How to Host a Great Birthday Bash

Planning a birthday party can put even the most organized parent into a panic. Relax -- you can plan and host a successful birthday party -- and keep your sanity intact!

By Carol Band

Kids don’t care if the bathroom is spotless or the napkins match the drapes, they just want to have fun. Games, goodies, good stuff to eat – you can handle that. Here are some tips that will help you ensure that your child’s birthday party is a great success:

Thinking About a Birthday Party

With sufficient planning and a sense of perspective, you won’t need to lose any sleep worrying about your child’s next birthday party.

• Ask yourself if you are ready to take on the soup-to-nuts planning of a home party or if a party away from home will better suit your needs. If you’re going to be a good sport and invite your child’s entire first-grade class, a party in a location other than your dining room may be a good idea.

• Decide how many guests your location, budget and nerves will accommodate. The general (but often ignored) rule of thumb is to invite s many children as there are candles on the cake. Stick to it – you’ll be glad you did.

• Involve your child in selecting a theme for the party. From pirates to princesses, themes bring the elements of the party together. You can’t overdo the theme. And this is where you can be creative. Even parties at indoor playgrounds and roller rinks can be personalized with decorations, goody-bag prizes and refreshments.

• Pick an alternative location or rain date if you plan an outdoor party.

Getting Ready to Party!

Once you’ve decided on what kind of party to have and how many guests to invite, you can begin the real preparations. Keep your child involved whenever possible. Check out game books from the library and pick out decorations together. And relax, this is supposed to be fun.

• Spend wisely. Hire reputable entertainers, or enlist the talents of a neighbor or relative. Don’t go crazy on the goody bags.

• Set a time and keep it short. Two hours is plenty of time. For children under 5, an hour and a half may be plenty. Plan toddler parties for the morning when the kids are less cranky.

• Send out invitations three to four weeks in advance.

• Follow up with a phone call. People are so busy these days and little invitations easily get buried under piles of bills and lost on family bulletin boards.