Double Parties
How do you handle a double birthday party? The answer to this question depends entirely on who the two birthday people are. If there are extreme differences in ages, keep the party low key - hold it in a park where people of all ages can relax and have fun! *If they are both young kids, look for a common interest or activity, for example, swimming.
Guest List
Sit down and make a guest list at least 3-4 weeks in advance. This will help you make most of the other decisions.
During the Party
Parties can sometimes be stressful! Ask a friend, family member or neighbor to help with the party. Often neighborhood teens would love to help when offered a few dollars for their time.
Planning Around Meals
If your budget can?t include a meal, simply plan around meal times: 1-3pm or 2-4pm, or even 10-11:30am for small children.
Too Close to Christmas
"Don?t you feel sorry for the kids whose birthdays fall close to Christmas? I had a friend whose son?s birthday fell in the week before Christmas. They made it their family tradition to not put up the Christmas tree or any other Christmas decorations until AFTER his birthday, so that his day was just as special and focused upon as it would have been in August. What a great way to make a kid feel special!"Taken from our Mom-tips.com site!
Extra Cameras
If possible have two or three people taking pictures with different cameras just in case the film doesn?t develop right or you put the film in wrong.
Be Prepared
Birthday parties are historic and special! Always remember to make sure the camera and/or camcorder is working before the party. Buy extra film and/or videotape before the party. And, check batteries for the camera and/or camcorder (maybe have some extras on hand).
Party Times
"The time set for the party tells the guests what to expect, for example: 5:00pm - indicates food will be served, it?s dinner time and 2:00pm - is in between lunch and dinner, so food is not expected."
Candles
A birthday cake isn?t the same without the candles!Make sure you have plenty of candles and matches before the party starts.
Child Involvement
Get the birthday child involved in the party planning. They will appreciate being asked, after all, it?s their party. And they will put in a tremendous amount of energy into such a joint effort.
Including Children
Be sure to include your child in the party preparation. As an example, older children can address invitations, while younger children might like to affix stamps.
Siblings
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.
Invitations
You noted the start as well as the ending times on the invitations. Don?t let your party drag on and wear you out. Kids? parties are generally 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours long. Everyone knows when they are supposed to go home. Help them get their coats.
Simplicity
Keep it simple. Don?t put too much pressure on yourself. No matter what works and what doesn?t ... there will always be next year!