An Arts and Craft Party

The Arts and Crafts party is a great way for children to display their creativity in an enjoyable way.  Decorations for this type of party could be drawings your child would have made over the years and paper flowers which can also be used as center pieces.  Mini paint sets would make perfect party favors for this type of party.  Food does not need to be elaborate as sandwiches and mini pizzas should be fine.

An Arts and Crafts party seems like fun would you have this type of party?

A sports themed party

The sports theme party would be suited for an older boy who is no longer interested in superhero themed parties.  This party should have sporting equipment available to be used of your child's favorite sports and decorations could include posters of the different sporting personalities with centerpieces being of different sporting equipment.

  Would you have a sports themed party for your son?

Slumber parties

Ahhh the inevitable slumber party, one of the most difficult types of parties to say "yes" to as concerned parents will need to know exactly where the child is going? Who is going to be there? and a little background on the family your child will be staying with, this is usually gained by meeting the parents of the hostess.  When all of these formalities are over children have loads of fun at this party. Usually teenage girls are the ones who attend slumber parties to watch movies, talk about fashion, school and do makeovers.

Do you have slumber parties at your home?

  

The Spa Party

Party planning for a tween or teenager will take a very different turn from what you were accustomed to in the younger years as superhero and princess parties were the norm however, tweens and teenagers are looking for something totally different therefore, a Spa themed party is sure to be amusing.  This party should be at a spa with a few good friends, being pampered by professionals with manicures and pedicures.  The perfect type of party favor for this party would be travel sized manicure sets.

Would your tween or teenager enjoy a Spa Party?

Hawaiian Hula Party

This type of party is sure to be a hit with activities such as; Hula dancing, Limbo and Sea Shell Hunt your guest are sure to have a whale of a time, the decorations the center pieces can be sand castles and tiki torches which can be placed in the driveway leading to the party, your imagination can go into overdrive when decorating for this type of party. 

Would you like to decorate a Hawaiian Hula Party? 

Ahoy matey a pirate party

A Pirate Party is great fun, although this type of party is mainly considered to be a boys party, girls have just as much fun as the boys.   Pirate parties usually include treasure hunts, sword fighting games, face painting and fancy costuming with most children being excited about wearing eye patches. This party also provides parents with great memories of their child dressed as Pirates.

  Would you have a pirate party for your child?

The superb pool party

The venue of your pool party can be at a rented space or at home but ensure that there is ample supervision, with a reasonable ratio of adults to children in order to avoid accidents.

Additionally, when having this type of party some things to consider would be; clearly outlined spaces for drying, changing clothing and showering.  Ensure you have enough supplies such as towels, robes and inflatables for all your guest in order to have a seamless transition from the pool to the drying areas.

Are pool parties totally enjoyed by your little ones?

A costume party

Vivid imaginations and energy for endless play make costume parties a great way for children to depict their favorite superhero or Disney princess.  Costume parties allow children to be the center of attention and fit in with their peers.

Will you be willing to have a costume party for your child's next event?

The picture perfect tea party

Tea parties are often associated with girls, however a tea party is a great way for boys and girls to learn etiquette and manners.  So the next time you are having a tea party do not forget the boys in the family, if they will be willing to participate!

 Do you think tea parties teach children etiquette and manners?

Finding the perfect gift

One of the most difficult activities for guest is finding gifts for the child.  Purchasing toys may be the first choice whilst, books, jewelry, money and educational aids are also chosen. When searching for the perfect gift the age and gender of the child should be considered as well as the prices of the various toys.

If looking for gifts for a baby, stuffed toys may be the best choice, for an older child educational toys are suitable but dolls and action figures still popular choices.  Teenagers on the other hand would prefer electronics, getting their hands on the latest gadgets. 

What would your child prefer as their gift?

The Party Cake

Without a doubt the party cake is one of the highlights of the party and the type of cake is mainly chosen in line with the theme of the party.  Nowadays children's party cakes can range from simple homemade cakes to extravagant three and four layer cakes.  The type of cake chosen should depend on your budget.

The best compliment for cake is ice cream what flavors of  ice-cream are crowd pleasers at your events?

Simple ways to show your love

Generally, working parents and children of working parents do not spend much time together and very often forget to tell one another how much we all mean to one other, with this in mind busy families such as these may appreciate the following tips on showing their love and appreciation in effortless ways.

Leaving a note in your child's lunch bag or lunch box telling them how much you love and appreciate them is a great surprise, to let your family know they are on your mind even when they are not around.

Do you all think leaving a note is a nice way to show your family appreciation?

Character Appearances

You and your child have chosen the theme of the party, clearly displaying their favorite character, can you imagine the joy your child will experience when the character shows up at the party! 

But make sure mommies, daddies, aunties and uncles that your special little one does not find out who is really under there!

Hiring a professional could be an option once it can be accommodated in your budget.

Would you dress as a character for your child's party?

