Tips for Planning a Child`s Birthday Party

The last thing you want to be doing during your child's birthday party is running around like a headless chicken. With a bit of planning you can ensure the event runs smoothly and that you are able to relax and enjoy the party. With some forward thinking it really need not be a stressful event.

Invitations

• If you have time, save money by making invitations. Get your child involved and make it a fun experience. Cut outs from kids' magazines, glitter and bits of ribbon make easy decorations. If you have a computer, many programmes have templates for party invitations, which you can design and print off yourself.

Decorations

• Whilst children like decorations, your decorations will certainly not be the hot topic at school the following day, so keep them simple! Decorating is much easier if you have a theme to work with, but if money is tight, balloons are cheap and effective. They can also be used in games later on. Make paper chains from old magazines for some really cost effective decorations.

Games

• The old ones are the best. Have enough to see you through. You might not play them all but it's better than being stuck for things to do. If you have a theme, be clever and change the names of the games. Instead of 'musical chairs', have 'musical thrones' for a princess themed party.

Food and Drink

• A cake is essential at a child's birthday party, however it needn't be fussy or expensive. Kids will eat anything with icing on it.

• Stick to the usual sandwiches, sausage rolls and crisps. It's what kids expect. If you stay up all night baking exotic dishes you can guarantee they won't thank you for it. Remember, simplicity is the key to a successful child's birthday party!