The Perfect Kids' Party
For children, birthdays are akin to Christmas. It's their special day out of the remaining 364 when everything revolves around them. Perhaps there is breakfast in bed, certainly presents. And then there is the party, where, for a couple of hours, the birthday kid and all their close friends can compete like athletes or have a faux sleepover, and then finish things off with a delicious cake.
Click here to see The Perfect Kids Party Slideshow.
But for parents, planning the perfect party for your child can be a daunting task. That's why we've come up with a simple list of 8 rules to remember when planning a party for your child. Whether you're entertaining 3-year olds or 10-year-olds, and regardless of the theme, the kids are bound to have a fun time and you'll stay sane, if you heed the advice of our resident experts Mindy Lockard and Coryanne Ettiene.
To start, consider what it takes to plan a party. There is a menu to plan (which is even more tricky if there are food allergies), and an energetic group of youngsters to keep out of trouble. So planning well in advance is paramount. (If your child chooses their theme for their party a year in advance, why not get a head start, too?) As for the menu, your primary concern may be serving up something the kids will actually eat. But when you have a white carpet, or if they're wearing their finest party clothes, do you really want to bring out the spaghetti, grape juice, or tomato soup? (More might end up on the floor than in their mouth.) Most importantly, however, if you do end up forgetting something, just remember: If mama loses her cool, the kiddies will follow suit.
Click here to see The Perfect Kids Party Slideshow.
About Our Experts: Mindy Lockard is The Gracious Girl and offers traditional etiquette advice with a modern, gracious twist. Coryanne Ettiene believes entertaining at home should be an everyday affair; she shares contemporary advice for modern living at Housewife Bliss. Click here to see more tips and advice from our experts.