby showers in 2019. Tip: Try having greenery tucked in with the balloons to add a tropical touch.
Check out the decoration section of LYFETYMES for our favorite suppliers
Make Baby Shower Menus Easy with Food Bars
Food is a major component for a baby shower and we suggest making your life easy with a food bar. Guests love them and your hostess will, too. Great food bar options for baby showers include mini sandwich bars, fancy taco bars, burger bars, waffle or pancake bars, biscuit bars (perfect for a baby shower brunch!), coffee bars, hot chocolate bars—okay, we think you get the point.
Food bars at baby showers is a trend that we’re seeing in 2020 and you can see why!
Something Old to Celebrate Someone New Baby Shower
Beautiful vintage-inspired baby showers are whimsical and romantic. Complete with antique furniture, like a dresser as the main food table, these baby showers are the perfect blend of cool and chic.
Incorporating burlap runners or dollies can add to vintage fell. Vintage touches like these are the perfect way to add “something old” to your celebration of someone new!
Boho Shabby Chic
Celestial themes are the perfect mix of whimsical and chic. Boho themes are having a huge moment for moms-to-be, for both boy and girl showers. New and unique baby shower colors that more and more moms-to-be are opting for in the decor give a happy vibe. Not only does this trend allow for more creativity in event decor, but it provides so many stunning options for gender-neutral showers.
Treat the Mom-to-Be to Queen of the Baby Shower
It’s the little things that can make a shower fun- seeing flower sashes or flower crowns for moms-to-be to wear vs. the traditional corsage are a trend for baby showers.
You can even get the guests involved by creating some for them to wear, too!
Woodland Baby Shower Theme
image: Baby Chic
The woodland baby shower theme is a tried-and-true classic and offers gorgeous color options for the baby shower decorations. Plus, it’s a great idea for a boy or girl baby shower theme (the image above from Baby Chic was for a baby girl’s baby shower, but it could’ve easily also worked for a baby boy!).
Recently, we’ve seen so many gorgeous, modern variations of the theme—we’re obsessed! Greenery is the perfect touch for this lush, outdoorsy theme. Of course, there should be no shortage of baby forest animals in the details (who doesn’t love baby animals?). This laid-back theme is sure to be enjoyed by everyone and is a top baby shower trend in 2020.
Co-Ed Baby Showers Are Rising In Popularity
Beers and BBQ’s are huge for co-ed baby shower themes! This couple-centric event is the number one baby shower trend gaining in popularity - why should the ladies have all of the fun celebrating a new baby? Plus, co-ed parties usually involve alcoholic beverages, a grill, and takes place in the late afternoon to evening rather than the traditional late morning to early afternoon. Co-ed baby showers are a special way for ALL of your friends and family to celebrate your new baby.
Gender Reveal Baby Showers Make the Event More Exciting
The celebration before the baby shower OR at the baby shower! Usually a gender reveal party is thrown about mid-way through the couple’s pregnancy to reveal the gender of their baby. This is how it goes down, you have your ultrasound tech write your baby’s gender on a piece of paper and put it in a sealed envelope. You can take the envelope (and exercise huge amounts of willpower) to a baker who can bake a baby shower cake around the envelope. As you can imagine, a lot of fun can be had before the big reveal.
But who’s to say you can’t combine a gender reveal party WITH a baby shower to make it extra fun and exciting!
Creative Baby Shower “Cakes”
image: Events By Kristin
As baby showers change, so have the goodies. And goodness me, there is some crazy amazing stuff being done with cakes or opting for other yummies. Donut Bars, cupcakes, and cake pops are an important center of the baby shower. Cake toppers are a big part of the theme and can pull everything together. Be sure to check out our cake toppers which really bring some WOW to the cake or dessert table.
Fun Baby Shower Party Favor Ideas
Nowadays women are ditching the baby-themed favors of pale pink or blue chocolate covered almonds and sending their guests home with something they can really use.
Seed packets, plants, champagne, or keepsakes. Baby shower favors is a great way to personalize the theme and create a memory that will last long after the baby is born.
Check out some of the best party favors we see on the market in our decoration section of LYFETYMES.
Baby Shower Mommy Mocktails or Cocktails
image: Just Bright Ideas
Just because the mom-to-be can’t have alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t serve fancy drinks or mocktails at the baby shower! A baby shower is the perfect time to get creative and create something special that’s pretty and refreshing.
