I absolutely love planning children’s parties! With lots of children myself, I’ve organised quite a few over the years. For me, it’s all about making the day extra special for the birthday boy or girl, as well as their friends and family. I enjoy planning around a theme, making a big fuss, and creating memorable occasions. But what I really dislike is the waste—those bin bags full of rubbish that can’t be recycled.

I’ve always tried my best to reduce waste, starting with using paper bags instead of plastic party bags, and later moving to gifts like books as party favours to avoid those small, plastic toys. But the biggest issue was always the tableware. I used to buy paper plates, bowls, and cups for the party tea, none of which could be recycled, and even borrowing from friends and family, it was tricky to gather enough reusable tableware for a full class party. Then I came across the Party Kit Network. I was disappointed there wasn’t a kit locally, so I decided to add one to my growing library. Now, I can help other parents host parties without the waste!