What are the ingredients for a successful child`s birthday party?

Question

I want to get into the field of Party Planning especially for kids and need expert advice. Thanks much!

Answer 1

When party planning for little ones, low expectations!  Really, they just want to play with their friends, eat kid friendly food and cake and open presents.  Anything beyond that is asking for a meltdown by at least one of them.

Answer 2

My son is turning 4 this year and every year there's a different birthday request (you'd think he was 16 lol). Key things I have to do: Be in touch with the latest trends and themes for children's parties and be able to tailor these thems for parties that will have both boys and girls present... Have a list of activities but not a specific time frame for each because some things kids will gravitate to more than others and you will only frustrate yourself with a timed itineray. Also be familiar with different merchants(for buying items in bulk) rental/renting facilities and caterers to take the work out of it for the mother. You may even be able to work out deals where they give you a lower rate in exchange for them being your n"preferred" company.  And if there is something for the parents to do that doesn't completely take their attention away from the children that's always a plus. This is the website I use for all my son's parties they usually work out cheaper than party city.  

Answer 3

Only acceptable answer is a Entertainer that specialize sin kids parties and can coordinate games dances and activities with your children...we do this in NJ NY & AZ  & CA   - where ar eyou located?

And 3 hours all for less then 1 hour of an magician or clown!

Answer 4

Party planning checklist follows -

Staying organized while you're planning a child's birthday party is easy with this sanity-saving checklist.

3-4 Weeks before your party

[  ] Cuddle up with your child. Decide if you want a party theme.

[  ] Create the guest list. Guests generally range from friends at daycare, school or the neighborhood, then add close relatives.  

Enlist several adults to help the party run smoothly. For three- to five-year-olds, ideally you'll need around one adult for every four children, and for six-to ten-year- olds, one adult for every six children.

[  ] Pick party date and time. Parties are generally 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours long.

[  ] Call and book your Professional Children's Entertainer...

Decide on activities and games to play. Consider the age of the children and plan games and activities accordingly. Plan more games than you expect to use, in case you run out of activities before the party is over.  

[  ] Get party supplies, decorations, party favors, activities and prizes for games. Be sure to get enough tableware for the adults attending, as well.  

2-3 Weeks before your party

[  ] Send the invitations. It is best to ask guests to RSVP to get an estimate of how many children to expect.  

[  ] Decide on activities and games to play. Consider the age of the children and plan games and activities accordingly. Plan more games than you expect to use in case you run out of activities before the party is over.  

[  ] Plan your menu.  Remember that parties are not a good time to introduce new foods to children. Serve familiar favorites.

[  ] Arrange for extra help on the party day from friends or relatives.

1 Week before the party

[  ] Order cake from a bakery if you are not baking your own. Bake cake and freeze it, if making your own.  

[  ] Make other foods that can be made ahead of time. Store in the freezer.  

[  ] Write out a final schedule of activities for the party.

[  ] Confirm any orders placed for the cake and/or party supplies.  

[  ] Let siblings invite a special friend over for the day so they won't feel left out. They can either play apart from the party or they can be helpers.  

2-3 Days before the party

[  ] Buy remaining food for the party. Buy film and/or videotape.  

[  ] Check batteries for the camera and/or camcorder.    

[  ] Get an exact guest count. Call those who haven't responded.  

[  ] Arrange to have balloons filled with helium to pick up the day of the party. It is fun to have each guest go home with a balloon.

1 Day before the party (Call entertainment around the dinner hour to confirm appearance so  all can sleep knowing everything is in place!)

[  ] Finish decorating the cake, or pick up the cake from the bakery.  

[  ] Make sure you have plenty of candles and matches.  

[  ] Pick up helium-filled balloons.  (if that is your choice)

[  ] Child-proof the party area.  

[  ] Decorate any indoor areas (save outdoor decorating for day of the party).

[  ] Prepare food that can be made ahead of time.

Party Day

[  ] Prepare foods and beverages that could not be made ahead of time.

[  ] Take plenty of pictures and videos to commemorate this special day.

[  ] Plan a Nap for Yourself After the party!

Remember, young guests will be excited, mishaps may occur. Keep your sense of humor. Even if not every aspect of the party goes off as planned, the most important part is to enjoy the day as you celebrate the life of your child!

Party Games

Party Recipes

Balloons & Streamers

Hang balloons in bunches for the best effect. Use them anywhere it strikes your fancy - doorways, walls, indoors or out. The more the better! If you choose to use helium balloons, wait until the party day to ensure they float well! Use curling ribbon to tie balloons together. Leave extra ribbon hanging and use scissors to curl it. Gather six or eight streamers and attach them to the ceiling in the center of the party room (or over the table). Use a light fixture over the table, if you have one, as the center point for the streamers. Twist each streamer as you walk it to the wall and attach it at shoulder height. Put two differently colored streamers back-to-back and twist to make attractive two-tone streamers.

Smile for the Camera

Be sure to take lots of pictures. You and your child will want to remember this special party. Polaroid pictures work well as party favors because they capture the fun instantly. If using digital or regular film, a helpful hint is to have extra prints made and send them to the parents afterward. Remember, it's not necessary to have everyone in each picture. Focus on small groups and avoid posing all the photos. Candids capture the laughter best!

Table Decorations

Spread your Birthday table cover on your party table. If the table can be damaged, be sure to place a protective covering on first. If your child has any theme-related toys, you can add them to the table for a more festive display. Cut several one-to-two-foot-long pieces of curling ribbon. Curl it by pulling between your thumb and the blade of your scissors and lay the resulting curls on your table for added color. It's your choice whether to set out only the napkins, forks and spoons, saving the plates and cups until the food is served. However, the overall visual effect is greater when all the partyware is on the table when the guests arrive.

Tips for A Successful Birthday Party

1. Mail invitations two weeks before the party date.

2. Plan a safe, comfortable place for the party. One where the children can have fun and not hurt themselves or your home. If planning an outdoor party be sure to have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

(I've always wanted a reason to say that).

In this area you have so many choices. Besides the ever-popular home party, you can use a local park, zoo, amusement park, or restaurant.

3. Limit the party time to two hours or less for children under six of age. Up to three hours is fine for older children.

4. Have more activities than you plan to use prepared in advance. Activities often take less time than planned and you may want to keep the children busy.

5. Include the birthday child in preparations as often as possible. Have him or her stuff the party favor bags, make suggestions for games, help with the decorations, set the table, and mail the invitations - even if that only means putting them in the mailbox.