Tips For A Party At Home
1. Have some party music going in the background to avoid any shyness/awkwardness at the start of the party as people arrive.
2. Try to let everyone have a good chance at winning something, especially when it comes to younger children.
3. Keep the games short and sweet for the under 3s as their attention span only lasts so long.
4. If there is one child who is not very keen on playing the games let them join in helping you with tasks such as playing the music or picking team leaders instead.
5. Be prepared. Make sure you know how the games are played before the party and if you need certain materials for games or activities make sure you have plenty of them, things can be broken and/or lost so easily!
6. Remember that very often the simplest of party games are the most enjoyable. Ask your child for his/her input into what games to organise. They will know what games children his/her age will like.
7. You can easily adapt some traditional party games to your chosen theme. For example “duck, duck, goose” can easily become “Barbie, Barbie, Ken” or “Batman, Batman, Joker”
8. Change the rules of the game if the situation calls for it and always change the game before players get restless and bored and it will be more difficult to get their focus back to explain the next game.
9. Ensure all the younger guests know where the bathroom is to avoid any little accidents.
10. Put names on the party bags so you can keep track of who has received them and who hasn’t.
11. It is a good idea to make extra party bags for any brothers or sisters or unexpected guests.
12. Keep contact details for all parents of the guests with you, just in case.
13. Ensure your camera has enough film/memory and is fully charged.
14. Advise the guests of appropriate clothing for the party on the invitation if necessary.
15. Use disposable plates and cups to avoid the hassle of cleaning up afterwards.
16. Keep a packet of baby wipes handy – they are great for cleaning spillages off clothes as well as wiping sticky hands!
17. If the plan is to host the party outside, make sure you have a plan B in the event of bad weather!
18. Be specific as to what time the party ends on the invitations and if asked on the day.
19. The best times for parties are usually 1.00 – 3.00 and 2.00 – 4.00 as you won’t need to worry about serving the children a full meal, some party snacks will be sufficient.
20. Put away any breakable items before the party – not all children may understand what to touch and what not to touch as your child.
21. Always have too many activities planned rather than too little. You don’t have to do all of the activities but there is nothing worse than a room full of bored children.
22. It is a great idea to have thank you notes ready to write after the party when everything and everyone is fresh on your mind.
To Find A Great …. Party Entertainer
