When I was in elementary school birthday parties entailed my mom sending a few pizzas and sodas to school for the whole class to enjoy. I remember we also had a kids party entertainer and we where really impressed with the magician that day. Then as I got older the parties got more intricate. By high school our birthday parties began to include private dinners in vintage wine cellars, boating around Balboa Island, and the epic Sweet 16. Needless to say, as we got older, party planning got fancier.

For those living in Beijing, the age for over-the-top parties starts even earlier. Most of us living here have apartments that can’t host the whole class, so hotel parties have become a norm. But throwing a memorable party that stands out doesn’t need to mean you need to shell out a ton of money, as long as you know who to go to.

TwoZi Balloons founder Zheng Zhong

According to expert party planner Zheng Zhong, owner of TwoZi Balloons, there are still some common party ideas in the West that haven’t made their mark in China just yet. “Piñata for example are very common for kids’ parties in the US, but in China it’s just the opposite. Many of our Chinese clients have never seen one though they have kids at international schools.” According to Zheng, the latest trend in China in recent years has been to use balloons as an easy and low-cost way to bring creativity to life.

“Parties here are not just about having fun, they’re also about looking good in photos. You need to create a photogenic ambiance for their WeChat Moments and Instagram.” Zheng tells beijngkids.

One party trend that’s been all over Pinterest but has never caught on in China is the gender reveal. For those who don’t yet know, gender reveal parties are typically held near the middle of the pregnancy. Often, it employs the trope of pink (denoting a female) or blue (denoting a male), perhaps hidden inside a cake or piñata. When the cake is cut or the piñata is opened, the color popularly associated with the baby’s sex is revealed to the parents and all attendees. But recently gender reveal parties have been seeing a decline for their obvious gender conformity with the colors and well, it’s not really the gender of the baby that’s being revealed; it’s the sex. “They probably don’t want to call it a sex party. It sounds strange to invite people to a sex reveal.” says Zheng. “In China you’re actually not suppose to tell the expecting parents the sex of the baby so baby showers here happen after the baby is born.” For new parents who don’t mind being a bit extra, there’s a baby shower at one month and another one at 100 days.

These parties are extravagant – some resembling a lavish wedding. Zheng tells beijingkids that with the right planning, a lavish party actually doesn’t need to cost a fortune. “We’ve done beautiful parties for as little as RMB2,000. That’s the beauty of balloons. It’s a low-cost way to be creative.”

With the holiday party season just around the corner, Zheng reminds us of the importance of putting an extra bit of focus on the decor. An extra dash of attention will transform any home party to an Instagrammable sensation that’ll make you the hostess with the mostest.

Photos: TwoZi Balloon, unsplash

I heard about WeChat three hours after arriving in Beijing. I thought, “This is an unnecessary app. I have WhatsApp, I don’t need WeChat.” Boy. I was wrong! We all need WeChat; my life has been so much easier since I got it, and I wish the rest of the world would get WeChat too. I have made many, many friends through WeChat. I have had many questions answered, many shopping experiences, and also great services at home. Here I’ll share some of my favorite WeChat contacts. Do you have any great WeChat contacts? Let us know!

Pies

I have tried and tested these savory pies and they brought me back to our time in London where I would go to the pie and mash shop. Two Guys and a Pie also sell sweet pies and sausage rolls. Add on WeChat: coladapinot

Clothing and Jewels

Ysepia is a brand of women’s clothes and jewelry. Aude sources her fabrics and materials during her travels in Asia. Her clothes are feminine, easy to wear and the tassels on her jewelry are hip and pretty. Add her on WeChat: Audepaname

Balloons

You can never have enough balloon contacts. I have spent a night blowing up my own balloons for my daughter’s birthday, and it’s not fun. Happy Balloons offer balloons that come in all shapes and sizes, already blown up and delivered to your front door. Add on WeChat: happyballoons

Cakes

Need a cake for a special celebration or just for any occasion? Making cakes seems like a simple idea but takes up a lot of time. We tried these lovely cakes from Tania and they are pretty and delicious.  Add on WeChat: sobaboba

Service

Eva helps me around with last minute ayis, and when I need to pick up something I have brought across town. She is a woman of all trades and also sells many goodies you might need for around the home. Add on WeChat: 18655881325

Jams

Caroline is a star at jarring up her yummylicious goods like pesto and jams. Her salted caramel is to die for; I have eaten it out the jar. She appears at many markets with her goods, so look out at those upcoming Christmas bazaars. For more goods add her on WeChat: wxid_1hx4mtv4uz9d12

