Top 5 Children's Birthday Party Tips

Most parents celebrate their children's birthdays with a party. From small family parties to elaborate celebrations, birthday parties can be lots of fun for everyone. They can be just as much fun to plan. Here are some tips for making your child's next birthday party the best one so far.

Let the Child Call Some of the Shots

Of course, kids love eating cake and opening presents, but many of them enjoy planning the event too. Unless you're planning a surprise party, you can ask your child to help select the theme, the party decorations, the invitations, the cake and the activities. It'll make the party a truly special event.

Keep the Guest List Manageable

If you're holding the party in your home, it's a good idea NOT to invite your child's entire 2nd grade class. Other venues can handle such a crowd, but for a home party you might want to stick to inviting family and/or some of the child's closest friends from school.

Plan Activities

It's a fact of life that kids get bored easily. Plan activities for the kids to keep them occupied, and remember to set a pick-up time for parents if kids are being dropped off for the birthday party. We're a big fan of games, and you can find a ton of helpful game ideas at MomsWhoThink.com.

Have a Back-Up Plan

If you're planning an outdoor party, it's especially important to have a Plan B for the day's events. Activity books and indoor games will be a must. You might also want to plan a few more activities that you think you'll get to. It's better to have planned activities you don't get to than to discover your games all ended more quickly than you anticipated and you're struggling to fill the leftover time.

Are you a kids' party planning wizard? What tips and trips do you recommend?

Party Planning Secrets

Pulling off a stress-free party usually means planning ahead and staying organized. But how, exactly, does a hostess manage all of that? With these party planning secrets, of course!

Use Lists

Photo Courtesy of Pinwhirls Customer Kathleen L.

Lists aren't just for shopping. Use multiple lists to manage your party through every step of the planning phase, and manage that with a master list. It might sound like overkill, but the bigger the party the more likely you are to forget something. Here are the kinds of lists you'll need:

• Master list for party planning chores and to-dos
• Shopping list for all of your party decor and supplies
• Invitation list
• RSVP list
• Gift & thank you list (used at birthday parties and bridal, wedding, or baby showers)

Offer DIY Drinks & Buffets

Skipping the bartender means guests can get those cocktails and soft drinks just the way they like them. Of course, it also means that guests can get those cocktails just the way they like them!  Plus buffets simplify meal service and make it easier for guests with dietary restrictions to create the perfect party menu for one.

Create a Kid-Friendly Space

If your event is family friendly, one of the best things you can do to keep the adults sane is offer a fun activity space for the kids. Simple crafts, coloring books, and other age-friendly games can entertain the kiddos and encourage them to socialize at the party.

Give Yourself Time

Save a little time an hour or two before the party to collect yourself and take a few deep breaths. If you're worked up into a frenzy as guests are arriving, it'll show -- and chances are you won't enjoy the event as much.

After-Party Cleanup: Tips & Tricks

Last week we offered you tips for cleaning up the house before the big party. This week, we're sharing tips to help you clean up after the big party. Depending on the type of party you're hosting, this could be a really daunting task. So don't dive in without a plan of attack.

Here are some recommendations to help keep the mess from becoming too overwhelming:

• Buy cleanup supplies when you purchase your decorations: Parties need trash bags, cleaning wipes and spot removers just as much as they need invitations, favors, and cupcakes! Put must-have cleaning items on your list.


• Make it easy for guests to pick up after themselves: Put trash receptacles in several locations so that your guests can simply toss their used plates, napkins, and cups when they're done. This will save you lots of time when the party is over. Likewise, make cleaning wipes and paper towels available so that guests can wipe up any spills.


• After the guest leave, make a quick run-through with a garbage bag: Leaving garbage bins out during the party will help, but you'll probably still find stray cups and plates scattered here and there. Start the cleaning process by removing any trash.


• Assess your home, and look for things that need special attention: While you collecting the trash, did you notice any spots or stains that need special attention? Get to those right away. The longer you let them sit, the harder it will be to remove the stains.


• Follow-up with routine cleaning: Chances are that after the party you will need to do some light vacuuming and dusting. You will probably have dishes to do as well. These things can be done quickly once you've taken the other steps in order.

With a little planning and forethought, you can make cleaning up after your guests easier. Happy cleaning!

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You can find great party invitations, party favors, and more at the Pinwhirls Shop on Etsy!

5 Steps to Being a Great Party Hostess

Photo Courtesy of Prue of Gigi & Lulu
www.gigiandlulu.com.au/blog/carnival-party/

Some people just have a knack for being the perfect party host or hostess. From the perfect decorations and invitations to the best food and games, some people don't even have to try. For the rest of us, I've compiled a few tips that will help make your next backyard barbecue or birthday party more enjoyable. After all, a party isn't really a party unless everyone is having fun and the mood is festive.

5 Steps to Being a Better Party Hostess

1. Work Ahead. It's important to get all of your prep work—like making the hors d'oeuvres and decorating—completely finished before your guests start to arrive. This way you have time to interact with everyone. Most of the time the party hostess is the one person all of the guests have in common. That makes you the social glue that keeps everything together.
   


2. Personally Welcome Your Guests. Even if your guests will be letting themselves in and arriving at different times, make sure you greet them as soon as possible after they arrive. Welcome them, and make that little bit of effort to let them know you're happy they could come. Fill them in on the conversation or the current activity so they can jump right into the mix.
   


3. Be Happy. If you're not enjoying your own party, chances are your guests aren't either. Don't sweat the small stuff and don't make excuses for things that didn't go as planned. Relax, smile, and have fun. Your guests will appreciate it!
   


4. Limit Your Guest List. A big party is great, but only if you truly have the room for it. If you want your guests to be comfortable make sure you don't have them packed in like sardines without room to mix and mingle.
   


5. Let Others Help. Many times people will offer to help you in the kitchen or to set up for the next game or activity. Let them. You don't have to do everything yourself, and its a good way to include people who feel like they are out of the loop.

For party invitations, decorations, and inspiration, don't forget to visit us at www.pinwhirls.com!