Moogie's Party Tips

The first tip I would give for a successful children's party is to get some help! Don't do this by yourself. Draft a friend or family member to help. They can help with food, games and crowd control. Then hire a professional entertainer. This takes so much of the work off the party giver. Remember to keep things simple. It doesn't have to be a huge affair. A birthday table cloth and hats are often just enough. If you want, you can have a theme and have kids dress up to the theme. Carry the theme over to the cake and decorations etc. Try a Pirate Party, or a Fairy Tale Party etc. Decorations can make the atmosphere of the party. Start by matching the theme of your party with papergoods and a custom cake If you are serving food, be sure to choose something the children will like and keep the menu simple as well. Hot dogs or pizza are great. Room temperature food such as peanut butter and jelly is a preference as it allows for greater flexibility in party timing. Food should be prepared in advance. Make note of any special food requests. Some children may be allergic. Try to have a few veggie weiners if there will be vegetarians. Be sure you have an alternative food for the child that is just as appetizing as what the other children are eating. In selecting a cake flavor, keep it simple (chocolate or vanilla). Have extra food ready for unexpected guests. And finally..the presents should be last. It isn't fair to make the birthday child wait to play with the new toys. I suggest you do lunch first, then the entertainer (helps let lunch settle) and then do the presents. Most of all...Have fun!

Party Checklist! Occasion____________________________ Guest of honor _______________________ Theme _____________________________ Entertainer ___________________ Party rental (if any) ___________________ Caterer(if any) _______________________ Extra helpers _______________ Place(in/out door) ___________________________ Time _____________________________________ If Birthday/Age_____________________________ # of guests-Children/Adults___________________

Party Countdown! 6 to 8 weeks before the party 1.Help child select a theme. It can be selected according to the personality, interests and age of the child 2.Decide on the number of guests and develop a guest list. Name of Children Address Phone # Parent(s) RSVP Adult Friends and Relatives Name Address Phone # RSVP 3.After you have decided on the number of guests you plan to invite, you will need to decide on the location of your party. If the party will be held outside your home, select a location. When considering having a party away from home, remember that some popular facilities may take up to three or four months for a reservation. So plan early. Check out the facility during peak times before making final decision. Select a site that is age appropriate and plan your party activities accordingly. Staff friendliness and Facility Cleanliness (Check restrooms, food preparation and dining areas) Safety considerations (if any), regarding equipment and how they handle emergencies and staff training. An outdoor party is easier because there is the least amount of damage to house and less clean-up. The time of year should be considered when planning your party. (Always have a backup plan!) The area should have enough space to accommodate all of your guests. Can the party be contained in a certain area and safety considerations need to be addressed? 1st Choice outside facility Name of the Place Address______________________________ Phone# ______________________________ Services included ______________________ Outside food allowed? Yes_____ No_______ Menu _______________________________ Public/Private?________________________ Fee(gratuity Included?)___________________ Special remarks _______________________ 2nd Choice outside facility Name of the Place ___________________ Address____________________________ Phone# ____________________________ Services included ____________________ Outside food allowed? Yes_____ No_____ Menu _____________________________ Public/Private _______________________ Fee(gratuity included?)________________ Special remarks______________________ 4.Choose a date and time. 5.Order birthday supplies and invitations. Note: Be sure to include your child in the decision process! Invitations____________________________ Stamps ______________________________ Plates: Cake _________________________ Napkins: Beverage ____________________ Luncheon _____________________ Dinner _______________________ Cups __________________ Forks and spoons ______________________ Decorations __________________________ Thank you Cards ____________________ Balloons ___________________________ Tablecover ___________________ Candles _____________________ Favors ______________________ Treasure hunt goodies __________ 6. When using an entertainer, call to book early. Entertainers (i.e. clowns or magicians) are a good idea because they generally have a planned program which keeps the party going . This also gives the host and/or hostess some time to rest or to prepare for the next phase of the party.

2 -3 weeks before the party 1.Fill in and mail or deliver invitations. 2.Keep a list of invitees near the phone for RSVP's. 3.Discuss and select 4 - 6 party activities with your child. Be sure to tailor the party activities/games to your child’s level of development. If having a toddler (2-4yrs.) party, forget the games and (play music, sing songs, have circle or free play). Older children (5 & up) are ready for games or activities (3-4) is fine. Select games that de-emphasize competition and prizes, to avoid hurt feelings and disappointments. Be sure to tailor the party activities/games to your child’s level of development. If having a toddler (2-4yrs.) party, forget the games and (play music, sing songs, have circle or free play). Older children (5 & up) are ready for games or activities (3-4) is fine. Select games that de-emphasize competition and prizes, to avoid hurt feelings and disappointments. Arts and Crafts projects are great for birthday parties and are an alternative to games. They should be appropriate for your child’s age level to avoid frustrations. Simple crafts are always best. Parents may also participate. Crafts projects can also reflect the theme of your child’s party (sand art for a beach party or candy leis for a luau party) 4.Collect prizes and items needed for activities.Be sure to have extra party favors on hand for that unexpected guest. Generally 5 extras is a safe bet. Goodie bags are a fun part of any party but they needn't cost an arm and a leg. Just try your local discount stores. Kids love stickers, pencils and small toys as well as candy. 5.If serving a meal, decide on the menu. 6.Order a cake (if you aren't baking one yourself). 7.If you won't have many parents or relatives staying at the party, consider asking a favorite babysitter to help.

1 week ahead 1.Decide on the order of activities. 2.Try any games or activities with which you are unfamiliar. 3.Check out any books or tapes you'll be borrowing from the library.

2-3 days ahead 1.Call any guests who have not responded. 2.Shop for groceries or other food being served. Buy candles. 3.Purchase any candy for favors or pinata. 4.Prepare (copy, cut out, etc.) any crafts that can be done ahead. 5.Put together favor bags. 6.Check camera. Charge video camera. Check all of the equipment that you will be using for your party to ensure that is working properly. It’s also good to purchase any supplies that you will need at this time. Be sure to have extra rolls of film, so you don’t run out. Lastly, ask someone to help photograph your party so you will have one less thing to do.

The day before the party 1.Clean party area. Put away any items that may be dangerous or distracting. 2.Bake or pick up cake. 3.If ordering food such as pizza, call to arrange delivery. 4.If necessary, confirm entertainer or any helpers. 5.Sit with your child and discuss his or her expectations for the next day.

4 -5 hours ahead 1.Set up decorations. Put candles in cake and locate matches. 2.Get balloons filled or pick up helium latex and mylar balloons. Tie some balloons to the mailbox or front porch. Balloons also make a room festive. Decorate the party table by attaching a balloon to each chair so that at the end of the party, each can take home a balloon. 3.Place crafts and prizes near the activity locations. Locate paper and pencil for recording gifts (for thank-you's).

1 hour ahead 1.Consider putting any pets in an area away from the guests. 2.Get birthday child and siblings dressed. 3.Set up food and let your child help as much as possible. Set the cake out as a decoration so everyone can enjoy it. Have candles and matches ready to go, but out of the reach of children. If adults are attending, be sure to set up the refreshments away from the children’s entertainment area to avoid any interruptions. 4.Set up first activity. . . . Have a great party!

Good luck on your party!!! Remember to have fun!!!

Moogie the Clown

718-857-9409 moogieland@gmail.com 908-725-1213