Freezing flowers inside of ice cubes, to pretty and fragrant garnish (like rosemary!), these baby shower drink trends are giving us major mocktail vibes. We’ve also seen champagne and mimosa stations for those who are drinking at the baby shower.
While baby showers are a traditional way to celebrate and gift the mom-to-be, we’re seeing some unique trends to make the baby shower extra special!
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred consequently, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. LYFETYMES may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content.
LYFETYMES: The New Way to Plan a Party
LYFETYMES is your #1 party planning website and is the NEW WAY to plan a party! Our founder shares why she came up with LYFETYMES today on the blog.
Here’s a little backstory of why LYFTYMES was created.
I volunteered to plan my close friend’s baby shower; I figured I'd crush it. I’ve been the right-hand gal supporting huge corporate organizations in many roles for years. If I could do that, how hard could it be?
So when it came time to start planning, I started with what everyone does. I pulled out my laptop and entered:
"How to plan a baby shower."
"Tools to plan a baby shower."
"I need help planning a baby shower."
I kept getting printable checklists, helpful blogs, and great articles.. There were plenty of pictures and inspiration, but I could not find an end-to-end website for all things party outside of weddings.
I went through the same thing planning my niece's graduation party (and let me promise you one thing, you do not want to screw up a teenage girl’s party). I was running around like a crazy person, trying to divide and conquer with co-hosts, worried sick it wouldn’t be the guest of honor’s vision, or I would forget something important.
I was so stressed over it and a full-time job working mom with little time.
I love to celebrate life’s milestones or just throw a party on the weekend, just because. My fondest memories are from these moments, and I hope there are many more.
But as I sat at my computer and thought of everything that needed to be done for my friend’s baby shower, I knew it should not be full of pain points—a baby shower should be full of joy and most of all, fun!
That's why I decided enough was enough, and LYFETYMES was created.
LYFETYMES is a free, fun, DIY website that is easy to use for any celebration or party. It's like having a personal party planner. It’s great for baby showers, birthday parties, bridal showers, graduation parties, holiday get-togethers, or ANY occasion. LYFETYMES has you covered, no matter what you are celebrating!
When you join our party, you will have access to powerful tools like:
Celebration Dashboard
Easily to read dashboards to keep track of important information and updates, including countdown clocks.
Invitation Station
Build easy email, mailing and texting lists(coming next month), import previous guest lists or from your contacts, send invites and track RSVPs and the numbers of attendees. Great for Save the Dates & Thank You notes. Email & message co-Hosts and guests party updates.
Inspiration Boards
Upload and share your favorite pictures to capture or inspire your vision for decor, cakes, themes, etc.
Vendor & Venues
Your “party motherboard” of all the things you may need for a party all in one place!
Registry & Gift Board
Create wish lists or add registry URL’s that can be shared with guests or begin a new registry with your favorite store.
Planning & Tools
Interactive checklists, add and track to-do’s, assign tasks and due dates. Assign your celebration a budget and track spending.
Food, Drink & Dessert Center
It’s the center of every celebration! You can order catering, book a restaurant, order food delivery or DIY grocery lists – its all in one place!
Decoration Center
Browse decorations based on occasion, purchase from top suppliers or get inspiration for your celebration!
Include the Guest of Honor
Are you hosting for someone? Maybe graduation or baby or bridal shower? No problem, with LYFETYMES you can send your guest of honor a link to help personalize the celebration with limited view (so you don’t give all the details away!) to help with invites or provide registry information or theme favorites.
Guest View
Guest will be able to view invitation details, mapping directions, gift, and registry information and send the host or co-host questions.
We know that not every day is a party, but it’s still important to remember someone's birthday, anniversary, or any special day. To keep you organized so that you never forget one of these special days, we created LYFEMINDERS: Lyfe’s little reminders - you pick the day, and we will send you a reminder so you can send your love.
You can even plan multiple celebrations at the same time and access past celebrations to reuse tools and information like past invite lists to make LYFE easier!
LYFETYMES has also personalized the experience for all party goers including:
Star of the Show (Guest of Honor)
Hostess with the Mostess (Host & Co-Hosts)
LYFE of the Party (Guests)
We can't wait to start celebrating with you. Come for the party, and stay for a LYFETYME!
Check out our website at www.lyfetymes.com and start planning in 30 seconds and follow us on social media for the best tips, inspiration and trends.