Those things will make the birthday boy or girl happy but you also want to keep in mind your child's guests and keeping them happy. Some things to please keep in mind:
- Don't give out invitations less than a week before the birthday. You need to give your guests and their families time to make arrangements to go, have the money and time to purchase a gift and time to RSVP. If you do it last minute, don't expect many guests or presents.
- If you ask for an RSVP, make sure someone will be available to answer the phone number your provide or make sure you have an answering machine. If an older sibling might be answering the phone, make sure they know information about the party to relay to the parents if they have questions.There's nothing worse then trying to RSVP and not getting an answer or call back and when you finally get a hold of someone, not having your questions answered.
- Provide details on your invites. Time and Place are the most important. Don't forget the birthday child's name and age (to buy a gift and address cards) as well as details such as if a meal will be provided, if something needs to be brought/worn (like bathing suits or socks) or any special instructions (are adults expected to stay or leave?)
- Remember that if your child is inviting school friends, that there will be adults there that don't really know you or your other guests. Introduce yourself by name and who's parent you are. Make a point to get to know them. Ask your child to introduce you to her friends. Show them where to put gifts, where drinks and snacks are and where the bathrooms are.
- No one should EVER feel uncomfortable at a party you are hosting. If a bunch of you already know each other and there are some people that your child knows but are new to you, don't sit all together at one table with the family and good friends and leave the new friends to sit all by themselves somewhere else.
- Provide Alternatives. Keep in mind that not all parents allow their children to drink pop and have alternatives such as juice or water, PLEASE.
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Thank you so much for reminding parents to have alternatives! I usually bring my daughter's drinks because she's not allowed to have pop or tea and I if she's having juices, I prefer them to be 100% juice and organic.
ReplyDeleteLove the RSVP point - i can just see my 4 yo taking notes
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips! My son's first birthday party is coming up next month :)
ReplyDeletegreat tips! One of the things I always ask when parents RSVP is about food allergies or issues - because my own family has a variety of different needs - you're right about the pop/juice/water issue but other things like nut, milk, egg or gluten allergies are also important to know... plus some families might be vegetarian or a child might not like something and I'd rather know in advance than be surprised...
ReplyDeletethanks for letting me know about this, my son was to young for parties but now that he is turning 2 so thanks for the insite
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips! Birthday parties are my very favourite part of having kids; I LOVE planning them so I'm always looking for new tips and advice! :)
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips but I must admit to forgetting to RSVP and not realizing until I found the invitation under my daughter's bed weeks later....mommy fail
ReplyDeleteThese are great! One other is to make sure parent let you know about any food allergies (maybe ask on invite?) some parents will make home made goodies not thinking of nut or other allergies that a guest may have!
ReplyDeleteI'm so bad at throwing kids bday parties!! :) thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeletethese are fabulous tips- thanks so much!!
ReplyDeleteA fantastic post! I can't believe how many people don't follow some of these tips/points!
ReplyDeleteLovely tips.. my son is not one yet so im busy planning his 1st birthday party. the tips have halped me out alot.. Thank you..
ReplyDelete