Ready, Set, Celebrate!

 

Here’s how to get ready to have a good time.

 

Before

 

Well in advance

• If you’re booking a location and entertainment, months in advance is not too soon. This will ensure that you get what you want easily. Definitely avoid the horror of last-minute scrambling.

 

A month ahead
• Plan the guest list and the party agenda.
• If your child has had the option of choosing a theme, s/he has enjoyed weeks of consideration and anticipation at no extra cost. Decide the theme now.
• Make a list of everything needed.
• Shop for any non-perishable party essentials, including invitations, decorations and games.

 

Three weeks ahead
• Write out the invitations, and mail them. Include a fully-fledged RSVP, so people will let you know either way. Keep a list of who has responded and whether they’re coming.
• Order the cake.

 

One week ahead
• Check on the location and the entertainment.
• Contact guests who’ve not yet responded.
• If you’re using place settings, be sure you have enough.

 

The final few days
• Do last-minute shopping and cooking.
• Lay out anything needed for activities.
• Put up party decorations, if the bash is at home.

 

During

 

• Be enthusiastic! Your attitude influences everyone at the party. Contented, enthusiastic children have a large capacity for enjoyment and are highly cooperative.
• To welcome arriving children, involve them in an entrance game, such as guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar or fishing for token prizes. This makes them feel part of the action right away.
• About half an hour into the party, start the games or the entertainment. If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll find plenty of wonderful activities on the internet. Keep things moving. Prizes aren’t important, as children have a great time without them.
• For a grand finale, cut the cake and sing the birthday song, along with much photo-taking.

 

After

 

• When everyone’s gone home, quickly jot down some things about the party that you liked and some things that you’d do differently. Put your notes where you’ll be able to find them for the next birthday party.
• If your child is old enough, help him or her to write and send thank you cards to the guests for their presence and their gifts.

 

“I love the way you talk to kids.”

– Adele Chatterton

 

For a good time, call Rosie:

1-800-707-8072, rosie@rosietheclown.ca