Back to School is just around the corner, or for some of us… it’s already here. I am always thinking of that line in the movie You’ve Got Mail… when Meg Ryan’s character writes about bouquets of sharpened pencils. Back to School will forever remind me of autumn, football, and school supplies! However, I live in South Texas where school supplies are ample, football is a must, but cooler weather… well let’s just say I’m still in my flip-flops at Christmas. But that doesn’t mean you can’t cool things down a bit with a Back to School Bash.

10 tips for a Back to School Bash.

1. Make it purposeful. Bring your friends together for a great time and make sure they leave refreshed and excited to start a new year.

2. Keep it manageable. It is tempting to invite the whole neighborhood, but this time keep it to a small group. You and your guests will appreciate the laid back atmosphere that comes with a smaller crowd.

3. Pick a Theme: Back to school parties are a great time to shift from summer themes to more fall related themes. School Supplies, busses, footballs, ABC’s , and 123’s; all make great festive themes for a Back to School Bash.

4. Invites: Get your guests geared up and ready to party with creative invitations. Hand deliver mini chalk boards with party information printed on them, or mail out bus, pencil, or apple shaped invites to your guests.

5. Dual Decorations and bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils. For budget friendly table decorations, display school supplies (pencils, crayons, rulers, glue sticks) in pretty glass containers or buckets placed all around the party area. When the party is over simply send the supplies to school with your kids, or home with your guests as favors.

6. Food and Football. Back to School in Texas also means Back to FOOTBALL! Keep with the theme, and try serving typical concession food. Nachos, hotdogs, sodas, and assorted candy make a great start, but you might add in some sliced fruit and a veggie tray to please all your guests.

7. Ride the bus. Many cities have transportable gymnastic busses. For younger back to school guests, a “tumble bus” makes for a great time!

8. Crafts are key. Keep your guests entertained and focused by making crafts that can accompany them on their back to school journey. Decoupage pencil boxes, or paint your own dry erase board make great projects for all ages.

9. Game Time: Keep kids busy with themed games. Some suggestions are “Teacher Says,” (Simon Says), and Red light Green light, for older guests a party themed scavenger hunt is fun for all.

10. Use this opportunity to give to others. Ask your guests to bring books, or school supplies to donate to a local supply drive for needy families. It is a great way to refocus everyone on the opportunities they will have to show kindness to others.