Your Checklist to Creating an Amazing Birthday Party
Before the birthday party begins, go through this checklist to guarantee that you pull off a great birthday party. Fulfilling these 10 steps will ensure that your party is one to remember.
Include your child in the party planning
The most important thing to remember is that your star needs to own the party. Allow your star to be part of the party planning process. Your star will be delighted to share responsibility for the fun the guests are having. Discuss and share ideas with your star. Be sure to integrate some of the star's ideas into the party.
Decide on a theme
Themes provide direction and make party planning simple. Unless your star is wildly interested in the popular Hanna Montana or High School Musical, don't be afraid to go for something out of the ordinary, such as a pirate party. This is a chance to give your star a fun, unusual experience. The Internet is a great way to search for available themes, and it provides great ideas for games and crafts that you may want to incorporate into the party.
Be Creative
The most important thing to incorporate into a birthday party is creativity. Strive to be original. Try to put your own spin on popular ideas to give them an eccentric feel.
Consider an itinerary
An itinerary may not be appropriate for all parties, but it should be considered. Itineraries can help the party run smoothly. Don't cram too many activities into one day. You want to give an activity time to breathe. If the party guests are having fun let them enjoy it, don't force them into the next game prematurely.
Present party favors
Guests love party favors because it makes them feel special, too. Remember to keep with the theme of the party. If your party is in the summer, squirt guns and water balloons may be a great idea. If your are having a dance party, try giving the guests star shaped sunglasses, a blow up microphone, homemade dance awards, and star shaped stickers.
Include hands on activities
Hands-on activities will give the party-goers a fun experience and great memories. These activities don't have to be complicated. If your are having a sleepover, you could provide your star and her guests with white pillowcases to keep and have everyone sign each other's pillowcase. Help the other guests feel included by creating simple activities.
Provide fun food
With every birthday, your star's food preferences will change. Pizza might be perfect for your party, but maybe a pig roast with carved fruit might be more exciting. Also, make sure there are vegetarian options if needed. Don't forget the cake! Having your star's friends decorate the cake can be fun for everyone, especially if they eat what they decorated. This can easily be done with cupcakes, and the star can participate as well.
Create original games
Including games in the party adds a lot of laughter. It is important to play games related to the theme of the party to give your star an all around adventure. If your theme is a pirate party, you'll want to include several pirate games, such as having the guests speak like pirates, having eye patch games, or having a costume creation contest using old clothes. Don't be turned off by juvenile games, as long as the guests are having fun, they're worth playing.
Be moderate
Be aware that not all households run the same. Be conservative with your guests. A party at which 9 year olds are present may not be the right place to show a PG-13 movie. Or, if you are considering something that may cause problems, talk to your guests' parents ahead of time and respect their concerns if they share them.
Supervise. Supervise. Supervise
Nothing wrecks a party faster than things getting out of hand. Most party-ending blow-ups can easily be avoided with a watchful eye. Concentrate on facilitating, not controlling, especially if your star wants to be in charge. Keep an eye out for guests who aren't being included. Help them back into the fun. Keep a low profile but supervise your star and her guests.
Don't get overwhelmed. If you follow this checklist step by step, you'll have an amazing birthday party success.