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A village hall is not
expensive and well worth the money - children are excited and want
somewhere to run around, there's nothing to get broken and there's
usually a car park, kitchen, and toilets, and everyone is in one
room, so no one is off getting up to mischief, and it should conform
to health and safety regulations.
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Don't put the show right
at the start of the party. Children need half an hour to settle, run
around, burn off a bit of energy, and there are always one or two
late comers. I suggest time to run about, then organise a game or
two. It's a good idea to have a knock-out game like musical statues
just before the show, then whoever is out can go for a wee. That way
they've all been and they aren't all trying to use the loo at the
same time. If one child needs to go during the show, then six more
will suddenly need to go!
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Don't have all boys
parties, particularly if they are seven or eight year olds! Your boy
is of course a charming young gentleman, but some of his mates won't
be, and the presence of girls has a calming effect.
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Parties don't have to be
wild and noisy. I've been to some very successful parties that began
with a creative session where the children made a mask or a hat, or
decorated box. It's really easy to do because there are specialist
suppliers who supply everything at reasonable cost, and as the
children become involved the party becomes quieter and more fun for
everyone. Click
here for information on suppliers There
is the added bonus of something to take home
afterwards
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Check out the new Pirate
Party page - everything you need to know about hosting a
fabulous pirate party, and there will soon be other pages with party
ideas and themes
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Don't worry too much
about the age range. If it's a five year olds party and there are
older brothers and sisters and a few friends that's fine. They'll
enjoy an excuse to be young again and join in with the younger
children. (This is even more true of the grown-ups!)
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Parties are
traditionally held on Saturday afternoon, but this isn't always the
best time: Often the birthday child has woken up early is excited
about the party and had chocolate cake for breakfast. Children tend
to droop around mid afternoon (so do a lot of adults), and the
birthday boy or girl can often be past their best by then. I've been
to quite a number of afternoon parties where the birthday child is
tired and grumpy, leaving the parents stressed and saying never
again! Lunchtime always works well. Have the children arrive around
eleven thirty, half an hour settling down time, a one hour show,
food (they are ready for food, so they'll eat it), a few games, and
then it's over and you have the afternoon to wind down and relax.
After school is good too, but you have to give them food and drink
first otherwise they'll flag before the end of the show.
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The cost of a party adds
up with all the food and serviettes, tableware and loot bags, not to
mention the entertainer, so why not have a joint party with someone
with a birthday around the same time? It reduces the cost by nearly
half, there are more people to help, and it really makes no
difference to me whether there are twenty children or forty.
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And talking of money,
you don't have to spend loads on throwaway party goods, and
expensive treats; imagination costs nothing! I remember a Halloween
party where the children were avidly dunking 'goblin's fingers' into
a 'bogie dip' and happily eating raw carrot sticks and avocado dip
without realising they were eating healthy food. And another where
they had plain white plates because the witches had stolen the
colours, 'but if you look very carefully, you will see faint traces
of the colours on the plate after you've finished eating. It's
amazing what they could see in the ketchup remains! Creativity is
free, and you certainly won't see expensive props or gadgets in my
shows.
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A theme is great fun,
and themed parties are easier in the long run. A pirate Party for
instance will capture the children's imagination and they will want
to play the roles. You don't have to spend a fortune and you can get
everything you need from our recommended party suppliers who will
supply everything you need and a whole lot more. Click
here for recommended suppliers
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Think about the kind of
music you will have, and if you need it at all. Disco music tends to
be over stimulating and the children are often pretty hyper to start
with. I've rarely done a good show when I've arrived to the sound of
teenage dance music. If that's what you want book a disco instead of
me!
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Invite parents to stay
and help, but if they do, ask them to be with the children and join
in the show rather than talking at the back - it is really difficult
do do a good show with adults talking in the background.
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If, like most parents
you don't like giving children party bags full of sweets and
rubbish, how about a book instead? You can buy a whole box of
children's books from a mail order company and it will actually cost
less than party bags. Alternatively there are some really good
themed party bags that combine good value with worthwhile contents. Click
here for more information
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It's worth having fancy
dress of some sort. I've been to parties where the birthday girl is
a princess but nobody else has bothered and the boys have come in
their football shirts. And guess what? They behave like they're at a
football match! Even a simple party theme can help things along.
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Lastly remember it's a
very special occasion that only happens once. Relax, enjoy it, and
re-discover the magic of a child's world - they'll grow up faster
than you could ever imagine.
