Essex County Neighborhood Guide

If your little girl or boy likes to pretend play and feast on sweet treats, then the Itsy Bitsy Tea Party in Montclair is for you. Walk in to a lovely, sunny shop and your child can dress up in a colorful gown (or a fireman’s suit if they prefer), don jewelry and a tiara, and slip on a pair of heels or fancy slippers. “Tea” and beautifully decorated cupcakes and cookies are served, while moms relax and let the friendly staff clean up. A perfect experience!

When a Jewish teenager turns 12 or 13, they’ll sometimes have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. (‘Bar’ for a Jewish boy; ‘Bat’ for a Jewish girl). A Bar or Bat Mitzvah marks the transition from child to one who makes more mature, adult-like decisions.  Thus, in Jewish tradition, a boy or girl who becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is now morally and ethically responsible for his or her decisions and actions. Sometimes, a celebratory party will follow the ceremony and that party is also called a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The religious ceremony is usually held at a temple, and the party is usually held at the temple’s event space or another location—of course, every family celebrates differently. Five top-notch New Jersey event planners and party experts weigh in on new trends in Bar/Bat Mitzvahs…and ways to keep the whole family stress-free during this exciting time.

Well, Mommy Poppins has given you the skinny on birthday parties from ice cream bashes to museum shindigs and now we're chatting about at-home fun, beginning with yesterday's party vendors that come to you. And many moons ago, before I decided that having a party at a bowling alley was the easiest birthday party known to man, I used to throw really fun, theme-y birthday parties for my kids at home and I'll let you in on a few things I learned.