Choose your date carefully - avoid clashes
with other events (school fairs, other parties, holidays, etc) it would be awful
to organize your party
and no-one can make it.
Choose a reputable, full time
entertainer who is insured, but more importantly enthusiastic and knowledgeable
of children.
There are many 'entertainers' who see it as a way to top up the wages of their regular
job and they may do it very badly!
Ask your friends who they would recommend. Be aware that
many magicians developed their act 30 years ago and are
still performing the same
routines, therefore they may not be in touch with the children of today.
Once you have booked your
entertainer, choose your venue - book both as early as you can because the best
ones often get reserved very early.
Send out invitations early,
remembering to ask for details of any allergies or special diet requirements to
be included on
the RSVP section. I have worked at many parties where some children cannot eat the
food due to allergies or
religious reasons.
Make a list of who has replied
and use it to check off the guests when they arrive at the party.
Aim to keep party food as simple as possible, children are not impressed by huge buffets. It is much easier to wrap up a plate of food or a party box and give one to each child during the food break.
Children love this, as they
are less dependant
on the adults and feel grown up. It is quicker than queuing for food, easier to
clean up and cheaper.
Anyone with special diet requirements are not made to feel different as the children
all appear to have the same.
At The Party
Tie some balloons to the front
door to guide guest to the party.
As you check off guests arriving
at the party get a contact telephone number from the parents who are not staying
at the party
in case of emergencies.
Stick name badges on each
guest - your child will know everyone but you may not.
Leave a table spare to put
the presents on to be enjoyed at the end of the party, bring extra bags to the party
so
that you can carry the birthday gifts home easily.
Try and persuade parents to
leave, the ones who stay tend to chat loudly at the back of the room spoiling the
show for the
children. Don't be surprised if your entertainer diplomatically asks the parents
to be quiet
(first rule
of children's entertaining - keep control of the situation at all times!)
Do ensure that a responsible
adult remains in the room at all times; your entertainer is not a child minder.
Ensure that
all exit doors are well observed to ensure children cannot and do not leave the
party
Save party horns, squeakers
and balloons until after the Magic and Punch and Judy show as even the loudest
microphones may not
compete with this combination of noises, it is also distracting to other children
who are concentrating
on the show.
If you are doing your own
games, plan well in advance and have more than you think you will need, try to avoid
elimination
games for younger children - they all want to be winners and may cry when they are
'out'. Stock up on
small gifts and prizes for the games.
Children expect party bags
at the end of the party, however they are not necessary. Many parents simply provide
a piece of birthday cake.
And Finally… !
Don’t Forget!