Party TIPS
With so many different types of parties, how do I know what to go for?
If you’re not sure what type of party you want, the best thing to do is to find out if your son or daughter has a preference. Sit them down and ask if they have any ideas about what sort of party they would like.
If they’re not sure, give them some options and see which they choose. It’s always best to ask your child if they have a preference otherwise you risk having a party that you think looks good but that your child won’t enjoy.
Alternatively you can discuss it with us and we can advise you. We know what children enjoy, so no matter which one of our parties you choose, you can be satisfied that you have made the right choice!
Should I invite the whole class?
We think it’s best too but ultimately it is your decision.
It’s just easier inviting everyone instead of trying to work out who you want to leave out. Plus you run the obvious risk of upsetting some children (and parents) if most of the class are invited except for them. Some schools in fact have a policy where you have to invite the entire class if you are having a party. (worth checking out)
How far ahead should I plan the party?
The earlier the better. Parents will normally take a long time to RSVP so be prepared for that. Try to send out the invitations at least four weeks before the party. Check with other parents in case someone else in the class is also having a party at the same time. Always ask for an RSVP on the invitations and follow up the invites a week or two later, by speaking to parents at school or calling them before the party so you can finalise numbers.
Do I really need an entertainer and how far ahead should I book?
If you want to save yourself a lot of stress and hassle then yes. We specialise in children's parties and know what keeps children entertained. Most children have a professional entertainer of some sort at their party.
It is a good idea to contact me well in advance even if it is just to plan the party and see what dates are available. We are often in high demand, and can get booked up months in advance.
Do I need to hire a hall?
If you have a large room in your house that you can use then usually this is absolutely fine. The obvious advantage of having a hall is that you don’t have the mess in your house and you don’t stress about food falling on the floor or carpet. Loads of parents have parties in their homes and they are a roaring success but if you are worried about mess or things getting damaged and you have a lot of children coming, then a hall would be better. If you are hiring a hall then book as early as possible, as popular halls can get booked up very quickly.
Do I need party bags?
Your child will probably be pretty upset if you don’t have them. It’s almost an expected feature of birthday
parties now. We can provide party bags or sweetie cones for £1.50 per child or maybe some flashing novelties for each child (£2 per child supplement).
It is always good to have something for them to take home with them at the end of the party and getting them out usually signifies the end of the party.
What food should I serve?
It is up to you and you know your children and their friends best!
It is always a good idea to include sweets, crisps and all the chocolate goodies that kids love.
Probably best to have some fruit and vegetables too. Raisin boxes go down well, as do carrot and cucumber sticks or cherry tomatoes. Mixed fruit such as strawberries or pineapple chunks are popular as well. Not forgetting a mixture of sandwiches and fruit juices.
Should parents stay or go?
If the children are 5 or under it’s important that the parents stay.
With children aged over 5, unless very shy, they should be ok on their own.
Many parents like to stay and they can be useful helpers.
Don't forget to bring tea and coffee as well as milk so you can make a drink for them as well as yourself.
When’s the best time to have a party?
The weekends are best. But it’s becoming more and more common to have parties during the week after school too.
Making things run smoothly on the day
Avoid Distractions in the room. If you are having a magician, facepainter, bouncy castle or other form of entertainment too, its worth only having one thing happening at any time.
If you have balloons for decoration, we advise keeping them attached to the wall so kids can’t get to them. If there are toys, balloons or other items on the floor, some children may focus on these rather than the show,
which can in turn, distract the rest of the children from the show and then the kids won’t enjoy the entertainment as much.
If you’re not sure what type of party you want, the best thing to do is to find out if your son or daughter has a preference. Sit them down and ask if they have any ideas about what sort of party they would like.
If they’re not sure, give them some options and see which they choose. It’s always best to ask your child if they have a preference otherwise you risk having a party that you think looks good but that your child won’t enjoy.
Alternatively you can discuss it with us and we can advise you. We know what children enjoy, so no matter which one of our parties you choose, you can be satisfied that you have made the right choice!
Should I invite the whole class?
We think it’s best too but ultimately it is your decision.
It’s just easier inviting everyone instead of trying to work out who you want to leave out. Plus you run the obvious risk of upsetting some children (and parents) if most of the class are invited except for them. Some schools in fact have a policy where you have to invite the entire class if you are having a party. (worth checking out)
How far ahead should I plan the party?
The earlier the better. Parents will normally take a long time to RSVP so be prepared for that. Try to send out the invitations at least four weeks before the party. Check with other parents in case someone else in the class is also having a party at the same time. Always ask for an RSVP on the invitations and follow up the invites a week or two later, by speaking to parents at school or calling them before the party so you can finalise numbers.
Do I really need an entertainer and how far ahead should I book?
If you want to save yourself a lot of stress and hassle then yes. We specialise in children's parties and know what keeps children entertained. Most children have a professional entertainer of some sort at their party.
It is a good idea to contact me well in advance even if it is just to plan the party and see what dates are available. We are often in high demand, and can get booked up months in advance.
Do I need to hire a hall?
If you have a large room in your house that you can use then usually this is absolutely fine. The obvious advantage of having a hall is that you don’t have the mess in your house and you don’t stress about food falling on the floor or carpet. Loads of parents have parties in their homes and they are a roaring success but if you are worried about mess or things getting damaged and you have a lot of children coming, then a hall would be better. If you are hiring a hall then book as early as possible, as popular halls can get booked up very quickly.
Do I need party bags?
Your child will probably be pretty upset if you don’t have them. It’s almost an expected feature of birthday
parties now. We can provide party bags or sweetie cones for £1.50 per child or maybe some flashing novelties for each child (£2 per child supplement).
It is always good to have something for them to take home with them at the end of the party and getting them out usually signifies the end of the party.
What food should I serve?
It is up to you and you know your children and their friends best!
It is always a good idea to include sweets, crisps and all the chocolate goodies that kids love.
Probably best to have some fruit and vegetables too. Raisin boxes go down well, as do carrot and cucumber sticks or cherry tomatoes. Mixed fruit such as strawberries or pineapple chunks are popular as well. Not forgetting a mixture of sandwiches and fruit juices.
Should parents stay or go?
If the children are 5 or under it’s important that the parents stay.
With children aged over 5, unless very shy, they should be ok on their own.
Many parents like to stay and they can be useful helpers.
Don't forget to bring tea and coffee as well as milk so you can make a drink for them as well as yourself.
When’s the best time to have a party?
The weekends are best. But it’s becoming more and more common to have parties during the week after school too.
Making things run smoothly on the day
Avoid Distractions in the room. If you are having a magician, facepainter, bouncy castle or other form of entertainment too, its worth only having one thing happening at any time.
If you have balloons for decoration, we advise keeping them attached to the wall so kids can’t get to them. If there are toys, balloons or other items on the floor, some children may focus on these rather than the show,
which can in turn, distract the rest of the children from the show and then the kids won’t enjoy the entertainment as much.