Have a birthday party to remember

Invite over the family and friends and celebrate your child’s big day with a fun-filled summer birthday party that’s as unique as the guest of honor.

With bright and cheery weather as your inspiration, there’s no shortage of exciting party theme ideas you can use to impress guests and make your little one feel extra special. When their birthday occurs in a warm weather month, it’s even easier to plan a colorful soiree with a laid-back atmosphere inspired by summer. Here are some tips for fun and easy party planning.

Pick the perfect party theme

Sticking with a common theme throughout the party planning process is a great way to let your hosting skills shine through, while highlighting your child’s interests.

Start by making a list of your child’s favorite things. Does the birthday boy or girl have a special toy, book or hobby? Or, perhaps your child is inspired by an animal or movie character. Once you have a few ideas in mind, give your child a short list of options and let them ultimately choose the party theme.

Have a little one who loves cars? A child who finds wonder in the circus? Then, consider a hot rods or vintage circus themed party.

“A birthday party that truly represents your child’s passions will leave lasting memories,” said Valerie Gimre, owner, Charming Touch Parties of Geneva, Illinois. “Focus on a few key elements to spotlight the theme and let the creativity flow.”

Creating the invitations

A special party deserves a special invitation. It’s not only the way to let guests know about your big day; it also creates their first impression of the event. From the color of the paper to the font, it’s the fine details that count.

Skip the electronic invite and opt for the personal touch of sending homemade invitations with special details like an eye-catching stamp that coordinates with the party theme. If you want to save on paper, a postcard design is a fun way to announce your party.

Each year, the U.S. Postal Service issues limited-edition stamps that honor American passions and pastimes like the new Hot Rods Forever stamps or Vintage Circus Posters Forever stamps. These highly visual stamps cost the same as all Forever stamps, but are the perfect detail to introduce your guest to the party theme, showcasing fast, powerful vehicles that thrill car lovers of every age and colorful clowns and amazing acts such as acrobatic gymnasts that remind us of the wonder of the circus.

While designing the invitations, remember to keep the language as simple and concise as possible, while including all the specifics, such as the date, time, name of place and the address. Also, be sure to include details about the RSVP, including an email and phone number, as well as a deadline for their response.

Tie in with other party elements

Beyond invitations, a great birthday party also includes creative home decorations, and fun food and dessert ideas. For example, you can build on the circus theme by creating a concession stand table, complete with popcorn, animal crackers and other treats that kids love.

End your perfect party by sending off each child with a gift they can take home as a memento. Kids will love to receive a stationary kit, complete with paper, envelopes and pens adorned in the party’s color and theme. Be sure to place an eye-catching stamp on each envelope — from clowns and acrobats to classic cars. Visit www.usps.com/stamps or your local post office to see the broad array of limited-edition stamps available from the U.S. Postal Service.