When it comes to party time, it's easy for parents to a) get stressed b) blow the budget and c) vow never to do it "that way" again. Throwing a birthday party for your child should be fun for all. It just takes planning, a well-paced party schedule and a killer birthday cake. So whether you're planning to hold the party at home or are contemplating outsourcing it to one of Brisbane's dedicated party venues, here's our 10 top tips for pulling off the perfect children's birthday party. Have fun!
1. Invitations
Send them out early - at least three weeks ahead of time. Many children have a hectic social and activity calendar so give their parents ample warning. Also, many venues provide invitations so be sure to ask if you're holding the party away from home.
If your child has a best friend make sure they can come on the date you are planning for the party before you go ahead with bookings and invitations. The absence of a special friend can take the shine off even the brightest celebration.
2. Big or small party?
One school of thought suggests that the number of guests should be the age of your child plus one once your child is aged three and over. If that seems a tad restrictive, by all means go for the bigger numbers - but make sure your party/venue is geared for "crowd control". (That means good planning and party structure as well as sufficient space.) In general, older children handle bigger groups better than younger children.
3. Involve the birthday party boy or girl in the planning
It's their day, so within reason, give your birthday girl or boy what they want. If your child is old enough, sit him or her down and offer a few suggestions for the theme and structure of the party, and let the birthday boy or girl choose from your list the one they want. It's a win, win.
4. It's all in the timing
Don't make the party too long. Most children can handle 1.5 to 2 hours of noise and excitement with equanimity. After that, you may find smaller revellers are starting to fray around the edges. Meltdowns do not make for magic party moments.
Weekend parties are better for younger children, making the celebration the day's sole big event. Plus, parents can often attend more easily too. Older children will often enjoy an after-school party, if you can manage it. For those whose birthdays fall on a school day, it means they can celebrate on the actual day, plus your party won't clash with weekend sport.
As for the time of day you choose to start your child's party - younger children are generally at their effervescent best in the morning while older children will cope well any time of day. The choice is yours.
5. How to deal with presents
Do you or don't you open presents with your party guests? Opening presents as guests arrive can lead to a frenzy of ripped paper and the occasional impolite utterance ("I've already got one of these!"). Opening them after everyone has gone home is much less stressful and ensures nothing gets lost or broken. This way you will know who brought what, so that "thank you letters" can be sent. It's also a calm way to end what has likely been a huge day. One good idea is to set aside a table, or get a big decorated cardboard box, and as the children arrive, put the presents they bring into it.
6. Breaking the ice
To get the party off to a good start, plan an ice-breaker game or activity that the kids can join in as soon as they arrive.
7. Venue
Take the hard work out of organising your child's party by outsourcing the entertainment - or the whole affair. There are literally dozens of venues and entertainers that cater for kids' parties in Brisbane. The big advantage of home parties is that they are generally less expensive than hired venues. Venues, on the other hand, offer novelty, excitement and dedicated entertainment. Best of all, you get to relax and enjoy the party too. After-party mess? Not your problem.
Tip: If the party is to be held outside your home, select and reserve a location. If you choose an outdoor location, such as one of Brisbane's many family-friendly parks, come up with a plan for bad weather.
8. Themes
If you are hosting the party yourself, it helps to have a theme. Often it's a no-brainer (your super-hero-mad little boy wants a party that celebrates his favourite character), but if you're scratching around for ideas, here are a few possibilities:
- traditional fancy dress - for boys and girls of all ages
- builder - for boys age 2-5
- fairy party - for girls age 2-8
- under the sea -for boys and girls age 3-8
- princess - for girls age 3-8
- pirate - for boys (and girls!) age 4-8
- disco - for boys and girls age 5-13
- spooky - for boys and girls age 6-10
Or choose from the range of party packs offered by professional party organisers.
When you've settled on a theme, have a ball coordinating the party paraphernalia - paper plates, cups, napkins, party hats, party favours and, most importantly of all, the cake. Check out our directory - it lists dozens of party suppliers.
9. Menu
If you want to serve a small meal, keep the offerings simple. Familiar snacks like party pies and sausage rolls, cupcakes, crisps, fairy bread or sandwiches always go down well. Be aware of any food allergies - it's best to avoid anything with nuts (including peanut butter sandwiches) because so many children are allergic to them.
If the parents are staying for the party, make up some tasty treats (dips are easy and delicious) for them too. And if you really want to ramp up the festivities and relax the mums and dads, offer a round of champagne!
10. Games
You can go all out and hire games equipment (such as jumping castles) and entertainers or you can do it the old-fashioned way, with traditional games that never lose their appeal - especially with younger children. Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Simon Says and What's the Time Mr Wolf are exciting for three- and four-year olds because they may be discovering them for the first time. Five- and six-year-olds may enjoy more robust games like three-legged races, sack races and egg-and-spoon races. Older children will be ready for simple crafts like making pirate hats, princess crowns or other novelties. And everyone loves to have a go at whacking the piñata to release a shower of toys and lollies.
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