| How do you plan a children's birthday party... and | | | | Ok, it's now time to get ready for the party! |
| still remain sane? | | | | You've decided on the party theme and how |
| Relax, don't panic and keep it as simple as possible | | | | many guests will be invited... Now the preparations |
| is the answer. | | | | and fun begin! |
| Kids don't care if the room has been vacuumed | | | | Don't forget to keep your birthday kid involved |
| and cleaned. Think about it for a moment, kid's will | | | | whenever possible. Get them to suggest party |
| make the tidiest of room's look like a disaster | | | | game ideas, then choose the decorations and |
| zone within minutes of turning up. They won't | | | | food together. Feeling relaxed? Hope so, because |
| care whether the table napkins match or what | | | | organizing a kid birthday party should be fun for |
| time it is!... all they will want to do is have fun, play | | | | everyone! |
| games and eat lots of goodies! | | | | Allocate a budget for the party and decide |
| So, what's the best way to ensure that your | | | | whether you hire a professional entertainer or |
| child's birthday party is one to remember? (at | | | | enlist the help of friends and neighbors? Don't be |
| least until the next party invitation arrives!) | | | | afraid to ask a friend to help clear empty dishes, |
| Firstly, take a little time to think about the party | | | | run a game or two and even take the some |
| theme. Will it be an outing to the local burger | | | | party photos. |
| house, a trip to an amusement park or will you | | | | Set a time for the party. Two or three hours |
| have a theme party at home. With sufficient | | | | should be plenty of time. If the children are under |
| forward planning, you won't be losing any sleep | | | | 5 years old, then one and half hours should be |
| worrying about the party. | | | | time enough. One great tip is to hold a toddler |
| Make a list of who is coming to the party? The | | | | party in the morning, as youngsters tend to get a |
| general rule of thumb is to invite as many guests | | | | bit "cranky" when they get tired! |
| as you feel comfortable catering for. | | | | Plan your party games in 15-20 minute intervals. If |
| Ask the birthday child what they would like to do. | | | | you find the kids are happy playing a particular |
| Don't be tempted to pressure them into having | | | | game let them carry on... why spoil their fun? On |
| the sort of party YOU would like... it is their special | | | | the other hand plan more activities than you think |
| day after all! Once you have decided on a theme, | | | | you will need. Some games may be greeted with |
| then the party activities to keep the kids happy | | | | a "groan" and you may well need to play another |
| become a priority. Many traditional games can be | | | | game sooner than you expected. |
| adapted to fit just about any party theme. | | | | Send out your birthday party invitations 2 to 3 |
| If the party is to at the local restaurant, go along | | | | weeks in advance of the party date, then make |
| and speak to the manager to agree the food | | | | a follow-up confirmation phone calls after about a |
| menu and leave the rest to them. An outing to | | | | week. People tend to be very busy nowadays |
| the amusement park or zoo may require | | | | and a small invitation can get easily forgotten, |
| additional party planning, with transport being just | | | | usually under a mountain of junk-mail! |
| one item needing consideration. Many of these | | | | Don't spend more time or energy than necessary |
| venues have party facilities available so all you | | | | on things that don't really matter. When organising |
| need to provide is the children and a credit card | | | | the party food keep snacks plain and simple. |
| to pay the bill. | | | | Remember that kids love eating food with their |
| If the party is to be at home, then selecting a | | | | fingers and your party day could be a great day |
| theme can be fun. Whether it's Pirates, Finding | | | | to let them do just that! |
| Nemo or Dora the Explorer... this is your | | | | Buy an undecorated cake from your local baker |
| opportunity to get creative! | | | | and decorate it yourself, making a terrific party |
| With so many character theme party goods | | | | theme cake... or get the bakers to make a |
| available, the choice is endless. If you're planning to | | | | completely finished themed birthday cake! |
| hold the party outdoors, it would be a good idea | | | | Finally, imagine that the big day is here and your |
| to have at least one room inside your home | | | | first guest arrives for your child's birthday party. |
| decorated, in case of rain. Try to limit the party | | | | Stay calm, keep a good sense of humor and |
| activities to pre-designated party areas (as much | | | | enjoy the precious party time with your guests. |
| as possible), so you are able to relax and enjoy | | | | Above all, keep the party flowing and let the |
| the party without worrying about the mess being | | | | children set the pace. |
| made. | | | | |