The Kiddie Party Checklist
In these busy times, juggling work, family and me time can be a trying feat. As responsible and competent parents, we simply cannot afford unforeseen blunders, especially during occasions of significant importance. Birthday parties, Easter and Halloween are yearly reasons to celebrate. It is a must for everyone, kids, friends and family to have a very VERY GOOD time.
Hence if you are playing “hostess with the mostest” this year, a must do checklist is in order. Here are 9 points to take into account and tack on your corkboard to help you organize and make the most of your special occasion.
- WHEN – Decide on a date and time. Weekends and Holidays are always good dates to opt for.
- WHERE – Deciding on a venue will depend on the following factors; Number of people, Theme and Budget. If you are holding your celebration outside your home, it is important to reserve the place months ahead.
- WHO is invited – Decide on the number of people you will be inviting, keeping in mind your set budget. Start the guest list.
- WHO is helping out – Make another list of people involved in the planning. Yes delegate, keep in mind that you cannot do everything yourself. Coordinating with these people is key to the success of your party.
- THEME & DÉCOR – Both go hand in hand. As with all else, budget is also a factor, second to why you are having a party. If it is your child’s birthday party, always keep in mind his/her current favorite hobby, cartoon character or movie. List down the décor you plan to put up. Delegate and coordinate with your team.
- INVITES – Personalized invitations are still the best. If your kids are old enough, get them involved by featuring their drawings in the invite. A touch of DIY always works and your guests will appreciate the authenticity.
- FOOD – If you are cooking and preparing the food yourself, keep in mind that kids eat half the size of an adult serving. Foods and desserts must be bite sized, engaging and FUN to look at. Before finalizing your menu, it is very important to ask the parents of your invitees about any dietary requirements or allergies their kids may have.
- ACTIVITIES – Games are a much awaited highlight kids look forward to. You can either kick back and hire an entertainer or do the customary Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Musical Chairs, Treasure Hunting and Pinatas. Arts and crafts are also a cool alternative. Especially with crafts kids can take home, such as Ribbon Wands, Ceramic Painting, Bead or Necklace Making and Mask Painting.
- GIVEAWAYS – Indeed the ultimate present your invitees have given you and your celebrant is their presence. Hence giveaways and loot bags are ways of giving them a sincere token of your appreciation and gratitude. Decide and shop for these together with the décor so they match and also so you don’t end up in a hectic frazzle buying these the last minute.
Samantha Samonte is a writer for Culinary One, a blog about culinary careers, cuisines and food in all its scrumptious glory. She spends the rest of her time living life to the fullest in the company of her laptop and creative writing prowess.
