How to Plan a Child's Birthday Party

The excitement of a child's birthday party builds to a feverish pitch as
the big event approaches, but sometimes chaos and budget overruns
do too. Keep things happy and peaceful by making your game plan
well ahead of time--and sticking to it.

Instructions

1. Set a party budget to cover the entire affair--from food, decor and party bags to room rental or hiring an entertainer. Estimate the number of guests; use a cost-per-guest figure to help determine your venue, entertainment and food options.

2. Remember that your child doesn't need an over-the-top party to have fun. Depending on his or her age, a picnic in the park can be just as much fun as an expensive party at a climbing gym.

3. Give your child several party options and themes to choose from. Describe what comes with each so he or she will know the benefits and drawbacks before choosing. Keep it simple.

4. Set a party time to best suit your child. Work around nap times for the four-and-under set; weekend mornings or afternoons for school kids; Friday or Saturday night for preteens or teens.

5. Confirm the time, date and place (with a deposit if necessary). Ask what you'll need to supply, what the venue will provide, how early you can arrive to set up and when you're required to leave.

6. Come up with ways to incorporate games and activities with party favors. Small, wrapped gifts discovered in a treasure hunt or pin~ata, or a gingerbread house proudly brought home after a decorating party, become tangible memories of the party instead of an expected payoff. Test-drive all activities with your child and plan extras in case something doesn't pan out.

7. Create invitations at home with your child on the computer to add personal pizzazz. Include an ending time and an RSVP date, and, for kids under three, specify whether you'd like parents to stay.

Tips & Warnings

• See 342 Throw a Party.

• Shop for food, decorations, party bags and fillers three days ahead.

• Take a photo of your child with his or her prized toy du jour on each birthday. Kids love looking back at their favorite things.

• If the party's at home, block out the morning or afternoon the day before the party (and after) for cleaning and decorating the party areas.

• Check the party date with the parents of your son's or daughter's best friends before finalizing it.

• Send invitations by mail three weeks before the party. Invites via backpacks are a bad idea even if the whole class is invited. The invitations inevitably end up covered in juice and are discovered two weeks after the affair.