This was the last party that the kids attended last year. It was the 5th birthday of Luigi, the unico hijo of Tess and Gani. He’s a cheerful and smart boy. I love his long and curly eyelashes. He’s totally adorable. The party was held a Mc Donald’s Tiendesitas and it was an evening party for the kids. I never allow them to play at parties alone before but this one, I can see the eagerness in their eyes. They played around with other kids and they had fun.

Here is Scieszka along with the other girls older than her.

A photo with the birthday boy, Luigi and his bestfriend

The kids were pretty much active at this party than the previous ones. It’s amazing how they manage to learn how to mingle with other kids despite not being able to play outside the house. I am relieved because they will soon be getting into a school and interaction with other kids might help them how to deal with others even better.

]]> http://homeandparenting.com/2010/02/kids-at-a-party/feed/ 0 http://homeandparenting.com/2009/07/tips-in-preparing-a-kiddie-party/ http://homeandparenting.com/2009/07/tips-in-preparing-a-kiddie-party/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:12:53 +0000 mye http://homeandparenting.com/?p=140 Is your kid celebrating his/her birthday? Are you throwing a party?

When it comes to children’s parties, moms are the busiest ones on the planning, preparation and on the actual day. But moms, don’t forget to stay pretty and cool during the party. Because you are the mother of the celebrant, you deserve to look pretty too! Here are some tips in preparing a kiddie party so you won’t go over the hustle and bustle of rushed preparation.

The Party Date and Time

1. Prepare the party at least 3months before so there’s no rush in the preparation.
2. Choose a date closer to the child’s birthday so you won’t have to double celebrate the event. It will be less expensive.
3. Choose the time when you want to celebrate the event. A time that is comfortable for you and your guests. An afternoon celebration is best for kiddie parties.

The Theme

1. Select a theme for the Birthday party.
2. Check out your kid’s favorites – a cartoon character, a movie, a series. If you can ask them already, do it.
3. Consider your theme in selecting the venue. This is to coordinate the entirety of the party ambiance.
4. Hire an event stylist to setup the party theme. Check the venue with the stylist so they know what to prepare and they can already assess the needed materials for the setup.

The Venue

1. When you have the date, check out the venues you want to consider.
2. Contact the venues and check if the date is still available and get their packages and compare
3. When you have a list of venues to consider with dates still open for booking, decide which one is the best.
4. Consider the venue package like amenities, sound system, loots, cake, catering, gift prizes, freebies, etc.
5. Check each of them. Consider food tasting, checking the loot bags if they are good enough for the kids.

The Food

1. Most party venues have specific set of menu for the kids but if the venue does not have it, consider hiring your own caterer.
2. Make sure that the kids will enjoy their party meal too! Commonly served for kiddie parties are spaghetti, burger, chicken, hotdog and mallows.

The Birthday Cake

1. Check if your package includes the birthday cake. If none, consider getting a cake supplier,
2. If it is included, check if that will satisfy your requirement. You can ask if they can replace or alter the design to your theme.

The Entertainment

1. Kiddies parties are not as complicated as any other parties but the kids need entertainment. Consider the things you want your kid to enjoy during their birthday.
2. Hire entertainers – magicians, ventriloquist, balloon twister, face painter, glitter tattoo artist.
3. Prepare a good program and choose games that the kids will like so they will participate.
4. Hire a reliable host. The program will largely depend on how the host will handle the crowd.

The Invites

1. Party packages commonly includes invitations in.
2. If invites are not included or is you simply want to create your own, you can do so. Be creative and make sure that the invites coordinate with the party theme (if you have one)

The Loots and Party Favors

1. Check the loots included in your party package.
2. Some package includes only a few items and the kids might go home unhappy with it.
3. Consider buying additional loots as their take home.
4. Consider buying prizes for the games. These need not be expensive. Kids enjoy anything they can get from a party so do not splurge on this too much.

The Photographer/Videographer

1. Since parties are meant to be remembered, might as well get someone to cover the event. A good photographer/videographer will be able to cover your event from start to finish. They normally come with album package and/or CD/DVD format videos
2. Check several photographers for the right budget. Kiddie parties are normally cheaper than weddings but be sure you will not take this one for granted

Enjoy your kiddie party.

If this helped you out in any way, please let me know.