Plan your child’s birthday party
Children's birthday parties have become much more elaborate than when we were kids.
Parents often become overwhelmed with the details now required to throw the “perfect party”.
Here are some easy tips to make the party planning process easier and stress-free:
* Decide on the place. Decide whether you will be hosting the party at home or outside of the home. Many children’s facilities provide themed parties and take care of all the details for you. Often, the cost of throwing a party at a children’s facility is the same as doing it yourself. Plus, you are spared the headache of planning and cleaning up, and you can actually enjoy the party.
* Plan ahead: Begin planning your party approximately eight weeks before the big day, especially if the party is outside the home. Make sure to select a theme; this will help to determine the activities, decor, cake and favours. If your child is old enough, get them involved in selecting the theme. However, keep in mind that you will be planning eight weeks ahead of time and children’s interests change frequently. Make sure your child will like the theme you have chosen.
* Timing is everything. Plan the birthday party time around your birthday child, not the guests attending. Your child needs be in the best mood that day. Pick the time of day when they are most rested and able to enjoy the entire length of the party. Keep the party from 90 minutes to two hours. This provides ample time for children to become accumulated, partake in organised activities and eat.
* Allow sufficient RSVP time. Send out invites at least four weeks prior to your party and include an RSVP date of 10 days prior to your party. Make sure you keep a list of RSVPs. Send a reminder invite two weeks prior to those you have not heard from. Parents are busy and it becomes a handful keeping track of schedules. You will need to know the final number of guests at least 10 days prior to ensure that you have adequate food and favours.
* Keep the food simple. Pizza and cake are the easiest and most popular food options to serve to kids. Many children have nut allergies so it is safest to provide food that is nut-free.
* Keep track of the gifts. Make a list when opening gifts so that you know what every guest gave your child. You can use this list to create written thank you notes.
