Party Planning Tips and Ideas II

PLAN A WINNING MENU
A party just isn't a party without good food. When planning your menu, keep things simple and stick with your theme. For best results, don't try to introduce new foods at the party. Save yourself time by preparing the old standbys, such as PB & J, but get creative with the presentation (cut the sandwiches into hearts and spades for a card game party).

"The plan at my child's fifth birthday party was simple: the kids got to make their own pizzas. We prepared the dough ahead and had several toppings. While the pizzas cooked, the guests decorated paper lunch bags for the party favors."
-- Mark Brown

WELCOME GUESTS WITH A CRAFT PROJECT
Guests arrive at different times, so ease them into the party with a craft. Let them sign in and decorate a newsprint mural with a barn, for instance, at a horse party, or craft something to wear, such as hats or T-shirts. Remember: crafts make excellent party favors. Use our Craft Finder tool for 100s of great ideas.

"We had a tool party for my son's birthday and invited seven boys to build hat racks. Each child received a tool belt, carpentry pencils and rulers. At the party, they got to use the sander and the drill press."
-- Michele Hausch

MIX BOISTEROUS AND QUIET GAMES
When all guests are present, open with a game that lets the entire group interact. Thereafter, change the pace so that rowdy games are followed by calmer ones. Stick to games that everyone knows the rules to, such as musical chairs, spud, bingo or charades. For fun, you can rename the classics to suit your theme (try pin the patch on the pirate at a treasure hunt party). And plan a few noncompetitive games, such as a treasure hunt, in which kids are working toward a common goal.

"We invited a soccer player from a professional indoor team to give a mini soccer lesson at my son's seventh birthday party. After the lesson, he handed out autographed pictures for the young players."
-- Linda Michalica

FAVORS AND PRIZES
These sweet surprises are a gift from the hosting family to friends, and they should be fun to receive and to give. It's easiest if everyone gets the same party favors, including the host child, so buy in bulk. Some reliable standbys include penny candy, magnets, bubble soap, markers, yo-yos and play clay.

"My daughter invited three friends to a hair and nail party at the beauty shop, where they got their hair curled and nails done. For party favors, we decorated plastic containers to look like makeup boxes filled with hair ribbons and nail polish. The girls felt so grown up!"
-- Robin Fowler

GO WITH THE FLOW
Write down the order of the games and activities to use as a guideline before the party begins, then remain as flexible as possible once the party is under way. Don't be afraid to repeat a game that was a hit--or scratch one you think won't go over well now that you know the mood of the party. Roll with the punches, and your party will be a winner.

"We had planned a fall camp-out birthday party for our child. After a campfire, we had a 'drive-in' movie on the deck. Unfortunately, it was too cold to sleep outside. But the kids had fun snuggling up in the family room. No one wanted to go home the next day."
-- Wendy Griffith

DOS AND DON'TS
• Do make guests feel welcome: your child should greet each guest.
• Do expect guests under age five to bring a parent.
• Do choose party games that let every child win at least once.
• Do review gift-opening etiquette with your child before the party.
• Don't deliver invitations at school; mail them to the guest's home.
• Don't break the bank: keep costs down by making as many things as you can.
• Don't let a sibling upstage the birthday child.
• Don't forget to send thank-you notes.