| To create a special party for a child is | | | | software. Invite one guest for every |
| to create a memory that lasts a | | | | year of the birthday child's age. This |
| lifetime. If it's a birthday party, it | | | | handy rule provides a structure that |
| has an almost-magical significance. It | | | | lets everyone know what to expect from |
| can be simple, and it need not be | | | | year to year. |
| costly, but a successful party does take | | | | Keep the party confined to one specific |
| planning. There's no greater reward | | | | room or area. Offer plenty of space, |
| than a hug from a satisfied child | | | | but make the limits clear. Alternate |
| saying, "That was the best party I ever | | | | active games with quiet one. The party |
| had!" | | | | begins with an activity that can be |
| The key to a successful party is in the | | | | played while waiting for everyone to |
| planning. Be sure you have all the | | | | arrive, and it ends with a calm, quiet |
| materials together beforehand for each | | | | activity while guests wait to be taken |
| activity scheduled. The birthday child | | | | home. When planning the party, decide |
| can help in a number of ways, making the | | | | approximately how much time each |
| party extra-special while encouraging | | | | activity will take. Avoid prizes if |
| responsibility and creativity. A | | | | possible. Cheer and clap for the winner |
| friend, relative, or the birthday | | | | instead. |
| child's older brother or sister can be | | | | Bringing gifts to the birthday party is |
| of invaluable assistance. | | | | a happy party tradition. The presents |
| A theme provides a focus and makes your | | | | can be collected upon arrival and saved |
| party special. It reflects the interest | | | | until the end of the party to be opened. |
| and age of the birthday child. Make | | | | Each child is anxious to have their |
| decorations to fit the theme. Decide | | | | present opened first. While the |
| before the party whether you will keep | | | | children still have their gifts, play |
| the decorations or send them home with | | | | spin-the-bottle to make the |
| the guests as favors. If they are taken | | | | present-opening ceremony enjoyable for |
| by guests, be sure you have enough for | | | | everyone. Have the birthday child give |
| each person, including the birthday | | | | small favors (wrapped or unwrapped) to |
| child. Gear refreshments to the theme | | | | the guests at present-opening time so |
| of the party, and keep them simple. Hot | | | | they, too, have "gifts." |
| dogs, pizza, hamburgers, a special cake | | | | Just don't get so caught up in |
| - these are the treats guaranteed to | | | | organizing that you forget to sing |
| please. | | | | "Happy Birthday" to the birthday child; |
| Artistic ability is not a requirement | | | | it has happened! Enjoy yourself, and |
| for designing your own invitations! | | | | know that you are creating a |
| There are countless internet sites to | | | | once-in-a-lifetime occasion that will be |
| download invitations and you may also | | | | a treasured memory for years to come. |
| consider purchasing design-and-print | | | | |