Children's party checklist

Children's Party Checklist 

Ok so your child's birthday is coming up and you're running around frantically trying to organise a party. Sound familiar?? Well don't panic here's our Children's Party Checklist to help things run as smoothly as possible!

1) Pick a date and time.

 

 Make sure you have the date booked in plenty of time and hand the invitations out at least 3 weeks prior to the party. Don't expect that everybody will respond to your invitations because they won't! Keep on top of the list, cross out all the people that can't make it but expect that a good portion, if not all, of the people that don't respond will turn up. Irritating but true!

 

2) Alongside picking the date and time get the venue booked.

Do this in plenty of time because the popular venues can get booked up very quickly.

 

3) Get the entertainer booked.

As with the venue do this early! Have a chat with your child. It's more than likely that they will know what kind of party they would like and who they would like to be the entertainer. Are you daring enough to do this yourself?? If you are have a look at our previous blog 'Entertain The Children Yourself At Their Next Party'. Don't get too elaborate with the prizes either. You'll find that the children are not actually that bothered about what they win. It's usually best to have a big bag of sweets and hand them out to all the winners and non-winners (I don't think we're allowed to say losers are we??) of the games. If you're in the North East of England then I'm always happy to come out and entertain at your child's party. I bring everything with me from the tableware to the balloons to the games to the party bags to the entertainment - absolutely everything. All you need to do is organise the venue and the food and leave the rest to me! I am happy to give you a pre-party consultation too so we can discuss everything! Drop me a line or give me a ring on 07852955800 and we'll have a chat.

 

4) Pick a theme (if your child wants a theme).

This should all be worked into the invitations so that parents know in plenty of time what kind of party it is and whether or not they need to organise some fancy dress. Personally I wouldn't be too elaborate with the theme. Kids enjoy a party regardless of the theme so it might be boring but you can't really go far wrong with a princess and pirate theme.

 

5) Have a think about the party supplies you'll need.

Make a list of things. You'll need plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths, banners, balloons as a minimum. You may also want extras for the table like cupcake stands and table decorations. If you're working to a budget then these are not essential. If you want to have a chat about party supplies then drop me a line. I'm always happy to chat to you about your party and can provide you with all the party supplies you need. Have you seen our Birthday Party Boxes too - everything you need all boxed up and sent to you! Our Princess Party Boxes (pictured below) are ideal for the little princesses in your life.

6) Organise the party bags.

This can be a bit of a hassle and can be quite expensive. If you want affordable filled party bags then drop me a line and we'll have a chat about party bags just for you and then that's another thing ticked off the list! If you are going to do the party bags yourself then don't put names on the bags! When the kids are ready to leave the party it's normally chaos and names on the bags are just one extra complication you don't need - just have the bags ready for your child to hand out.

 

7) Think about your food and cake.  

There are loads of businesses out there that can provide party food and cakes. Have a look around your local area and speak to friends to get recommendations. Or have a go at the food and cake yourself. Sometimes it can also be easier to buy the food boxes and get the food boxed up before the party. Then when food time arrives at the party you can just hand out boxes. In terms of food you can't go wrong with sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps, cherry tomatoes, cheese blocks, fairy cakes and biscuits. Don't be surprised either if the eating of food at the party doesn't take as long as you expected either. The older the children are the less time it takes them to eat the party food.

 

 

8) On the day of the party just relax and enjoy it!

If you have booked a village hall as a venue then my advice would be to go and set everything up without your child being there. If you can get a grandparent to bring them along about 15 minutes before the party starts so they're ready to greet all the guests as they arrive but not be there to 'help' whilst you're setting up!

I think I've covered the main points of organising your child's party. If I've forgotten anything or you have any useful hints and tips to share then please leave a comment.

If you want to discuss any aspect of a child's party then please get in touch. Always happy to help!

Maxine

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