In the spirit of celebrating Home Movie Day on 19 October we take a look at 'children’s parties through time’.

These delightful clips from people’s private home movie collections show how little the vital ingredients for a kids’ party have changed since the beginning of last century: cake with candles, funny hats, dancing, food, presents and games like 'Ring-a-ring o’ roses’. We can also see fights and tears in evidence.

Equally as interesting are the things that have changed since then, such as the ubiquity of white dresses and huge white bows in little girls’ hair, and bow ties and ties for the little boys.

Take a look at some of the home movies below and go back for a trip in time. You may remember your own parties when you were younger, or catch a look at how your grandparents and great grandparents would have celebrated their birthdays.

See all home movies on australianscreen.

See the Menzies Home Movies and Konrad Dimpel Home Movies collections.

Learn more about Home Movie Day.