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How to Find Yourself Right in the Middle of a Great Party
Copyright 2001 by Debbie (mom2seven)

"The successful party will have four things: upbeat environments, welcome ice breakers, memory makers, and a good closing."

* * *

PARTY ENVIRONMENT IS IMPORTANT: The games, food, and fun activities you have planned may fail if the atmosphere is not welcoming. Good decorations that are centered around a certain theme are a party must. Use bright colors and upbeat music to set the stage for an energetic party. Soft lighting and many twinkling lights will make for a slightly calmer event. Decorations, lighting, and music will help to make your party special.

The most important part of your party will be to make your guest feel welcome. It is important to great each guest individually with a hello and a smile.

DON’T FORGET THE ICEBREAKERS: No one likes to walk into a group of people and feel out of place. Put the children at ease as soon as thy arrive by planning an event that will help with introductions and that will draw them into the celebration. Some events might include:

Scavenger hunts for names
Partner puzzles
Find a friend interviews

MAKE YOUR PARTIES MEMORABLE: Simple touches included in your party preparations can be what makes the event memorable for you quests. A fun idea might be to string Christmas lights at a party in the spring. Have it at a fun place such as a school yard. 

Make party favors fun. How about having the kids decorate a rock for a paper weight? Maybe a candle in a can could be made to help decorate your table. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures. If you have a Polaroid camera you could let the children decorate with poster board frames. Let them bring them home to share their experience with their families.

Good party favors don’t just happen, the are made. All it really takes is organization, creativity, and a little bit of work.

Party closures put the finishing touches on your party, and the ending memories. A good closing will summarize your party theme, give the kids something to bring home, and give them a lasting reminder of your special time together.

PARTY PLANNING GUIDE:

Theme:
Date:
Place:
Time:
Number of children expected:
Helper:
Phone:
Helper:
Phone:

Guest List:
Reply:


SHOPPER’S CHECK LIST:

Invitations:
*Envelopes
*Stamps
*
*
*

Decorations
*Crepe Paper
*Balloons
*Poster Board
*Markers
*Construction Paper
*Tissue Paper
*
*
*

Games and Activities
*Poster Board
*Markers and Pencils
*Construction Paper
*Scissors, tape, string
*Paper
*CD’s or cassettes
*Player
*
*
*

Food and Juices or Soft Drinks
*
*
*

Party Favors
*
*
*

Paper Products
*Paper plates
*Paper cups
*Napkins
*Table coverings
*Plastic spoons and forks
*Trash bags

Other
*camera and film
*
*


PARTY COUNTDOWN

TWO WEEKS:
confirm reservations (if there is one)
check camera to make sure it works
send out invitations
get together items for crafts and other activities
construct decorations

ONE WEEK:

check to see who has answered your invitations
finish making games and decorations
purchase your paper goods
touch base with your helpers

TWO DAYS:

purchase food
line up your music

HOURS TO GO:

decorate
set up games
prepare foods
last minute checks

ALWAYS EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED,

 AND HAVE FUN ANYWAY!!

* * *

Author's Bio: Debbie is a mother to seven wonderful children.  She loves children so much, that she has also taken on the responsibility of Children's Director for her church.  Debbie says if there is anything we would like to know about how to have parties or special activities for children, to just let her know.  After seven years of doing this, she has many ideas.

You can find more of Debbie's writing on Written By Me.