11 Party Hacks Every Parent Should Know

Pulling together a stylish and entertaining party for both kids and adults doesn't have to be a headache. With these clever hacks, kids can have fun and parents can relax.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

I Wish I Knew These Sooner!

When the weather is just right, you don't want to spend the whole day setting up for the party; you just want to...party! Create a stylish gathering in half the time with these quick tips.

Fitted Sheet = Tablecloth

Gone are the days of watching your flimsy, plastic tablecloth blow away in the wind. A fitted twin sheet will stretch over a plastic centerfold table with ease. Plus, you can toss it in the washer and use it over and over again.

Sand Buckets = Snack Servers

Skip the breakable bowls and platters, and serve snacks in colorful, inexpensive pails that kids will love. You can even send them home with tiny guests after the party for easy clean-up.

Inflatable Pool = Drink Cooler

Keep drinks ice-cold and easy to access by filling up a baby pool with ice and your guests' favorite bevvies.

Galvanized Buckets = "Situation Stations"

Little messes and boo-boos are bound to happen during a party, so be prepared with a "situation station." Keep it stocked with hand sanitizer, bandages, ointment, sunscreen, bug spray and wipes.

Muffin Tin = Wine Serving Tray

Keep it simple by serving adult beverages in small cocktail cups. Offer them to guests in a muffin tin to keep spills to a minimum.

Muffin Tin = Kid-Sized Snack Cups

Go multipurpose with your muffin tin to serve up a variety of healthy snacks for kids. Colorful baking cups are the perfect size for little hands.

Mason Jars = Bug-Repellant Luminaries

Whip up a few of these luminaries to keep mosquitos from crashing your party.

Make It: Place 2 lemon slices, 2 lime slices and 2 sprigs of rosemary into a Mason jar of water, then add several drops of essential oil. We recommend citronella, lemon or lavender. Top with a floating candle, light and enjoy.

Shepherd's Hook + Bucket = Utensil Wrangler

Let little ones serve themselves by wrangling utensils into buckets hanging at kid level.

Party Hats = Treat Cones

Corral larger snacks, like donut holes, cookies and pretzels, in adorable, kid-sized party hats.

Mini Mason Jars = Pre-Mixed Drinks

If you usually end up playing hostess rather than enjoying the party, do yourself a favor and make your guests' drinks ahead of time. Simply make a batch of cocktails and display them in Mason jars over ice. Guests can serve themselves, then chill out with a delicious beverage.

Flag Frame = Paper Towel Holder

Use a garden flag frame to keep paper towels handy and easily accessible for little ones.