Here at CTP Party we love to host Kids Birthday Parties and we have found that if we share our party ideas and tips with parents/clients ahead of the big day then the party is almost always a success...whether it is DIY Party or with one of our parties!! We have been in the entertainment business over 21 years now so we know a thing or two about how to host a good party so listen up and take it all in...and of course if you have something you think would help our clients in the future then please do share it with us!!
How can you make sure your kids party goes well?
1. Location, Location, Location....If you are running the party from your house (you brave people!!) pick a room which has the most space in your house - remember our parties are about having fun and generally the more space the more chance of the children running around and using energy! REMOVE ANYTHING THAT MIGHT BE DANGEROUS & of course remove anything you value/put down covers if you have carpets etc.
2. "Why were all my friends late Mummy....?" something we have heard time and time again. Lots of venues are in church halls or villages where the postcode does not match where the venue actually is....make sure your venue is easy to find not only for your guests but also for your party entertainer. Use balloons, streamers or a sign so that your guests and party host can find your party venue easily.
3. Don't invite too many parents. We say this in the nicest way but sometimes if you have booked a hall and there are 30 kids and 60 parents (2 for each child), the party just becomes very overcrowded and even with a microphone our entertainers can not be heard! We try not to use mic's where possible as we see them as a barrier to the children but if you are expecting a lot of parents be sure to let us know so we can pack a mic for your entertainer!
4. If your party is at home: Ensure if you have any valuables or pieces of furniture that are fragile to remove them from the party scene - hide them upstairs or put them in another room until the party is over.
5. If Mums are coming to watch, make an area where they can chat and watch which will not disrupt the party. If the children are under 4s mums will probably stay with them the whole time. Parties can be a great place for Mum's and Dad's to be social and have fun as well as the children.
6. Put a sign up asking Mums to please please put their mobiles on silent - mobile phone rings really distract from the atmosphere of the party.
7. Dont hide in the kitchen! We have a lot of clients who have had great parties but they didn't see any of it. Their friends and kids tell them how great it was but they miss the whole thing while being bogged down with work in the kitchen! Remember, sometimes the best times are watching your kids faces when they are having fun....so try and keep the food simple, prep it early and sit and watch the party (if you can!) Also, if you are having a 2 Hour Party or 2 Hour Event party with CTP, we will help you at lunch/tea serve the food and drinks so don't worry! Let the real Superhero come to the rescue!
8. If Mums and Dads will be watching and your are providing drinks (hot coffee/tea or wine) then ask them to not put cups/glasses on the floor when they are finished with them. During the party the children are often asked to look for items which the Party Host hides around the room or run to corners, so the cups/glasses can be dangerous.
9. Remember if you have booked a hall, you need time to set up and clear up - do not make the mistake of booking the hall 11 - 1pm and having the children arriving at 11am....sometimes halls will put another function on before which means you will not be able to have access until 11am!
10. Remember to bring a camera and ask your Party Host for a Group Photo! So many mums and dads tell us that their one regret was not getting a photo of the whole party group while the Party Host was there...it is a small thing but for your child a party picture is a BIG memory!
* The Perfect Party is 25 - 30 children with any one Party Host! Try and stick to this amount unless you want to get another Party Host or assistant to join in and help*
