Party Planning: Tips & Resources

Choose a Theme
The first step in planning a great party is to come up with a theme. While it may seem easy to go with whatever theme come on the plates and cups at the local supermarket, you should really take the time to ask you kids what they want. If they're old enough to talk, give them lots of time to think about the decision and then propose a deadline so they know they can't change their minds once that date passes. If they're too young to choose for themselves, think about what really gets them excited (just remember that this can change at any time, so a less-specific theme may be better). If you're child wants a theme that is not easy to buy matching party supplies for, don't worry...get creative; remember, the more creative the party, the stronger the memories!

Ideas for fun birthday party themes

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Find a Location
The second thing to consider when planning a party is where you're going to have it. This is directly related to how many people are coming, so if you haven't thought of this yet, sit down and make out a preliminary guest list (think on it for a week and add to it as you remember more people). Don't forget that at parties for younger kids, the parents of your child's friends will probably want to stay for the fun. Also remember that many people say you should only invite as many other children as you child is years old (for instance, if your child is turning five, its a good idea to only invite five other children).

Once you have an expected number of people, you'll need to decide if you're having the party in a home, or at a different location. Home parties work well in the spring or early fall when you can use the yard, but during the winter (and even during hot days in the summer), people will congregate indoors creating cramped quarters. This can get even worse if most of the guests are children instead of adults (when was the last time you saw a group of adults run around wild because they had too much sugar in their cake and punch?). Another thing to remember about doing parties at your own home is that this brings lots of stress to many people since they feel like they have to finish multiple home repair projects and/or perform major spring cleaning.
If you're thinking about doing the party at another location, there are many options. Aside from the regular playground or pizza parlor party, think outside the box! Sacramento has some great places that will host a party for your child. Think about the place your child loves going for fun, then see if they host parties (or would consider starting starting to). The only limit to where you  have your child's party is your imagination, but remember, parents can be major overachievers so don't loose site of what your child wants while you're planning the "perfect" party.

Great locations for parties

Get Supplies
Now it's time to bring it all together. Using the information you've already decided on (number of guests, theme and location), you need to figure out how to get the supplies. Perhaps the biggest consideration with supplies is your budget. So often, you can get carried away finding the "perfect" decorations that you loose sight of how much you're spending. In fact, you don't have to spend anything at all! Once again, a little creativity goes a long way. For ideas, search the internet for "handmade party decorations", or look for party decorating books at the library.

If you do have a budget (even if it's a small one), try online suppliers like Oriental Trading Company. They offer unique, low-cost supplies that can make your party look great. There are also a number of party supply stores around the Sacramento area (remember to also look at local rental supply companies as they often deal in party supplies as well).

Party Suppliers

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Great Cakes
Now that you've got your location and decorations, make sure you have a plan for the cake. If you're making it yourself, be sure you have a vision of the finished product before you start baking and decorating. (You may want to make a practice cake first, or ask an experienced friend for some help). If you're going to order a cake, know how much lead time you need to give the bakery or store so the cake will be ready on time. Finally, remember that many kids these days have food allergies. Many parents are now preparing alternate goodies for anyone who can't eat the cake. You can even make your main cake with substituted ingredients so no one feels left out (search the internet for "birthday cake" and "allergy" to find some great recipes).

Options for Birthday Cakes

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Fun Add-ons
To make your child's party even better (especially if you want to spice-up a party at your home), consider a party "add-on". These can really make your party special, but they will involve a large financial commitment.

If you don't have the money, ask your friends of family if one of them would help out by putting on a clown costume, bringing a tame animal or letting you borrow a special item, like a blow-up pool.
 

Fun add-on ideas for parties

Important Tips
As the parent or main guardian of a birthday child, its important to remember the following few things:
   1. Be careful not to get carried away in planning the perfect party. Remember that you'll be doing parties for each of your kids until they're in their teens; you don't want to burn out in the beginning, or have to try and one-up last year's party with something even bigger and better. Also remember that the party is about celebrating your child's birth; not your incredible planning and decorating abilities.
   2. Don't stress yourself out! You want your kids to have great memories from their parties, so do whatever you can to eliminate stress on the day of the party. Plan ahead and be organized so you can enjoy this special day with your child.
   3. If you have a younger child, remember that parties can be overwhelming and tiring. Lots of new people and excess noise can make younger children uneasy. Try to be flexible and allow for your younger child to take things at their own pace, even if that means a short nap during the party. Also be prepared for the fact that cake can be a new, strange experience.

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Baby Showers
Being responsible for planning a baby shower can be overwhelming if you've never done it before.

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