4 to 6 weeks before your party
Cuddle up with your child and choose a party theme.
Next, Create the guest list. Guests generally range from friends at daycare, school or the neighborhood, then add close relatives. (One guide line suggestion is that the number of children invited should be equal to the child's age plus two. This number does not include adults. It is not an iron clad rule however an ideal party for a six year old would be about eight kids. Try not to go much over this number. The guide is an ideal or target number only).
Now, contact Phil Kampf and pick your party Package, date and time. Parties are generally 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours long. (Decide where to hold the party. If you plan to have a Magician, Do not have the show Outdoors. What might look like a great day isa disaster to a Magician. If you are worried about the mess have the games and food outside and only the show indoors. No matter where you hold it do not serve or have food available in the show area.
Remember, When hiring entertainers, do not always go for the lowest price. Whoever you hire, he/she will affect your image. Reliability and follow-through are more important than a lower bid.
When working on the program, don't save the best for last. At the end of the event, the guests may be tired, and worried about getting home.
If possible arrange to get a friend, another parent or relative volunteer to help on the day of the party. They can help in picking up last minute stuff at the store, decorating or in managing the kids while you are busy.
Finally, order party supplies, decorations, party favors, activities and prizes for games. Be sure to order enough tableware for the adults that will attend as well.
2-3 weeks before your party
-Send the invitations. It is best to ask guests to RSVP to get an estimate of how many children to expect.
-Decide on activities and games to play, unless you have chosen Package A. Consider the age of the children and plan games and activities accordingly. Plan more games than you expect to use in case you run out of activities before the party is over.
-Plan Your Menu!
-Arrange for extra help on the party day from friends or relatives.
1 week before the party
-Order cake from bakery if you are not baking your own. Bake cake and freeze it, if making your own.
-Make any other foods that can be made ahead of time and store foods in the freezer.
-Write out a final schedule of activities for the party.
-Confirm any orders placed for the cake and/or party supplies.
-Let siblings invite a special friend over for the day so they won't feel left out. They can either play apart from the party or they can be helpers.
2-3 days before the party
-Buy remaining food for the party.
-Buy film and/or videotape.
-Check batteries for the camera and/or camcorder.
-Get an exact guest count. Call those who haven't responded.
-Arrange to have balloons filled with helium to pick up the day of the party. It is fun to have each guest go home with a balloon.
1 day before the party
-Finish decorating the cake, or pick up the cake from the bakery.
-Make sure you have plenty of candles and matches.
-Pick up helium-filled balloons.
-Child-proof the party area.
-Decorate any indoor areas (save outdoor decorating for the day of the party).
-Prepare food that can be made ahead of time.
Party day
-Prepare foods and beverages that could not be made ahead of time.
-Take plenty of pictures and videos to commemorate this special day.
Plan a Nap for Yourself After the party!
Remember: Young guests will be excited and mishaps may occur. Keep your sense of humor, and even if not every aspect of the party goes off as planned, the most important part is to enjoy the
day as you celebrate the life of your child!
