Avoiding Birthday Party Disasters

Birthday parties should be fun and memorable, but we have all thrown or attended a party that was chaotic and disorganized. How can you give your child the party he or she wants without the risk of everything falling apart halfway through the special event? The answer is really quite simple - just expect the unexpected! A few extra considerations before the big day will ensure that the party runs smoothly and that the birthday child feels special and has a wonderful time.

The most common problems during a child's birthday party are ones that easily could have been avoided with just a little extra planning in the beginning. Unfortunately, the parents of the birthday child usually spend the entire party running around tending to the food, gifts, and guests, and end up missing out on all the fun. After the party theme is chosen, adhering to the three basic rules below will not only help stop disaster before it begins, but will also enable the birthday parents the time they desire and deserve to sit back, relax, and enjoy the party with their child.

Rule 1: Buy more than you need and buy it before you need it.

It is common during birthday parties to find that you have run out of plates or drinks right at the worst possible moment. Perhaps more guests attended than you initially planned for, or maybe the guests have used twice as many plates and cups as you expected. It is always a good idea to keep both possibilities in mind when shopping for party supplies. A good general rule is to have two plates and three cups for each guest, and to consider that many of the guests might bring along a friend or sibling. This same strategy applies to food and goodie bags. If you have invited 30 people to the party - expect that 45 will attend. Anything remaining at the end of the party, and any food not eaten, can either be recycled for use at a later event or used by your own family. Buying bulk amounts need not increase the cost of the party if you shop around at discount stores or check into online party wholesale shops.

Rule 2: Make certain the children are entertained at all times.

Providing plenty of optional and creative activities during the party will not only free up your time, but will keep the guests entertained. It is a good idea to plan for at least one scheduled activity time, such as a limbo contest or another traditional party game. You will also want to consider some simple activities for the children that can be done at any time during the party, or while guests are arriving or food is being served. Crafts are often a big hit, the materials are generally cheap, and the finished products can be taken home by the guests at the end of the party. Set aside a table or another space that is designated for the activity, and keep in mind the age of the children and the theme of the party when choosing your craft or game. You want an activity that will require little supervision and involves as little clean up as possible.

Rule 3: Don't go it alone.

There is nothing more disappointing than realizing you missed out on the majority of your child's party because you were too busy tending to the other guests, or preparing the food and cake. Even if you have prepared everything in advance, you will still find yourself playing host, chef, doctor, and referee the entire time. If possible, require that the parents of the children attending the party remain at the party until it is over. If that is not possible, enlist the help of your family or friends and assign each of them a task - such as greeting the guests, preparing and serving the cake, taking photos, arranging the presents, or collecting trash as it accumulates. If a few people pitch in, each task will seem small and will require little time during the actual event.

Preparation is the key to a happy and organized event. Following the three simple rules above will make certain that your child's birthday party is a success, and that you, the guests, and your child all have a fantastic and memorable time.