How to party like a HOTDOG this summer

If you’ve got a birthday to celebrate this summer, here’s how to do it  Little Hotdog Watson style:

Make a thing of it!

Our traditional birthday celebrations start with a Birthday Eve, the Birthday itself and then a Birthday Boxing Day too! Because you can never have too much birthday fun (or cake) can you?!

Put the kids first

We all know that a happy child makes for a happy parent, especially when you’re trying to enjoy a party with friends. Put the kids first by making sure there’s plenty for them to do, that they’re dressed comfortably, and that there’s plenty of drinks and snacks for them to grab and enjoy as they wish. This way, you’ll dramatically reduce the likelihood of them moaning and you’ll get to enjoy adult conversation and maybe even a bit of relaxation yourself too.

Pinterest is full of lovely recipe ideas for making exciting yummy, fruity snacks that they’ll want to eat but won’t give them that Haribo sugar rush! H would love the look of this watermelon jelly and these dipped fruit cones.

Light up the BBQ

Summers are made for BBQing! Whether you’re a meat lover or veggie fan, summer grills make for glorious party food and kids always find watching the grown-ups at work fascinating. There’s some great BBQ recipes

Get out the games

If you want to keep the kids quiet but off screens, get out the garden games. Oversized jenga, ring toss, skittles – the classic are always fun in the sun. Bubbles, again always a hit! And if you’re feeling brave, water pistols and water bombs for when you need a cool down. The crafty amongst you might fancy knocking up your own giant Kerplunk and finding another use for those runaway ball pool balls. Check out these fab DIY garden game ideas.

Create a signature cocktail

I love a themed party. Especially if the host goes all out and does themed drinks and everything! Why not create your own signature cocktail or mocktail for your next birthday get together? You can do an adult and child friendly version to suit your vibe and get the kids involved with naming them too – Fizzy Flamingos, here we come.

Make it colourful

You may have noticed we love bold colours here! So, bonus points for any summer party that brings out the colour – its so great for lifting the spirits. You can add colour in loads of different ways from details in the décor to choosing a colourful dress code. Little Hotdog Watson hats compulsory, perhaps?

It's all about the finishing touches

Let’s face it, a Hotdog party needs to be a stylish party! It’s all about the finishing touches at Hotdog HQ. Little details that add a pop of colour and fun and help set the scene. For a garden party, how about colourful streamers along the fence, lots of kitsch balloons (love the idea of turning green foil balloons into cactus balloons with a black marker) or hanging paper pom pom garlands from courtyard railings.

Be safe in the sun

Nobody wants to end their birthday bash as a lobster. Keep kids and adult sun cream at the ready and Little Hotdogs protected in appropriate kids UV-protecting accessories like our smart design hats and sunglasses. 

I love this idea of having a little garden station, so guests can help them self to lotion on a particularly scorching day.

What are your top tips for having an awesome summer party? Head over to Instagram and let us know! Or if you like this blog why not also read ‘How to Strengthen Sibling Bonds with Fun Outdoors’ now.