'That Was The Best Party I Ever Had!'

To create a special party for a child is to create aInvite one guest for every year of the birthday
memory that lasts a lifetime. If it's a birthdaychild's age. This handy rule provides a structure
party, it has an almost-magical significance. It canthat lets everyone know what to expect from
be simple, and it need not be costly, but ayear to year.
successful party does take planning. There's noKeep the party confined to one specific room or
greater reward than a hug from a satisfied childarea. 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 togetherwhile waiting for everyone to arrive, and it ends
beforehand for each activity scheduled. Thewith 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 encouragingapproximately how much time each activity will
responsibility and creativity. A friend, relative, ortake. Avoid prizes if possible. Cheer and clap for
the birthday child's older brother or sister can bethe winner instead.
of invaluable assistance.Bringing gifts to the birthday party is a happy
A theme provides a focus and makes your partyparty tradition. The presents can be collected
special. It reflects the interest and age of theupon 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 keeppresent opened first. While the children still have
the decorations or send them home with thetheir gifts, play spin-the-bottle to make the
guests as favors. If they are taken by guests, bepresent-opening ceremony enjoyable for
sure you have enough for each person, includingeveryone. Have the birthday child give small
the birthday child. Gear refreshments to thefavors (wrapped or unwrapped) to the guests at
theme of the party, and keep them simple. Hotpresent-opening time so they, too, have "gifts."
dogs, pizza, hamburgers, a special cake - theseJust 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 designingchild; it has happened! Enjoy yourself, and know
your own invitations! There are countless internetthat you are creating a once-in-a-lifetime occasion
sites to download invitations and you may alsothat will be a treasured memory for years to
consider purchasing design-and-print software.come.