Everything you need for a Kids Party

Kids Party ideas

Although families are finding it hard to make ends meet in the current economic downturn, they are still finding the funds to make their children's parties stand out from the rest. Organising that memorable event can be very time consuming, however, with a simple check list a disorganised event can be made very simple and stress free.

There are many different places in which a children's party can be hosted, for instance, at home, a hired room or a play centre. Each location has their benefits and drawbacks but can be adapted for any budget. The majority of play centres offer a package that includes venue, entertainment and occasionally food. However, the venue may not always be available and could stretch many people’s budgets. Hosting a party within your home can be a great alternative to splashing out on hiring a venue. Having a birthday party at home can save money, although the host has to be well organised to achieve a successful party.

Check-list for having a Party at home:

Planning

• Think about which rooms in the house to use and whether there is a suitable amount of space in them.
• Think about how many children the rooms can accommodate. Take into consideration if the children are very young then parents are likely to come.
• If the party is in the summer and you are thinking of using the garden then make sure there is sufficient covered space in the event of changing weather.
• Decide whether there is going to be a theme to the party
• Are you planning on hiring entertainment such as a bouncy castle or clown, if so then contact them as soon as possible to check availability and book them. Remember to ask relevant questions such as the size of the bouncy castle and how long will you have the use of it.

Food

• Timings are key to what types of food to provide. If the party is held at noon or around 5pm then guests will expect a meal provided. For the smaller budgets, hold the party in the middle of the afternoon, this way you can get away with serving small amounts of food such as nibbles.
• Is there adequate space for everyone to eat? Or sit down?
• Is your home better suited to a sit down meal or more of a buffet style meal?

 Check-list for parties in a Hired Room:

Booking

• Check availability of the venue and book the date as soon as possible, if necessary pay a deposit. If you have not been to the venue then plan a visit and think about any questions you may need to ask.
• Make sure you have a contact name and number for the venue and that all the arrangements are confirmed, a receipt or written conformation would be advised.
• Decide if you want a theme for the party
• If you are having entertainers then also check if they are available on the same dates and contact them with any relevant questions.

Food

• In the same way as if you were having the party at home, what type of food you provide will be affected by the timings of the party.
• Decide if you are going to make the food yourself or if hiring a caterer then check availability and cost per head.

Check-list for parties in a Play Centre:

Booking

• Check availability of the venue and book the date as soon as possible, if necessary pay a deposit. If you have not been to the venue then plan a visit and think about any questions you may need to ask.
• Make sure you have a contact name and number for the Play Centre and that all the arrangements are confirmed, a receipt or written conformation would be advised.
• You need to find out more information about the Play Centre, consider:
  • Cost per child
  • Minimum number of children
  • Maximum number of children
  • What does the party include (e.g. food, party bags)?
  • What is not provided (e.g. tea/coffee)?
  • How many adults are required to supervise?
  • How long will the party last?
  • Is food included and what is on the menu?
  • What is provided as an alternative for those with allergies or special dietary requirements?
  • Can the Play Centre be decorated and are you allowed in there earlier to prepare?
  • Can you hold your own party games?
  • Do they provide a birthday cake and candles?
  • Is there a designated area for the parents to sit?

 For each venue you choose there are some factors that stay the same:

Decorations

• Get decorations such as balloons, table covers & confetti, streamers, hats, tiaras and masks before the day of the party.
• If using helium balloons then it may be advisable to hire a helium gas bottle, and for the traditional balloons, a hand pump won’t leave you without breath.

Entertainment

• Make sure party games are ready with prizes, e.g. Pass the Parcel.
• Get the party bags organised if required
• Check if the entertainment needs power sources and if they are provided.
• Have a device for playing music and have a suitable play-list/CD to play on it. It is advised to have someone in charge of the music, just in case. Some venues already provide music, double check as you don't want to be stuck on the day.

Invitations

• Confirm the names of guests to be invited and wherever possible find out surnames and dietary requirements, keeping a list of names and telephone numbers of party guests.
• Include an RSVP on the invitation with a contact name, telephone number and a date by which you need a reply.

Cake

• If you have decided to order a cake from a supplier then it is advised to have a contact for them, additionally before using the company they should provide samples or pictures of the cakes they have already made, which will help you make your choice.
• You will need to specify the date in which you need the cake for. When ordering the cake, the earlier the better as some cakes can take quite some time to produce. Other additions include putting names on cakes; in this case make sure the spelling of the name is correct.
• Some people decide to make their own cakes. In this circumstance find some recipes and if you have never made a cake before do a practice one first.

Day of the party

• Prepare the food and drink if needed
• Organise helpers
• Blow up the balloons and put up the decorations
• Pick up the birthday cake if ordered
• Lay out the table and table decorations
• Ensure you eat well before the party to ensure you have enough energy!
• Greet and welcome the entertainment company, whether bouncy castle company, clown or DJ
• Start the music to welcome guests

You can search for venues in your area by using this simple search tool. It will display a list of suggested places great for all ages.

http://www.letsgowiththechildren.co.uk/Birthdays.aspx

One of the main points to remember is to relax and enjoy the day. People will notice if you are stressed and it can rub off on others. To give any party that extra special touch include bubbles and inflatables, both parents and children will really notice the difference and remember your party in years to come.

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