If you’re a parent with an artistic kid, you know that there’s nothing quite like a creative activity to fill your child with joy. Maybe they can spend a whole afternoon drawing or exploring the possibilities in a new craft kit. Or perhaps they’re happiest when covered in finger paint or clay. Whatever your kids’ preferred medium for creative exploration, seeing them enthralled by the magic of art is a truly special experience.

When it comes time to plan a one-of-a-kind birthday party for your kiddo, it’s a great idea to take their love of art into consideration. Beyond staples like birthday balloons and a delicious birthday cake, if you want to plan something spectacular that speaks to your child’s heart, you can’t go wrong with an art birthday party. Of course, unless you’re an artist yourself, you’ll probably need some guidance on what exactly goes into an art themed birthday party. If that’s the case, never fear! These three tips will have you hosting an art party like a pro in no time.

1. Choose a theme.

Any great party needs a common thread to tie it all together and an art birthday party is no different. Deciding the theme will make things like buying birthday party supplies or decorations easier, sure, but it will also dictate the craft ideas you bring to table. For example, a rainbow-themed art party would have rainbow-themed crafts, of which there are many. You can choose the craft itself based on the age of your child and their friends, as well as on the amount of supplies and mess you’re interested in introducing into your home.

2. Make a plan for the mess.

Speaking of mess, art birthday parties tend to be mess-heavy events. That’s not a reason to shy away from a painting party or a craft party, though! It just means you need to know what you’re getting into and be prepared. Weather permitting, it might be a good idea to host the party outdoors in a backyard or a park, especially if you’re planning something like a painting party or a clay-based craft. For a winter birthday party, make sure you have a drop cloth (an old sheet or a tarp will do) to protect floors, rugs, and furniture. It’s also a good idea to let parents know about the artsy elements ahead of time so your child’s guests can dress in mess-friendly clothes.

3. Hire pros to take care of the crafts.

Of course, if you don’t have a knack for the arts, it might be a good idea to hire professionals. Arts instructors know exactly how to guide children through a new and exciting activity and will bring all the materials needed. They also have the expertise needed to understand which crafts are right for which age groups and how long they’ll take. The last thing anyone wants is for a group of excited kids to be waiting for an adult to figure out a craft activity—hiring a pro ensures that won’t happen. For non-artsy parents who want to keep things simple and ensure that the art party goes off without a hitch, this might be the best option.

If your kiddo has their heart set on an artsy birthday bash you can make their dreams come true. All you need is a plan and plenty of preparation. Decide on a theme and choose a simple craft with minimal mess. Or leave the art part to the pros and focus on some fabulous goody bags instead. Either way, your kid will be grinning from ear to ear, and that’s the most important part.