Planning the Perfect Party

Parties are very important events in a child's life. For those who find the thought of organising a party daunting, the key to a successful party is to plan ahead and prepare as much as you can beforehand. Enlist help for the actual event, if you don't have family to help then ask a couple of friends. The party will be far less stressful and much easier with some extra pairs of hands. If your child has a similar age friend with a birthday at the same time, why not suggest a joint party. Not only will you save money but you will share the burden of planning and organising the event with another set of parents.

Checklist

Venue - if using an outside venue, booking the hall is your first priority.

Entertainment - equally as important, book party organisers, clowns, magicians, bouncy castles straight away.

Guest list - send out invitations at least 4 weeks in advance and make sure all the vital information is included on the invitation and your telephone number.

Decorations - balloons, party banners, streamers all set the scene.

Food - keep this as simple as possible, prepare as much as you can in advance, remember all the extras such as tableware, napkins, drinks etc. If parents are likely to be present then decide what drinks and snacks you will offer them. Don't forget the cake, candles, matches and a supply of napkins if the cake is to be cut and taken home.

Activities - have a rough timetable for the party. Take into account organised entertainment, the party tea, cake cutting and games. Have a list of possible games and a supply of sweets for prizes.

Party bags - now a necessity for any party. Alternatives are a small gift and balloon to take home or a simple lucky dip where guests rummage for a small wrapped gift (either unisex or coloured coded for girls/boys).