You returned from a birthday party last month and thought
to yourself--"How did she do that? Every thing was perfect
the kids had fun and Mom and Dad seemed so calm!"
There are two possibilities...She either hired a party planner
or she was organized and prepared.
Many moms believe that hosting a birthday party is filled with more energy, creativity and patience than they can muster.
Not true!
We've gathered favorite party planning tips from our
own professionals, Moms and Kids alike.
If you cannot find your answer here, we would be happy
to help you.
BASICS
Children remember what they did at a party much more than what they ate, what the plates and napkins looked like or whether the house was spotless. Don't sweat the little details!
The best party times are......1:00 - 3:00 or 2:00 - 4:00
You can avoid serving a meal.
For little ones try 10:00am -11:30 to work around nap time.
INVITATIONS 
The Invitation Equation:
child's age + 1 = happy kids
For children under 8 years old, invite as many children as the child's age plus one. Some parents choose to add 1 or 2 to this equation. Only you can know your limits. Of course as your child gets much older the formula will need revision.
Who to Invite
Parties for very young children, more often than not will include family members; cousins, siblings etc.
As your child gets older, invite only your child's closest playmates. They already know each other well.
Friends from daycare, school, Sunday school and neighbors.
It's not mandatory that you invite the siblings of your child's friends, or even parents (unless children are very young).
Most parents enjoy the break and you won't feel so much pressure to entertain adults.
I don't want to leave anyone out!
This is a common dilemma, especially when your children
begin to attend school. Try to be discreet by mailing the invitations. Speak with the teacher about coming in for a
brief and simple class party. Bring a small party bag (pencils, stickers, balloon) and treat for every student.
WIN or LOSE
No one should go home a Loser!
Competitive games are enjoyable only for the people who win. A party should be Fun...Avoid tears by selecting games that everyone gets a chance to succeed. If it's a game like
musical chairs, where some one is out, make them the leader of the music. Then let the player join back in after one round. Better yet, plan a few cooperative games, in which the whole gang faces a challenge, such as following a treasure map, then they each receive a prize or split
the treasure evenly.
Be Prepared!!! 
Try setting up your party in activity stations to lead the children in the direction of the party focus. The stations need not be fancy or expensive. The birthday child can pick what they want to do i.e. blocks at one station, dollhouse at another, play dough at another etc.
You should not need more than four stations. Prepare ALL of the activities, games etc. before the party. This enables you to focus on the kids when the party begins.
Ask a friend , family member or neighbor to help with the party. It's likely you have a neighborhood teenager who would love to help, when offered a few dollars for their time.
In choosing party favors, it's better to spend more creativity than money. Guests should be given some wonderful little item/items that have to do with the party—a flower pot and seeds for a garden party or modeling clay for an art party.
You can even send the kids home with an item they have made during the party. The birthday child should hand out the favors. This will remind her to say "thank you".
Classroom Birthday Treats
Most elementary school teachers will allow your child to have a small birthday celebration in the class. Although a cake is the easiest treat to bring to class celebration, it can also be the messiest to serve.
When I was teaching, I always appreciated the thoughtful parents
who asked first, worked around my class schedule and who brought
simple treats to share with the kids. Here are some of my favorite
ideas as a teacher and a parent.
Make a store bought treat look special:
Many schools no longer allow home baked items.
Here's a way you can add your own special touch
with out breaking the rules.
Place packaged cookies or candy, stickers and a pencil
in a square of colored plastic wrap and tie with curling ribbon.
then put all of the goodie bags into a large basket that's been
decorated with helium balloons. This looks festive and the children
can take the treats home instead of eating them
in class.
Cupcake Cones
A not so messy cupcake!
You'll Need:
1 package cake mix
2 packages flat-bottomed ice cream cones
(about 24 cones, NOT jumbo size)
16 oz. prepared or homemade vanilla frosting
muffin tin or mini muffin tin
foil wrap
1 gallon size freezer bag
colored sprinkles for decorations
To make:
Preheat oven to 350
Wrap the base of each cone in a crumpled strip of foil wrap,
so that it can stand securely in the muffin tin or use a mini-muffin
tin for security.
Mix cake mix according to instructions.
Fill each cone about 1/2 full with cake batter
(no more or they will not cook properly).
Bake using the cupcake instructions on the mix box.
COOL COMPLETELY before frosting!
Frost to look like Ice-Cream:
Fill zipper storage bag with 1/3 of the frosting.
Squeeze as much of the air out as possible.
Close the end of the bag and "snip" a ½ inch off the tip of the corner .Starting at the edge of the cupcake cone form a thin band of frosting, continue in a circular motion to form a peak in the center.
This will look soft serve Ice cream.
Top with "sprinkles".
Don't forget to bring napkins and something to drink as well.
Candy Coated Cookies
Easy enough for the birthday child to help!
You'll need:
vanilla wafer cookies
chocolate candy melts in any color (craft store)
candy sprinkles
wax paper
cellophane treat bags
Pour candy "sprinkles" into a small bowl and lay out a sheet
of wax paper. Heat the candy melts according to the instructions
on the package. Dip the cookie wafers half way into the melted
candy and then dip in the sprinkle decorations. Place the cookie
on the wax paper to harden. Once the candy has set and it cool,
place three or four cookies into a cellophane bag and tie with colorful curling ribbon. Prepare one bag of cookies for each child in the class.
Celebrate with a Craft
With a teacher's busy lesson plans, this can serve
to help with the art requirement and celebrate your child's
special day.
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