While we don't profess to be a professional party planners, at our house, my partner and I do throw some great parties. We've done Moroccan Theme with Belly Dancers, Grammy Night, Dancing with the Stars, Hawaiian Luaua's, X-Files for the adults and Princess, Easter Egg Hunts / Birthday, Pool Parties, "Christmas Morning" where everyone had to show up in PJ's and we had pancakes, Mexican Fiestas, Fashion Runway, where you had to make your own outfit with the supplies provided and the list goes on.
BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNING BASICS
So how do you plan? The pre-preparation of coming up with the theme is where to start. For kids, think about their age and what their favorite character, game, activities are. If they are older than 3 you can let them help come up with the ideas, but younger you may as well just make the decision yourself.
Begin planning your party 4-5 weeks in advance. Allow time for on-line shopping, cake orders and convincing any friends or family you may want to help. Pick a theme. Whether it's an elaborate royal kingdom theme, or something easier, like your child's favorite color, selecting a theme will help you organize your thoughts.
Children remember what they did at a party, much more than what they
ate, what the plates and napkins looked like or whether the house was
spotless. Don't sweat the little details!
The best party times are......1:00 - 3:00 or 2:00 - 4:00
You won't need to serve a meal but a few finger foods are advised
For little ones try 10:00am -11:30 to work around nap time.
BIRTHDAY PARTY INVITATIONS
The Invitation Equation:
Child's age + 1 = happy kids
For children under 8 years old, invite as many children as the child's age plus one. Some parents choose to add 1 or 2 to this equation. Only you can know your limits. Of course, as your child gets much older the formula will need revision.
Obviously this is just a guideline. Before you begin to plan your party think about your limits, strengths and weaknesses as well as the party area available to you. Also how many folks will be a part of your team. If it's an outdoor party and you have space in your backyard or at a park, then invite the crowd and make a event to remember, but if you are doing in your den and around the kitchen table, then keep it small and it can be just as special.
Who to Invite
At our parties, especially for the younger children, the adults now expect to stay and be fed. So we include food for them and let them be entertained by watching the children and visiting among themselves. As your child gets older, invite only your child's closest playmates. They already know each other well which makes the party so much more fun! Think about friends from daycare, school, Sunday school, special relatives and neighbors. Again up to age 5-6, expect the parents to stay and see what you have for them. Older than this, they will most likely be glad to drop them off, take a break, run errands and pick them up at a designated time. You may wish to include this in the invitation.
I don't want to leave anyone out!
This is a common dilemma, especially when your children
begin to attend school. Try to be discreet by mailing the invitations. Speak with the teacher about coming in for a brief and simple class party. Bring a small party bag (pencils, stickers, balloon) and treat for every student.
WIN or LOSE PARTY GAMES
No one should go home a loser! We just attended a party for a five year old. The parents had rented a bouce/slide tent and then what I thought was a great idea, brought in a "coach" from the school who had a round of "Olympics" set up. A big circle with an obstacle course. She talked to them and led them through the course once and then let them "compete" and everyone won a prize!
Be Prepared!!!
Always have everything ready to place the day before. Ask a friend , family member or neighbor to help with the party. It's likely you have a neighborhood teenager who would love to help, when offered a few dollars for their time. Always have more than you think and have extra activities planned just in case the weather changes, or they go through the games too fast.
Party Favors
In choosing party favors, it's always great if they can go home with a small item that makes them feel special, shows that you know they were coming and were a part of the plan. Sometimes it can be a piece of art from an activity or prize from the Obstacle Course.
One of our favorites for any age is a personalized item, such as a glass or placemat or treasure box of goodies that used as their place setting. You have to have these items anyway, they can use them during the party and then make sure to clean them up to take home. The birthday child should hand out the favors. This will remind her to say "thank you".
We have a great selection of party favors that can be painted to match your theme. Cups, placemats, snack cups, beach buckets, all personalized make a useful party item and can become the favor at the end for them to take home. Look under our Personalized Birthday Party Ideas and Favors to see our choices. We also have Birthday Shirts for the celebration and Personalized Birthday Flags to greet your guests at the front door.
Have a great celebration on your child's day, and please add your party ideas.....we are always looking for a new one. There's always a party just around the corner.
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