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Planning a party is great fun but it can also be very stressful. Here are some tips that I put together with some mums that may help your day run a bit smoother. These are in no specific order.
Party tips - for a party at home or at a venue
4 weeks before the party
1.Discuss with your child what his/her expectations are for the party - and curb them!
2.Choose a theme for your party.
This may depend on the age of your party guests or whether it will be made up of boys or girls only or both.
3.Choose a date and time.
- 2 hours is plenty for most parties-trust me!
4.Discuss with the party boy/girl the children to be invited.
5.Decide on a venue for the party
These days there are plenty of venues to choose from when hosting a party. There is no ideal party venue and in many cases it will be decided by the birthday boy / girl.
Factors that you should consider when choosing a party venue include
1) The number of guests
2) Size of venue
3) Availability of facilities, such as bouncy castle
4) Catering facilities
5) Proximity to alternative venues
6) Price
7) Has your child enjoyed a friend’s party at the same venue
It is also worth checking with any of the alternative venues if helpers are provided to look after the children. Hosting a party in your own home has many advantages and if you have the space can be a great option. Get help from other mums if you can. This will be helpful for serving food, tidying up and toilet trips for younger members.
You may not wish to, but if you choose to have an entertainer/bouncy castle at your home you may need to book several weeks in advance also. Some entertainers are booked several months in advance. The summer months and Holy Communion Saturdays are particularly busy. See our party directory.
Find out as much as you can about their party entertainment, how long they stay for etc. If the show lasts one hour you still need to fill one hour. The food and cake will be eaten in 5 minutes.
You may want to consider games like pin the tail on the donkey or a piñata to fill a bit of time. Or see our party games section.
Order your party supplies from Best Birthdays. Disposables are a great idea especially the tablecloths, as all the mess can just be bundled into the middle and thrown out at the end of the party.
You will need:
- Invitations and Thank Yous
- Table Decorations and Table Accessories
- Balloons and Banners
- Prizes for Games
- Party Bags and Party Bag Contents
- Dressing Up items
1.Send out the invitations
Send out the invitations at least 1 week before the party. This gives parents time to buy a gift.
Include an RSVP with a date and your telephone number.
When the RSVPs come back, keep a list of names and telephone numbers. You can use this as a check-list on the day.
2.Plan your party menu
Decide what you are going to eat at the party. Don’t plan on too much food. The kids never eat it. Simple finger-food is usually the best and simplest to serve, especially if you're preparing it yourself. It would be a good idea to check if any of the guests have food allergies, although I think most parents will tell you anyway.
Good party food includes:
- Sandwiches (ham, cheese etc.)
- Cocktail sausages on sticks
- Cheese and pineapple/grapes on sticks
- Mini pizzas
- Vegetables and dips (carrots, cucumber, red pepper etc.)
- Fairy cakes
- Chocolate rice crispies
Don’t forget some party food for your helpers!
3.Don’t forget the cake!
If you like, cakes can be purchased in your party theme (see our directory) but you may need to give a baker a bit of notice.
3 days to go
1.Confirm guest numbers and chase-up any outstanding RSVPs.
2.If you have booked a venue or entertainer ring to confirm details.
3.Check that you have sufficient party prizes and party bag goodies.
The day before
1.Prepare any food that can be prepared in advance.
2.Bake and decorate your cake if you have decided to make your own.
3.Make up loot bags for each guest (see our party presents ideas). It is a good idea to have a few spare just in case.
Make up a loot bag for the birthday child – I know, but they still expect them. If you have other children don’t leave them out either.On the day keep these out of sight until going home time otherwise they will hound you for them.
Party day
1.Decorate your venue
Have fun with your birthday boy/girl hanging balloons and banners. If your party is at home put some balloons on your front door or gate so that parents can easily find your house.
2.Refreshments
Whether you are at a venue or at your own home make sure you have plenty of juice. Bouncing and running is thirsty work!
3.Don’t Forget!
If you are at an outside venue bring some large plastic bags to carry the presents back to the car. These will also be handy for any rubbish you may have.
Finally, enjoy the day and don’t forget your camera!!!
