Party-Time Decisions
by Mary Jo Rulnick

The thought of a dozen eight-year-olds going wild in your home-or worse yet, waiting to be entertained-has your stomach clenching in knots.  And you're having second thoughts about hosting the party at your house.  But, you wonder if the expense of having a party at a designated party site worth it? 

Read on to make the decision that is best for you. 

PLANNING STAGE
    Before you make out the guest list, ask yourself these questions to
narrow your options:
1.  Can your house or yard accommodate the guests?
2.  Do you have the patience to deal with a bunch of kids and possibly spills?
3.  Do you have a small or moderate budget?

If you answered no to the first two questions, you may want to consider a
designated party site instead of your home.  If you answered yes to the last
question, an at-home party may be your best choice.

After you have chosen a date, time and place, you're ready to send out the
invitations.  Skip the store-bought ones.  You and your child can make your
own either on the computer or with rubber stamps available at a craft supply
store.  Balloon invites are fun to send and receive.  Inflate balloon, write
the pertinent information with a permanent marker, then deflate.  Tuck the
balloon inside an envelope and mail.

ADDING ATMOSPHERE
Decorations can add delight to the festivities.  If you are having trouble
coming up with a unique idea, look at your child's activities. 

At-site parties.  Ask what decorations are included-balloons, placemats, and
table decorations?  Hat, masks and necklaces are easy to make and look great
at each place setting.  Better yet, would be a specific item like an eye
patch to match a pirate theme.  Crepe paper tied around each chair gives the
room a festive look.

At-home parties.  Not only could you utilize the above suggestions, but you
could also add posters or cutout shapes around the room.  For example, tape
several pictures of jungle animals for a safari theme or photos of a favorite
ball player for a sports theme.  You could also hang small animals or waffle
balls from the ceiling.

TIPS: If there is an upcoming holiday or event, think about incorporating
this into your party plans.
 
PREPARING ENTERTAINMENT
Games or activities are the main event, and to the kids, the most important
part of the day.

At-site: Ask what games or activities are planned?  Will everything, supplies
and prizes, be included in the price?  Will there be enough activities
scheduled to keep the guests busy?  If not, one or two of your own ideas
should be added or shorten the party time.

At-home: Kids love games, even old one.  For more fun, add a twist on a
traditional game, such as, bingo.  Tape record 18 or more sounds (dog
barking, bells ringing, baby crying, toilet flushing), make one bingo card
(Nine squares to a card.  Write one different sound in each square.  Don't
duplicate cards.) for each guest.  Play recorded sounds, first person to
cover his card, wins.

Play penny toss.  Lay out baseball cards or whatever your child prefers on
the floor.  Give each child the same amount of pennies to toss.  They keep
the cards their pennies land upon.

Include a craft as part of the activities.  Have children decorate a cigar
box, plastic cup, or a cardboard visor.   

TIPS: Make sure there are enough games for the amount of time.  If you don't
have enough activities planned, the kids will invent their own which will not
be as organized as yours.  If games are not your niche, give consideration to
hiring an entertainer.  Be sure he will fill the time void and is
age-appropriate.

EATING TREATS
What's a party without snacks?

At-site parties: Ask what food items are included?  Do you have a limit on
the drinks?  Is juice available?  Do you have to pay extra for cake or ice
cream?  If so, you may want to provide your own.  For something different,
make ice cream clowns.  Place one scoop of ice cream on a small plate, add
one sugar cone on top as a hat, decorate facial features with chocolate chips
or candies.  Place premade treats in a container and cover with plastic wrap.

At-home: Keep the refreshments either theme or correlated.  Cupcakes iced in
white with red piping to look like the stitches of a baseball will work for a
sports' party. 

TIPS: Be sure there's plenty to munch and drink.  Individual drinks such as
juice boxes or cans are less likely to spill. 

GIVING GIFTS
As each guest hands the birthday child her gift, in return your child could
give out the treat bags.  Be sure to print a name on each one.  Favors don't
have to be in a traditional bag, trying finding a cup, pencil box or cap to
carry out your theme and fill it.  Or you might try omitting the candy and
small toys and opt for one large favor, such as a Frisbee, jewelry, or
something related to the party.

Don't forget to check out discount, dollar, and craft supply stores for
inexpensive ideas.

Now, the decision is yours.  Where will you host your child's party? 

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