Are you someone who likes thinking about a birthday party a few months in advance?

If you are you’re probably thinking about spring birthday parties and all the fun you’re going to have. On the other hand, you’re possibly also thinking ‘I’d love to have it in the garden, but what about the weather….?’ A British spring is notoriously hard to predict, you could be outside in glorious sunshine with ice cream, or you could be inside watching the rain tip down and the wind blow the daffoldils about. So here is a suggestion for a weather proof animal themed party for everyone to enjoy, whatever the weather decides to throw at you!

First get your venue sorted – if you’re having it at home and planning to be in the garden make sure you have a little bit of space somewhere just in case! Then get the invites sorted and sent out in plenty of time. Puttyprint have a brilliant selection of animal and jungle themed invitations, which can be personalised and sent out the same day – so that’s easily sorted.

As for activities you definitely need a contingency plan! If it’s sunny take everyone outside, get them running around like dogs, prowling like lions or buzzing like bees. When you blow a whistle everyone holds their best animal pose without moving – anyone who wobbles is out! If it’s raining and you need to be inside get them jumping on the spot and swinging their arms like monkeys instead of running around. A treasure hunt can be moved inside as well if necessary, and you can make animal masks whatever the weather.

If you can go out, a big picnic is just the thing for a spring party tea, but if you can’t, then sitting on the floor inside will work just as well. No need to worry about providing table and chairs for everyone – have an outside-inside lunch! Animal birthday cakes are easily available from all the supermarkets, but if you’d like to make your own then a monkey, ladybird and butterfly are all easy to do with a simple round cake. Bone shaped biscuits are fun, and animal shaped biscuits and sweets are easy to get hold of. Have a ‘whale’ of a time, whatever the weather!