Birthday Basics: How to Build a Bash

by Denise Yearian

When it came time for my youngest daughter to have a birthday party, it was a piece of cake! Two months before the big day arrived, she made out the invitation list, told me what she wanted to eat, and suggested some games. Not so with my other two children. Oh, they wanted parties all right. They just needed a bit of nudging. If you have a child who likes to plan her own party, great! All she will need is a bit of direction and help from you. If you are the catalyst, consider these tips.

The task of planning a child’s birthday party can seem overwhelming for busy moms and dads. Parents have so many options – entertainers who come to your home, local facilities that offer a variety of packages, and do-it-yourself books for the brave at heart. The biggest decision parents have to make is where to have the party and what the theme should be. These decisions can be easily made with the help of your child.

Several weeks before your child’s birthday, ask him how he would like to celebrate his big day. Tell him what the options are based on your time, budget and preferences. Discuss his interests and hobbies. Chances are, whether you have an at-home party or one at a local facility, you can incorporate your child’s interests.

Should you choose an at-home party, the possibilities are endless, but you will have to get organized. First, make a guest list. When deciding how many children to invite, consider your child’s age. Party experts recommend using a formula where the number of guests equals one to one-and-a-half times your child’s age. For example, a 4-year-old’s party would have four to six guests; an 8-year-old’s would have eight to 12 guests. Another consideration is whether the party will be held indoors or outside and how much space you need. If outdoors, you need a backup plan if there’s bad weather.

Unless you’re having a sleepover, it’s best to keep the event to two or three hours. For children under age 5, one-and-a-half hours are sufficient. To get a grasp on how much time you need, make a list of activities and the time each will take. If you’re hiring an entertainer, find out what services he offers and how long they will take. Party entertainers can run anywhere from five minutes to two hours, and most are willing to accommodate your plans and schedule.

If you’re the one providing games, consider the number of children coming, their ages, the party’s theme, and where the activities will take place. Choose games that are easy to explain and fun to play. Plan more games than you need. This gives you more options if the party moves faster than you thought or the children lose interest in a particular activity. Nothing spoils a party quicker than too much time and not enough to do.

Start the party with an activity that will occupy the children until all guests arrive. Once everyone is there, switch to a few active games, such as relay races or tag. This helps to release some of the children’s energy before sitting down to eat. Quieter games can be played right after eating and before parents return. For younger children, have a video on hand so little ones can rest toward the end of the party.

What’s a party without food? While we all like to try new recipes, this is the time to keep it simple. Try a variation of an old favorite, incorporating the theme if you can. For example, one year my daughter had a Bedrock Bash. The menu consisted of "pepper-rock pizza," "dino juice" and "boulder balls" (popcorn balls). They even made "stone necklaces" (large marshmallows) to munch on and wear. The cake featured none other than Pebbles Flintstone. Be creative in your presentation and approach. Cut sandwiches into interesting shapes, string fruit on a kabob and let children decorate their own cupcakes.

Decorations are a great way to incorporate your theme. One year my daughter had a dress-up party. We cut out large poster board facemasks, decorated them with glitter and jewels, and hung them on the wall. And for that Bedrock Bash, we took a large refrigerator box, opened it flat, drew stones on the front, cut out a window and door, and strapped it across the entry to our garage. Be creative. If you’re low on ideas, ask your child. Chances are he has a few ideas of his own.

No party is complete without favors. If you’re hiring an entertainer, ask if he brings his own. If not, choose one fun but inexpensive toy related to your theme, or fill a bag with a mixture of sweet, healthy treats. Another option is to make one of the party activities, such as t-shirt painting, a take-home favor.

If you are planning the party at home, ask for help. An extra pair of hands (or two or three) is essential, especially if there is no entertainer involved. As you prepare your guest list, ask a few close friends or relatives to be on hand to help. If there are no willing volunteers, hire a teen. Chances are she needs the money and would enjoy helping out.

If you are short on time and energy but still want to give your child a memorable birthday party, look for an establishment with party offerings. Many local businesses offer packaged events. They may cost a bit more, but the benefits are well worth it – no set up, no clean up, and no activities to plan.

When choosing a local facility, think about your child’s interests. Is there a place you can hold the party with activities your child enjoys, such as ice-skating, bowling or gymnastics? Check the resource listing in Cleveland/Akron Family magazines and your local phone book, and then follow up by asking family and friends where they have been in the past.

Once you’ve narrowed the options, call and get specifics. How long do parties run? What activities are included? What about food and refreshments? Are there free refills on soda or juice? Do they supply the cake? Can I bring my own cake if I want to? How many children are required (minimum and maximum)? Is there a host or hostess that does the work? What is the total cost? Is a deposit required?

It’s a good idea to stop by the facility and see a party in progress. How smoothly is it run? Is the facility safe? Is it clean? Are bathrooms easily accessible? Are guests enjoying themselves? Is the host or hostess friendly and good with kids? Do guests have plenty of time to enjoy activities, or are they rushed from one event to another? What about the food – does it look appetizing? By taking time to stop by, you can learn more than if you just make a phone call.

Remember that your child’s party is more than a one-day affair. You are creating memories for years to come. My daughter, now 16, still remembers the Bedrock Bash. Just the other day as she was choosing an outfit for an upcoming costume party, she mentioned that day. "That was the best party I ever had, Mom." I nodded in agreement and said, "Yabadabadoo!"

by Catherine Holloway

Attending or hosting a party is often a child’s first social experience. It’s a great way for kids to practice social skills that – hopefully – you have been teaching at home.