BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNING BASICS
Begin planning your party 4 weeks in advance as this allows plenty of time for on-line shopping, cake orders etc. Pick a theme -whether it's an elaborate theme or just your kids favourite colour it will help you plan all of your party supply purchases, party games and decorations around that theme. 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 do 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 a few finger foods will do. Toddler parties can be 10:00am -11:30 to work around nap times.
WIN or LOSE PARTY GAMES?
No one should go home a loser!
Competitive games are enjoyable only for the people who win. A party should be fun so to avoid tears select games where everyone gets a chance to succeed. For example, if it's a game like musical chairs, when a player is called "out", assign that player the task of playing the music. Better yet, plan a few cooperative games, in which the whole gang faces a challenge, such as following a treasure map, then they each receive a prize or split the treasure evenly.
PARTY LOOT BAGS
In choosing party bag contents it's better to spend more creativity than money. Give a wonderful thank you item/items that reflects the party theme; a flower pot and seeds for a garden party, modelling clay for an art party, nail varnish/make-up for a makeover party. You can even send the kids home with a treasure they've made during the party. The birthday child should hand out the bags as it gives them the opportunity to say "thank you" to their guests for coming to their party.