Instead of prepping a classroom for the first day of school this year, former fourth and fifth grade teacher Annie Meinberg spent the early fall putting the final touches on her new kids business, Dream Scene Parties.
And with 30 themed options in store – from Unicorn Shine and Mermaid Bash to Furry Friends and Superhero – this Troy spot is hosting an Oct. 6, 2019 grand opening.
“I really pride myself on the diversity of the themes,” Meinberg says. “I didn’t want to overwhelm people with 60-plus options, but I come up with new ones all the time and can be very flexible.”
All in the planning
It all harkens back to her pre-teaching gig with party-planning company A Step Outside of the Box in Clawson. When the space closed last year, Meinberg picked up where her former employer left off.
Known as “Plannie Annie” to her friends, Meinberg says she has two passions: working with kids and being a team leader – and she’s thrilled about the team of hosts she’s put together for Dream Scene.
Customization is an option, too. “The themes are going to be ever-changing and reviewed month to month to see what is popular so we can give people what they want.”
Gender-neutral themes
Many of Dream Scene’s themes cater to “girly” tastes, but there are options to please all genders. Here are a few picks for any kid looking for a fun, unique party.
- Greek Mythology: “Greek mythology is not something I would have initially thought of,” Meinberg says, “but one of my fifth graders yelled it out when I asked for suggestions last year, and I think it will really be popular with older kids.” This shebang lets kids get in touch with their inner gods and goddesses.
- Yes Yoga: Your kids will have a blast twisting themselves up like pretzels – and maybe meditating will help curb the effects of their birthday cake-induced sugar highs.
- Mad Scientist: It’s ALIVE! Kids can head into their own Frankenstein’s laboratory to create fun concoctions.
- Comedy LOL: If your kid is the class clown, this party is for you. Everyone enjoys a good laugh. Why not improv your way through your kids’ birthday parties?
The score on the ‘scene’
This party destination, which opened in fall of 2019, is located at 2752 Industrial Row Drive in Troy.
You can book your party after 3 p.m. weekdays; 4-6 and 7-9 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-noon, 1-3, 4-6 and 7-9 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m.-noon, 1-3 and 4-6 p.m. Sundays.
Parties can be booked for two-hour time slots. It’s recommended that you book one to four months in advance. The shortest notice accepted (if available) is two weeks.
Pricing runs $400 for 10 guests and $15 for each additional guest; $200 of the total is required as a deposit.
Tips for hosts (usually three to five per party) are recommended, and there is a $10 dessert fee to bring your own cake. Cakes created by Dream Scenes run $60-$100 and cupcakes are $35/dozen or $35/two dozen for mini cupcakes.