Fruit and Veg

Fruits and vegetables delivered to your door; say no more. They have an extensive list of organic options. Sunshine Fruits always get me excited about their lovely pictures of smoothie bowls and colorful salads. Add on WeChat: juab001

Photos: Pixabay and courtesy of vendors

I heard about WeChat three hours after arriving in Beijing. I thought, Tthis is a unnecessary app. I have Whatsapp, I don’t need WeChat.” Boy I was wrong! We all need WeChat, my life has been so much easier since I got WeChat and I wish the rest of the world would get WeChat too.  I have made many, many friends though WeChat. I have had many questions answered, many shopping experiences, and also great services at home. Here I’ll share some of my favorite WeChat contacts. Do you have any great WeChat contacts?

Bread

Bread for life not only makes amazing tasting bread and cakes, this organization creates work for disabled orphans. Don’t just eat any bread, eat bread for life and do some good. Add on WeChat: BreadofLifeBakery

Nails

I adore going to get my nails done at the salon. But now that I am a working mother I have less time to do so. This is my favorite couple, they come to the house, and do amazing pedicures and manicures. Nails that are salon worthy, English speaking, clean, honest and their prices are fair. Add on WeChat: ZXF19930710

Wine

I am not a wine connoisseur but love a glass, or two. This lady will listen to your wine taste and send some bottles to your home. I actually live very close to her warehouse so when I ordered on a Friday night I received 3 bottles of wine chilled within 2 hours. What a great surprise. The best part? she added a wine opener. Add on WeChat: fanigurevich

Creams

I have many favorite skincare contacts, but I just ordered some hand creams here and I am hooked! Shangrila Botanicals, Add on WeChat: 15601193751

Sausage and Meats

Andy is the sausage guy to add if you have meat cravings. The chorizo sausage is to die for; combined with eggs, it’s the perfect breakfast. Add on WeChat: andy706588

Life coaching and Mindfulness

These two ladies are my tickets to sanity in Beijing. They do personal life couching and mindfulness sessions. add them to start living to your full potential. For life coaching add Carnissa WeChat:BerryThoughtfulLife and for Mindfulness add Nathalie WeChat: nathaliedorbes

Nut Butters

These two girls are breaking new grounds with their nut butters and just a short wechat away. Nut butter delivered to your front door. Add on WeChat: NAKEDnutbutters

Pollution Masks

This mask is a must have in Beijing. kids masks and adult masks are available. Preston is the fasted ever in delivering the goods, one very polluted day he even personally delivered a mask to my home. For a safe breathing experience in Beijing. Add him on WeChat: 18515359601 

Balloons

Have a party but don’t want to blow up the balloons? This contact is the answer. Balloons delivered to your door on the day of the festivities. Add on WeChat: balloons88

Salmon

Have a yearning for smoked salmon? This trusted viking will get some salmon delivered to your door. Add him on WeChat: viking-salmon

Coconut Yogurt

These yogurts are a sure delight and can be delivered to your home. For lactose intolerant these are the greatest. Add on WeChat: yeyo-yogurt

Yoga at Home

Get your yoga on in the comfort of your own home. Or find out where he teaches yoga . Add this yogi for more information on WeChat: helloleo1234

Kids Entertainment

If you are looking for some entertainment for the toddlers and kids, get this lady into your home. Or follow her to one of her musical movement sessions. Add her on WeChat:Ilovematisse102

Doula and Baby Slings

This mother is passionate about childbirth and having a doula can be a great experience for your birth. She can care for mothers after birth as well. This all-rounder also makes baby slings. Add her on WeChat: alessia_chizzoniti

Photographer

These are two of my favorite photographers in Beijing. Perfect for family shoots or other great things that need to be put in a picture to never forget. Add on WeChat Dave: dlhzao or this other fabulous photographer Chiara: chiarayeph

Housing Agent

I have met my share of house agents and this one is one in a million: fair, honest and hard working. His name is Frank and he found us a home. Add on WeChat:13910813378

Make up

Need some fabulous make up done for a event? This amazing artist is a gem and will make you look the prettiest you have been. Add on WeChat: frau_romanova

Arts and Crafts

Need to get your kids busy? Don’t know where to buy arts and crafts supplies in Beijing? No problem, this innovative mother has all the goods. Add her on WeChat: Gemma Jiang

Photos: pixabay, courtesy of the vendors,  chairmanmigo.com