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