Hypertext Task
PLANNING A CHILDREN BIRTHDAY PARTY
1. Choose the Theme:
Talk to your child and ask them
what theme they would like to use to celebrate their special day. You
might choose to take your child shopping with you to pick out their
theme and party supplies or use an online party shopping site.
2. Choose the Location:
There are two options: celebrate at home or host the party at an
outside location. I prefer at home parties where we can add our own
special creative touches. It often costs less to have to have the party
at home. If you choose to use a location outside of your home, be sure
to call and reserve your date well in advance.
3. Set the Date and Time:
After you choose the date for the party that works best for your
family’s schedule, determine if you will serve a meal. Then, choose the
appropriate time for your party around that decision. How long should your party last? Ninety minutes is a good amount of time for the under eight group and two to three hours for older kids, especially if you have more lengthy activities planned.
4. Plan the Day:
Sit down and make lists: theme, guests, activities, menu, decorations, to-do, to obtain and places to shop. You might even choose to create a birthday binder to organize your party planning. Use a three- ring binder with dividers to keep all of your lists, ideas and inventory of birthday party supplies and past party ideas. This helps me see what I have on hand and what I have done in the past to begin my planning. I have used birthday planning templates I found online by searching “birthday templates” as well.
5. Invitations:
Mail your invitations two weeks prior to the party. Be sure when
sending out your invitations that you give important details to allow
the parents and guests to know what to expect. Be sure to include both
the start and finish time of the party, if a meal will be served, RSVP information, etc. 
How many children should you invite? Many use the age rule: your child’s age plus one. So, a 6-year-old invites seven guests and a 9-year-old invites 10 guests.
Do what is comfortable for you. Be sure to have plenty of help! You might even consider hiring one of your babysitters to come and help you.
6. Menu:
Plan what types of food and beverage you will serve. Will you make the
cake or order it from your local bakery? If you choose to order a cake,
be sure to place your order one week in advance. What additional foods
will you serve – a meal or snacks? Take into consideration the
preparation time, ages of the children you are serving and where they
will be eating.Choose foods that are simple to make and clean up. Individually packaged snacks and juice boxes don’t go to waste if unopened and are simple to serve.
7. Party Bags:
Be sure they are all the same or that they are the same for each
gender. Use ideas that go along with your chosen theme. If you plan
ahead, you can buy items on sale and on clearance at end-of-season
sales. Be creative with your goodie bags by using items that correspond with your theme, such as sand pails, Chinese takeout containers, purses, small shipping boxes, decorated paper sacks or Ziploc® Brand bags with fun bag toppers.
8. Game Planning:
Choose age appropriate games. I generally do not give prizes unless
everyone wins one. Pair the games with the theme of your party. Having a
superhero party? Then pick a game where the kids can dress up like
their favorite superhero. Be creative and search online for ideas.
9. Craft or Activity Planning:
Choose age appropriate crafts and activities, and don’t be disappointed
if your child or another child does not want to participate. Allow them
to observe or play quietly while the rest of the children do the
activity. Providing a sit down activity is a great way to begin the
party as children are arriving. It keeps them occupied while you’re
greeting parents and getting kids settled into the party.
10. Supply Basket:
I use a laundry basket for supplies such as candles, matches, a knife
to cut cake, tape, game supplies, craft and activity supplies, goodie
bags, extra plates napkins, etc. Everything you will need from the
beginning to end of the party. This allows you to have everything in one
place. Also, have a box of baby wipes on hand for quick clean ups.
11. Schedule:
Write out the party time schedule, and plan to be flexible. This will
give you a plan for the party – what will kids do when they arrive, when
will they eat, when will they do activities, open gifts, be given
goodie bags, eat cake. Having a written time schedule will also keep you
from forgetting an activity.
12. Weather:
If
you are planning an outdoor party, be sure to have an alternate plan in
case the weather does not cooperate. It’s no fun having a bunch of
7-year-olds eating cake in the rain.
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