If you follow Sparrow Soirées on Facebook or Instagram, you might have seen pictures of a party-in-a-box I put together for Domino Beauty Boutique’s recent giveaway. It was incredibly easy to do and well under a $75, including the bin, to put together. I’ve found over time it’s nice to have a bin stocked with basics so I’m always ready for a spontaneous picnic, unexpected guests, or any time I wish to make the ordinary extraordinary.

Here’s what was included:

1. Utensil Packs & Ice Cream Spoons: I prepped 12 mini bags with wooden utensils, napkins, and a paper straw. Prop the bags in a basket at the end of a buffet table or place at each place setting for easy use. The mini ice cream spoons (not pictured) can be set out with little cups of ice cream or gelato. The bags can also double to hold treats or little giveaways at the end of the party. (The utensil set I included was sold out at the time of posting; here’s a similar option without the mini ice cream spoons.)

2. Plates & Cups: Plastic so they could be gently hand-washed or tossed into recycling after using.

3. Chalk: Handy for entertaining the kids and a fun way to give guests directions if in a large public space, like a park.

4. Tassel & Tissue Garland: Instantly creates a festive mood, a photo booth backdrop or a walking path guide. (Another option is fringe garland; I used Green Ridge’s for the 40th Birthday party I posted last month. It was incredibly well made and so much fun).

5. Water Squirters: Ideal for kiddo summer entertainment; have a bucket of water nearby so the kids can refill on their own while the adults watch from the sidelines.

6. Tablecover: Handy for a park picnic table, to make your own table instantly festive, or, if the table cover is flannel-backed, use it to protect your own blanket if the ground is a little damp.

7. Notecards: Invites, seating cards, thank you notes, or cut to create additional decor. There are endless uses for a set of blank note cards.

8. Dish Towel: Use as a simple overlay, to dry hands, place under a hot dish (just fold it first!), wipe up spills; again endless uses.

9. Bin: I used a tall, narrow, lidded bin for durability and easy storage when not in use.

Other items you could add: baby wipes to prevent stains from setting and wiping hands; package of balloons; little bags of confetti; candles and matches; tissue paper as an overlay if you’re desperate for a pop of color or to help prop the utensil bags in a basket; mix together large bags of M&Ms, almonds, and dried fruit like Craisins for quick trail mix snack; plastic bowls; cardboard coasters to double as drink covers to prevent bugs taking a swim in drinks; a sheet, tablecloth or turkish towel to double as a picnic blanket in a pinch.

Add the wow factor: order a 36″ balloon to have on hand (Stephanie’s Etsy shop is a favorite of mine). A local florist or party store will fill it with helium for $5-$10 but call the store in advance to make sure they’ll do it. Secure it to something sturdy and place it in the center of the buffet, in the photo booth, or by the drinks. It’s something fairly simple, but is visually fun and unexpected (especially in a backyard!).

This box of goodies would also make a fun housewarming gift for someone who loves to entertain or something simple to keep at work to make a coworker’s birthday all the more special.

Do you have a party supply bin at home? What do you keep in it?

Just FYI: almost everything in the box was bought at Target and Display & Costume (a local party store). The exceptions: the wooden utensil pack was found online and the dish towel was from a local grocery store. I had trouble finding some of the exact products online to share in this post, so I ended up noting similar products when they couldn’t be found.

Come hang out with this lil’ bird!
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