Tips for a Successful Party

What Time for the Party?

Always choose a time for your party that doesn’t clash with another event – plan your party 30 days in advance, if possible. The best time for a children’s party is 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. as these times often coincide with normal eating times for most people.

Party Location

Most birthday parties are held at home, but you can consider these venues to avoid cleaning up or if you have limited space. Remember that these locations may require rental fees.

How Many to Invite?

The larger the group, the more difficult the management tasks. Ideally 8-15 kids works well. Larger groups call for getting assistance from a couple of teens or adults to keep things running smoothly. Use this as a guide:

• 3-4 year olds, one helper for every 3 to 4 kids

• 5-8 year olds, one helper for every 5 to 6 kids

• 9-12 year olds, one helper for every eight kids

Pre-Party Activities

It’s a good idea to have some ice breaker activities as guests arrive usually - during a 15- to 20-minute window. Select several party games and activities that are age appropriate and geared to the skill levels of your guests. Get ideas online, and plan more activities than you’ll need. Select non-competitive games or games where everybody wins.

Entertainment

We certainly want you to select Kiddy Kharacters for your party entertainment. Remember these important things:

• Limit the entertainment to 30-45 minutes. It’s an ideal amount of time for most kid’s birthday parties.

• Schedule Kiddy Kharacters for the first half of the party helps to keep the attention focused on the birthday child. Save the singing of happy birthday and gifts for the last half of the party.

• Save the goody bags and balloons for the end of the party. You don’t what noise distractions for those trying to enjoy the show.

• Space for Kiddy Kharacters entertainment should be in a separate area where distractions are minimal. Fewer distractions will help guarantee a great show.

General Suggestions

• Outside parties need a back-up plan in case of rain.

• Have extra games and activities in mind in case you need to fill some time.

• Have extras of almost everything...favors, balloons, prizes, food, and drinks. Sometimes an extra child or two will arrive, or something will break or get lost.

• Be sure to have a party bag for the birthday child as well.

• Put the kid’s names on badges, name tags and table cards. It makes them feel important and helps you keep track of who's who at the party.

Enjoy the party and leave the entertaining to us!