02 Jun 10 planning tips for kids’ parties

Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring share some of their helpful kids’ party planning tips with us from their book, Decorate for a Party. Enjoy!

1. Decide the appropriate duration of the party. Usually 2 to 3 hours is a good length – and how many children to invite.

2. Where do you want to host the party? Perhaps in your home or at an activity venue like a play centre? This works better if you want to invite a lot of kids.

3. If parents are staying, make sure to have a few snacks and drinks for them as well.

4. An itinerary helps your party run smoothly and keeps things moving, but remember to keep your timeline flexible.

5. Plan an easy activity to keep little guests busy when they are arriving and waiting for everyone to get there. It helps shy children find their feet.

6. Plan a game or two until some food is served, and then the grand finale like the cake and a piñata to end the party on a high note! All ages love a piñata!

7. Some age-appropriate games will keep the fun going. Younger ones will enjoy bubbles, dancing, freeze dance, or creating a parade to a birthday song.

8. Older children may enjoy an egg and spoon race, a scavenger hunt, pass the parcel, water balloon toss – if outside! – or a craft activity they can make and take home, such as decorate your own dessert.

9. If you plan your party time over lunchtime you will need to serve a meal of some kind. Alternatively, if you hold it in the afternoon you can just serve some drinks and snacks.

10. Keep food really simple! We find kids get so busy at parties they tend not to eat as much as you would think. Also, check for food allergies when you send out the invitation.

Images and text from Decorate for a Party by Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring published by Murdoch Books, $39.99 available now in all good bookstores and online.