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Calculate your budget before you even begin to plan a party. Knowing how much you have available to spend in advance will help you make decisions and prioritize your needs.
Decide on a location for your party. Be sure it is large enough to accommodate all of your guests and that it can be made safe for the age of the children that will be attending. If you're planning an outdoor party, know what you will you do in case of inclement weather. If it's going to be in a public place, find out if you will need permits or reservations. -
Write your guest list. Decide if you're inviting just children or entire families. If you're inviting entire families, be sure to find ways to accommodate guests of all ages.
Decide on a theme. Theme parties make planning easier because they provide an inspiration to tie all of your decorations, activities and menu together. Ask your child what they would like the theme of their party to revolve around.
Send invitations four to six weeks in advance, requesting an RSVP from guests. Put all pertinent information on the invitations, such as location, date, beginning and ending time, directions and your contact number. Note how children should dress: casual, costume, outdoor wear, bathing suits, pajamas or for messy play.
Create a list a week or two in advance with all of the food and supplies you will need. Keep the list handy and check things off as you get them. If you're ordering a cake, order it a week in advance as well. -
Decorate a day or two in advance if possible, except for balloons, so they don't begin to deflate before the event. Make as much party food in advance as possible, too. The less you have to do the day of the event, the better.
Keep waste paper baskets throughout the party area to encourage guests to dispose of things rather than leaving them around. This makes it easy for you to do a run-through every so often to keep the clutter down.
Make a gift drop-off spot. If you are concerned about young children becoming too overwhelmed with opening presents, it is perfectly acceptable to unwrap gifts after guests have departed.
Set up stations with different activities. You might have an area with crafts or coloring pages to engage kids while guests are settling in. You may have a safe area cleared for babies to crawl or nap, with a soft blanket on the floor. You may have a game table for older children. Keep your food area separate as well, laying snacks and beverages out on a table away from other games and activities so that spills and food messes will be contained in one area.
Don't overload the party with activities. Have a few planned games and crafts, but give kids down time in between to mingle and play freely. Don't force children to participate. If one doesn't want to play a game, just direct them to one of the other activity stations you've set up.
Keep it simple, go with the flow and have fun. Don't over-stress yourself about planning the perfect party. There is no such thing. Good food, fun games, high spirits and a lot of patience are all you need for a successful children's party.
