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?