Communion at Home with Select Hire
In April and May, Select Hire is busy organising the hundreds of Communion and Confirmation parties they hire to each year. We offer a great choice of cutlery, crockery, glassware and furniture and with over 60 years of experience in the catering equipment hire business, we have got very good at it.
So here are a few ways to ensure that your child’s special day goes smoothly. Please remember that this is not the typical children’s birthday party nor is it a wedding! You will have guests of all ages. Communion parties at home are very popular and it is an ideal way for family and friends to get together in a relaxed atmosphere.
Our Top Tips
What to Hire
Make sure that you have sufficient quantities of chairs, table linen, crockery, cutlery, and glassware – and possibly a few extras for the unexpected guests on the day! All of which can be hired in advance and supplied by Select Hire.
Be Prepared for Rain or Shine
Always be prepared in case of rain and though the months of April and May are generally bright and dry, it may be worth hiring a gazebo.
Involve the Children
Let your child choose the colour he/she would like for flowers, balloons, serviettes.
Simple Food Dishes Guarantee Success
Plan food that can be prepared in advance and prepare food that does not require too much “last minute” attention or preparation. If you are to serve hot food make sure that you have enough hot trays or chafing dishes to keep food hot. Choose a selection of dishes and desserts that are suitable for self-service and appeal to all ages. Alternatively, organise a caterer. This is a lot cheaper than you think and it means you will have time with friends and family and they will even wash up!
Schedule for the Day
Before planning the celebration, it is a good idea to check with your parish if they hold a post service reception or light refreshments for the adults after Mass whilst the photos are taken – this could delay your plans!
Most importantly, enjoy the day!
More Tips for Planning a Stress-free Communion Party at Home
Are you planning a Communion party? Here are tips for planning a stress-free Communion party at home, and some thoughts and ideas that will make planning your party just that little bit easier!
While the church ceremony is usually reserved for immediate family, grandparents and godparents, after the ceremony, a First Holy Communion party at home is a great way to include your extended family and friends in your child’s special day.
Start Party Planning Early
As soon as you have your date, you should start your planning, particularly if there are a lot of children making First Holy Communion on the same day in your area. If you decide to use outside caterers, then these will need to be booked well in advance.
Here are some areas you might want to consider and plan for:
- Number of guests – close family or a bigger event with friends, family and classmates?
- Catering – buffet or sit down meal? Will you cook or get the communion party catered?
- Invitations
- Decorations
- Entertainment and activities
- Photography
Don’t forget this is an event that must cater for all ages and everyone should have a day to enjoy and remember.
The Food
Once you have a guest list and know how many people you’re catering for, you can start to think about the food. If you are getting caterers or buying in the food, ask friends for recommendations and book early, so you can relax and enjoy the day.
If you are a confident cook and want to cater the event yourself, keep it simple. Ask for help and do as much as you can a few days in advance or at least the day before where possible.
You could ask family or friends to bring desserts/salads. Don’t be afraid to ask if one of them would come to the house while you are at the church to help get the food set up, as you will have your hands full getting yourself and your child ready during the morning.
A focus point for many at-home communion parties has become the cake, so consider ordering one or keep it simple if you’re doing it yourself.
Tableware & Decorations
Communion tableware, including plates, cups and cutlery save on washing up, or you could look to hire crockery and glassware from a catering supplier (we know one in particular!)
Balloons and banners are the easiest option for Communion party decorations.
Back-Up Plans for Wet Weather!
It may be the start of summer, but the weather is not always nice! It might be an idea to have a Gazebo or covered area for people, if they will not all fit comfortably in your house, just in case (or more than likely!) the weather turns bad.
Entertainment
The usual option for activities at a communion party is a bouncy castle, however you may have space restrictions or find that bouncy castles are all booked up in your area. It also encourages a total separation of kids and adults, so you may find that garden games are a good alternative option. Toss a can, japlonk, pick-up sticks, lawn darts, compendium of games, giant Jenga, snakes and ladders, and more.
A pinata can be great fun and will keep the children (and adults!) happy. This allows children and adults to have fun together and helps to create some great memories.
Have Some Fun!
Remember, this is a special day for you too, so make sure you keep things simple so you can enjoy the party!