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