Party Planning Guide

Here are all sorts of great tips and ideas for running a successful birthday party.

If you want to give your child a fun and magical day consider hiring a magician for your party. Matt Stevens can provide your party guests with great age appropriate fun. When booking a magician, try to call as early as possible, to ensure that the magician is available for your parties date and time.

If you want to use a magic theme for your party, there are several online stores that offer magic themed party supplies. Visit www.birthdayexpress.com for a selection of magic themed pary supplies.

When booking a magician, schedule the show to take place about one half hour after the guests are set to arrive, so that the magician can set up without the children around and so that any late-comers don't miss out on the fun.

Before The Party:

Here is a checklist you can use to help you plan your party easier.

Task Consider hiring an entertainer Choose a theme for the party Create a guest list Mail the invitations Choose what foods to serve Purchase any frozen foods and drinks Order a cake to be ready day before party Purchase any perishable food items, balloons, batteries Decorate the party room

When to be done As soon as possible 5 weeks before the party 4 weeks before the party 4 weeks before the party 3 weeks before the party 2 weeks before the party 1 week before the party 2 days before the party 1 day or the day of the party

Party Tips:

Party Length: for a successful party, between two and three hours is more than enough time for all of the party activities.

Who to invite: sit down with your child and discuss who to invite to the party. Some teachers allow invitations to be handed out in class, if you choose to, be sure invite the whole class, to avoid having children feeling left out. If not, be discreet by mailing the invitations.

Party Games: no one should become a loser. Competitive games are only enjoyed by the winner. Games where everyone must work together as a team are best. Avoid games where someone can get hur.

Decorations: decorations add a lot to the party. After choosing the theme, purchase decorations and party supplies, such as cups, plates, and napkins that match the theme. Ballons should be kept out of the reach of kids, they love to pop them.

Food: keep the food simple. If you plan on serving a meal try and choose one ore two items that everyone will like. Ideas are pizza, chicken fingers, hamburgers, hot dogs, and mozzerella sticks. Chips and dips are good to have throughout the party. Also have out a healthy alternative such as a vegetable tray with dip. Surpisingly there will be kids who will eat that. Have an adult ready to pour drinks, so that the kids won't spill.

Location: having an indoor party is best. Some options include your house, community centers, arcades, and restaurants. Restaurants will handle the food and meal cleanup so that you don't have to. This lets you enjoy the party with your child.

Music: having some background music throughout the party is a good way to keep people from being bored, as it adds some extra atmosphere to the party.

Memories: keep a camera with extra batteries and film handy throughout the party. Having a video camera is great too, so that you can relive the day later on.