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