party hints and tips

Having an individual party is so much more memorable than taking the children with the masses to a play barn. Follow these tips and your party will be a stress free fun packed event.

Book the Entertainer before you book the venue.

Every week I get lots of calls from parents asking for a specific time on a specific date only to find I am booked. Try and be as flexible as possible, if you have a specific venue in mind try and get a few possible time slots for the party, or enquire first on the availability of the entertainers you would like to book and then find a venue that is free. I'd recommend Church Halls, Social Clubs, Leisure Centres etc or if you have a suitable area you may have your party at home. The typical room just needs to be a good space, make sure the room is free of toys and other distractions and make sure you can set up a table and seating for the birthday food.

Make sure your party doesn't clash with other childrens parties or another big event.

Ask at school and don't time it to clash with big sports events! Holiday times are tricky, do the ring round first and find out if many of the children are going to be away.

Make Name Stickers for the Children.

You just need some sticky labels and a maker pen. It makes it much easier for me and for you. I'm pretty good at remembering names but it's much easier, and especially the younger children respond to their name. Another nice touch I saw the other week was personalised food boxes.

Keep the Food Simple

I'm not going to get into the healthy food thing, just from experience I see that it's always the carrots and cucumbers that are left over at a party! It is a birthday party and I would say the birthday food is a treat. You may have the facilities and time to prepare your own food, but I also would recommend buying pre packed supermarket cakes etc. You can buy individual party boxes from supermarkets and online, or simply fill the paper plates with a good selection.

Room Decoration

Again supermarkets come up trumps here, you can buy full packs which include the table cloth, the banners, and paper plates etc all following a theme. I think it's fine just to make the room bright and colourful. Put balloons up on the walls BUT DON'T FILL THE ROOM WITH BALLOONS. There's always a few children who are scared of them and the more confident children will love bursting them.

Don't forget your camera

Make sure your camera/ video camera has plenty of battery life to capture the special memories. Also don't forget the cake, candles and lighter and make sure you take your mobile with you!

Balloons outside the venue.

A couple of Balloons tied to the front of the entrance will guide everyone to the right room!