Celebrating in Quarantine
Planning the party:
Originally for Jai’s first birthday we planned a big joint party for Jai & his older brother Hudson (turning 4 on April 14th). We had organised a jumping castle, climbing equipment, & a giant ball pit for all our friends & family. Obviously with the global COVID-19 pandemic, we had to cancel. I was talking to a co-worker one day about it and I just had a lightbulb moment and thought of doing a quarantine party as we were going to be stuck at home and couldn’t have anyone over and still wanted to celebrate this milestone in a special way.
Event styling/food/entertainment:
The styling was all done by myself using a homemade banner reading “Quarantine 1st Birthday Party. None of you are invited”. I then used some caution tape to accessorise, along with matching yellow and black balloons and a gold party hat.
For the food, we just had your “typical” party food like fruit kebabs, fairy bread, party pies & sausage rolls.
I always set up balloons and the presents for my kids to wake up to and start their birthday celebration first thing.
Towards the end of the day we had a dance party in our lounge room, and ended the night with birthday cake.
My Favourite memories from event:
It was Jai’s first milestone birthday a memory that will be treasured for many years to come. Both my kids loved our little dance party & all the balloons. I also loved that my little attempt at trying to find a lighter side to such a dark situation our world is currently experiencing.
What makes the above images my favourite:
They capture Jai’s cheeky character perfectly. They bought so much joy to not only to our family, but to the whole world!
Tips for others planning a kids party during Quarantine.
Find some happiness amongst the current circumstances.
Try focus on the positives, not the negatives.
What we would had done differently:
The original 1st birthday party we had planned would have been nice, but it was obviously not possible. Given the circumstances, I am so happy with how it turned out. I wouldn’t change a thing!
Submitted by: Kylie Najjar
Event Date and Location: 4 April 2020, family home in Perth, Australia
Photographs by: Kylie Najjar