Candy Buffets

These are buffets specifically for candy and are a relatively new to children's parties, the concept is to display brightly colored candies in an attractive way, this buffet will definitely be a focal point and has the potential to be the main attraction.  For more information about the candy buffet please check out my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Festive-Bliss/1161231253894329

Would you have a candy buffet at your child's event?

Party Favors and Loot Bags

The party favor and party bags or loot bags are highlights of the party.  The party favors are items made particularly for the guest as keepsakes to remember the party, whereas the loot bags or party bags are filled with treats for children, they are usually filled with; biscuits, candy, chocolates, gummy bears, small toys and a drink.

Please note that parents may request another bag which may be used to fill with spoils from the pinata, so when buying the themed bags make sure to double up on them.

Are party bags and party favors a highlight at your parties?

The Party Menu

The party menu is one aspect of the planning process that requires time and attention.  In doing the menu the adults as well as the children should be considered as the adults may prefer to have a meal whereas, children may be more concerned with playing rather than eating therefore, appetizers and finger foods will be selected by the children, items such as; hot dogs, meatballs, popcorn, puffs, pies and cupcakes will be hot commodities for the children.  On the other hand, the adults will opt for a meal so items such as; pelau, fried chicken, salads and curried foods and will be favorites with the adults and alcoholic drinks is an aspect that should be considered for the adults.  

Do children eat food items at parties or are they more concerned with playing?

Games and Activities

During the party there must be activities to keep the interest of the guest. Generally the games children play are; Pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, karaoke sessions, bursting the pinata and playing in the bouncy castle.  

These are the highlights of the party and are the events the children usually look forward to.

Are these activities the main attractions at your parties and should prizes be awarded for winning games?

Party Themes

The theme of your child's party is dependent on your child's personality and the type of characters they like.  The themes that you may want to choose as a parent are the ones that have accessories which are easily accessible and fit into your budget.  Some items to ensure you have at the party are accessories such as; the cake, table cloths, napkins, plates, cups, foil balloons, streamers, party hats, favor bags, and bouncy castles. 

Is it difficult for parents to design their child's parties?

The Planning Process

Planning a party can be a daunting task, however following checklist can make the process a piece of cake!

At least three weeks before the party:

• Make an invitation list keeping in mind who you are hosting the party for as this will influence where the party will be held either indoors or outdoors and the type of guest you will be having, such as an all girl slumber party or and all boy ultimate superhero party.
• Decide on a theme for your party, when a decision is made determine if the decorations will be bought or if they can be borrowed from a friend or family member. Themes also have an  influence on your menu, because if your child wants a spider man themed party a spider man cake may be in order.  
• Send out the invitations this can be done via email, regular mail and by phone. Invitations can also be done according to the theme of your party and personalized for each guest.  
• Source the suppliers for acts or props such as the bouncy castle, bubble blower, cotton candy maker and special appearances by characters. 
• Plan a menu for the food you will serve. Therefore you will have to get your recipes together and choose the ones that can be prepared before hand and make a shopping list, also some items may need to be done professionally so making a trip to your local baker will not hurt.
• Consideration should also be given to whether or not help will be needed to clean up
  
  
  after the party clearly identifying who will be assisting with the job.

One week before the party:

• Determine your playlist, ensuring that the music is age appropriate and upbeat lasting the duration of the party.
• Start preparing any food items that can be frozen and stored.
• Clean your home so that, the day before the party only a light sprucing up will be needed.
• Take an inventory of your serving dishes, ensuring that there are enough serving dishes for the items you will be offering and stock your bar as the adults accompanying the children will be grateful to have a drink.

Two days before the party:

• Inform the neighbors as music tends to become loud and parking arrangements may be tricky.
• Check your medicine cabinet and remove any items you may not want your guest to see.
• Finish grocery shopping and make a schedule to complete any outstanding dishes.
• Set up clean up stations; stocking them with baking soda, salt and rags for clothing stains.

One day before the party: 

• Decorate and spruce up the home.
• Do as much cooking as you can.
• Set the tables or set up the buffet.

The day of the party:

• Finish the cooking.
• Place the chairs.
• Display the food and greet the guest as they arrive.

Following these steps can help you to smoothly pull off your child's wonderful party, so that you can also enjoy the party, greeting guest playing games and having fun with your friends and family.

What do you think about the steps given above?

Festive Bliss

Festive Bliss is a blog about children party planning. Parents of  young children know that time is something in limited quantity, when faced with this dilemma I had no other choice but to plan my children's parties myself and finding simple ways to make them feel loved and appreciated, this lead to the discovery of an enjoyable pastime. This blog shows different party themes and novel items which can be used to acknowledge these cherished ones in our families. This blog also aims to give pointers on how to make cheap innovative party favors, your guest will have long after the event is over, making your little angel's party a memorable one!

Finally this blog will explore a range of age appropriate toys which can be used as a guide for invited guest who may choose to present your child with toys.

Do you parents, aunties and uncles find it hard to get age appropriate toys for the little ones in your families?