It's Party Time
by Mary Jo Rulnick

    The celebration of your child's birthday should be a happy time. 
Unfortunately, all you can think about is the amount of time, energy and 
money involved.  Each year seems to roll around faster and faster.

    Not only that-the broad range of parties is more than you ever dreamed
possible.  Spending excessive amounts of time on preparation isn't necessary.
 The most difficult decision you have to make is whether the party should be
at home or at a designated party site.

    Either way, you have numerous choices with the wide spectrum of
entertainment available.

WHERE DO YOU BEGIN?
    First, narrow your field of choice.  Taking into consideration your
child's preferences and the money you're willing to spend, answer these
questions:
·   What is appropriate for my child's age?
·   What does he enjoy?
·   What holds his attention?
·   How much money do I want to spend?
·   How patient am I?
·   Can my house accommodate guests and entertainment?

DECISIONS
When?
    Decide what day and time you'd like to hold the party.  If funds are
limited, weekday parties are usually less expensive.  If the party is
scheduled during a lunch or dinner hour, food is essential.  If the party is
in between meals, cake, ice cream and a drink will be enough.

    Make sure you book your party at least one month ahead.  Don't wait! 
Entertainers and party sites book fast.  Remember invitations should be
mailed two weeks prior to the event.  This gives guests enough time to
respond.

Where?
    Will the party be at home or a party site?  Some parents don't have the
space or patience to entertain children at home.  If this is the case, a
party outside of the home would be best.  If you haven't already visited the
party sites, do so.

PARTY SITE
    Questions to ask the party planner about what is included in the package:

·   Is ice cream included?  If not, is a freezer available? If so, buy ice
cream cups or make your own.  Scoop ice cream into plastic cups (4 to 8 ounce
cups work best).  Place pre-made cups into a container and cover with plastic
wrap to take along, thus saving time, money and confusion.
·   Is cake included?  No!  Make cupcakes instead.  This saves time and
messes.  For something different, bake them in cream cones instead of liners.
·   Are there drink refills?  At $1.00 a beverage, this adds up.
·   Can you supply your own food?  Some places frown upon this, so ask.
·   Do you need special requirements such as socks, helmets or other
equipment?  If so, you need to state this on the invitations.  This will save
you from renting or buying equipment the day of the event.
·   Will they provide games and prizes?  If video games are on the premises,
children will want to play.  Ask if coins are issued for video playing.  If
not, warn the party-goers ahead of time that games aren't a part of the deal.
·   Do they supply invitations for you to mail?  If not try something a
little different.  A word of caution, don't send invitations to school,
scouts, dance, etc., unless you're inviting everyone.  There is nothing worse
than seeing a child's crushed face because he wasn't invited.
·   Will you have a server or helper?  If not, take along a volunteer to help
·   Are there any hidden costs?  You don't want to find out about extra
charges on the day of the party.

AT-HOME PARTY
    An at-home party can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make it. 
To save wear and tear on your nerves, consider hiring an entertainer.  Types
of entertainers are as varied as kids.  Small children are happy with
storytellers, clowns and puppets.  Seven and above will enjoy magicians and
balloon artists.

    Ask these questions before hiring an entertainer:
·   How long is the performance?  Keep in mind the attention span of the
guests.  Forty-five minutes to an hour is fine for the older ones, but for
the little ones thirty minutes is plenty
·   Do they include balloons, prizes or pictures in their fees?  You don't
want to be charges for unexpected extras.  Will they video tape the party? 
Is it included?
·   Did the entertainer return your calls in a timely manner?  If not think
twice before hiring.
·   Does he have a promotional video for you to watch?  Don't take
recommendations without seeing for yourself.  Remember the old cliché, "One
man's junk is another's treasure."  This is true with performers.  While you
can't invite yourself to a private party, ask the entertainer if he will be
performing at a public event you can attend?
·   What experience does he have?  As if he has experience with the age
bracket you will be hosting and how long he has been in business.
·   Can you afford his price?  If not, talk to him.  Possibly you can work
out a deal.  Ask where you can cut costs.  If possible, shorten the
performance time.

TAIL END
    Don't forget creativity.  Less than six years of age, animals, cartoon
characters, will work.  Under eleven, kids like anything quirky.  Try a theme
party where everyone wears blue.  Or a backward party, where guests wear
clothes backwards.

    Coordinate party favors with the event.  If you're having a sport party
(miniature golf, skating, etc.) fill bags with relevant items, e.g. stickers,
trading cards, pencils, etc.  Take time to prepare favor bags, kids don't
care how much you've spent on the party.  What they do care about is the
treat bags.  If funds are limited, try a discount store for fillers.

    Remember, your child's birthday only comes around once a year.  Take the
time to plan, so the day becomes a memory you have for your child.

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