They’re your best friends, joyously waiting for you at the door after a long day of work and ready to snuggle up next to you before bed. Pets are a part of the family, no matter how long you’ve had them or what kind of pet they are. To celebrate your furry family member’s birthday, it’s only appropriate to throw a celebration fit for cats and dogs! Let’s take a look at how to get prepared for a great puppy party with easy-to-clean furnishings, home goods like area rugs and slipcovers as well as accessories to help complete the celebratory look.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Upholstery
Stick to pet-friendly fabrics to make your new couch or favorite chair stand the test of time and keep your focus on your pet’s birthday party. Indoor/outdoor and stain-repellant fabrics like Crypton can not only withstand dirty pet tracks and party spills, but they’ve become surprisingly comfortable. Ultrasuede is also a great option, as spills can be easily wiped up and the fabric won’t get easily caught in little claws due to its weave. Leather is another wonderful choice as it repels stains and dirt best. Just remember—birthday cake and muddy paw prints won’t stand a chance, but scratching claws could potentially damage it.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Slipcovers
If shelling out for a pet-friendly upholstery piece isn’t on the to-do list for the party, slipcovers are easy upgrades that can help immensely when preparing for the special day. Ones that you can toss into the wash are especially helpful, so keep an eye out for those that don’t require dry cleaning. Investing in furniture with slipcovers can save you both time and hassle, keeping the focus on celebrating your furry friends instead of making sure everyone stays off the white chairs.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Area Rugs
Rugs are must-haves for every major room, as they tie in the decor and create a cozy place for pets to curl up. Go for a pet-proof rug like an indoor/outdoor one for peace of mind—it’ll keep you and your guests happy during your pet party by keeping stains away. The beauty of indoor/outdoor rugs is their ability to deflect dirt, spills and stains, all while providing a relatively comfortable feel under those paws. Great for high traffic areas, these rugs come in just about every pattern and color imaginable, so play up that fun birthday theme with a bold new rug. If an indoor/outdoor rug isn’t for you, stick to rugs with low piles, small patterns or dark colors. These will make stains and dirt harder to see, and a lower pile will keep those cute little paws and claws from unhooking loops and destroying your favorite rug during the birthday bash.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Doggy Station
What better way to create a designated pet area and a party greeting station than with a “pet stop” at your home’s entrance? Baker’s racks, credenzas, benches and hooks are not only great pieces that can make a dedicated space to hang leashes, collars and toys, they can also serve as a greeting station for two-legged and four-legged guests. Multiple hanging hooks provide plenty of space for everyone to hang their coats and leashes, while benches with built in storage or bookcases with bins make treats and toys easily accessible. Don’t forget—this is the perfect place for displaying thank-you gifts and goody bags!
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Decorations and Accessories
It’s not a pet party without decorations! Switch out seasonal accessories for ones that add pizazz to the party. A festive throw is not only great for providing extra coverage on sofas and seating areas, but it also adds a pop of color and pattern for celebratory flair. Are your feline friends spending too much time scratching up your home? Sisal rope is a great remedy for unwanted scratching when wrapped around chair legs or poles—spice it up with alternating colored rope for a two-in-one decoration. Don’t forget the fun stuff: large jars filled with bones, treats, balls and toys are great for table settings alongside the cake.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Landscaping
Pet-friendly furnishings aren’t the only things we need to consider when planning a pet party—decorations like cut flowers and landscaping need to be kitty- and pup-friendly too. Azaleas and lilies are well-known no-no’s around animals due to their toxicity, but many lesser-known ones are still common and easily found in backyards and public spaces. Make sure to check a comprehensive list like the ASPCA’s plant list to make sure those beautiful flower centerpieces won’t harm the birthday pet.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
How have you prepared your home for your pet’s party? Start by sending a pet party invitation from Evite.
NEXT: Get more party planning ideas or visit Home Depot for more tips!
The post Pet Party Preparation 101 appeared first on Evite.