Planning a Pirate themed party?

Pirate Theme Party

Party Plans
Planning a party should be fun for all, including the birthday child! If your child enjoys these types of activities, make sure to include him/her in all of the pre-party planning, such as developing the guest lists, planning the games, selecting the decorations, even preparing the party treats.
If your child is younger, consider creating a countdown calendar to keep track of the number of days until the party. Think how excited he/she will be by the time the big day arrives!
Deliver or mail your invitations at least 2-3 weeks in advance so that your guests can respond and plan accordingly.
Set a budget. Before you make any purchases or deposits, put together a list of all your expenses by item. If the total expenses are more than your budget, think of how you can creatively reduce your expenses by trimming some of the less important items. If necessary you may also need to trim your guest list.

Schedule
Consider limiting your party activities to no more than two hours. At this point the energy level of most children starts to fade, and all of those amazing party activities you have planned will cease to be fun. A two hour party will provide enough time for your child to greet all of his/her guests, play a few games, open gifts, celebrate with refreshments and cake, and say goodbyes.

Guests
It's tempting to not want to leave anyone out when planning a party for your child. Will this be a family event, or school friends only? What about brothers and sisters? Remember, it's important to keep the party size managable. If the weather permits, an outdoor event might provide more flexibility if you're working with a larger group. Together with your child develop his/her "wish" list of attendees, and then determine what will work best for your party setting. If the party is a large event with lots of guests, remember to include friends or family who are willing to lend a helping hand.

Decorations
Think about how you can "transform" areas of your home, backyard, or other party space so that your guests truly experience the party theme. Reinforce the party theme with coordinating wall and table decorations.
Are you creative? Try crafting a pirate ship for your party. A variety of different materials such as cardboard or foamcore can be used depending on your level of detail and targeted finished size. Add some roping and pirate flags. Walk the plank - as simple as a wood board resting on bricks (make sure this is secure and safe). Check the internet, the library, or your local craft store for ideas on how best (and easiest!) to construct these items for your event.
If your party is at home, don't forget to decorate the outside of your house! This will help set the mood for the party and direct guests to the correct address. Consider: Treasure chests, pirate flags, "bones" or "skeletons".
If your guests are a little older, consider adding seasonal decorations for a more authentic and scarey look. Include items like fish net, sea shells, plastic skulls, spider webs, small twinkle lights, plastic rats and skeletons.

Activities/Games
To encourage participation from everyone at the party, it's always a good idea to stick to simple games that children may already know or can learn easily. Consider starting with something less active to allow the party goers to warm up to each other. It's also good to have these kinds of activities or games at the end of the party also, so that your guests can start to wind down prior to refreshments and saying goodbye.
Depending on the age of your party guests, be sure to include the Buried Treasure Pin Game when planning your party activities. Think of simple ways to adapt standard party games to complement the theme of the party. For example, Musical Chairs can become Musical Islands. Think of ways to search for hidden treasures. Pan for gold using plastic gold coins or painted rocks.
Make sure you have enough activities to last the length of the party, and then some. Running out of activities can quickly take your event from loads of fun to a party downer. Remember board games and craft materials can always be used in a pinch.
Take your pirates on a treasure hunt! Divide the party group into teams, and then let them search for the clues that takes them to the prized treasure.

Other Ideas
For more authentic looking invitations, create a note in the bottle and hand deliver to each guest. Consider "aging" the paper prior to rolling it up and dropping it in the bottle. Think about how a pirate might speak and write your invite accordingly. (Aye.. We be invitin ya fer some swashbukling fun...arrgghh!)
Fill the Treasure Chest Centerpiece with Plastic Gold Coins, or with party goodies and let your guests take turns selecting their treasure to take home from the party.
Include your guests in a group photo and include the photo as a momento with your thank you notes. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and treasure the memory for years to come!
Create a memory book or box of the event. Take lots of photos, everything from the guests, to the food, to the games, and the gifts. Make special note of the current events of the day. Include a few small decorations or momentos.

Party Wearables
Make all of your party guests pirates for the afternoon! with Hats, Plastic Pirate Vests, Pirate Badges, Eye Patches, Pirate Hook, and a Plastic Pirate Weapon Set to help complete the look.

Favours / Prizes
Of course Gold Coins and Beads are a must for any pirate's treasure chest!

Game prizes are fun for both winners and losers. Keep the prizes simple so others do not feel left out. Make sure to have some silly prizes on hand for the losers as well so they have something to take home.

Food
Treat your guests to a variety of creative Pirate snacks complete with fun names. Turn the hot dogs into pirate ships. Stick with finger foods for a more authentic pirate experience. Don't forget the blood punch!

Don't Forget
What's a birthday cake without the candles? Make sure to have plenty on hand.

Unexpected

No matter how much you plan, be sure to expect the unexpected, both good and bad. Be prepared with a good attitude and a camera!

Pirate Party items at Party Kiwi http://kiwicakes.co.nz/kiwi/index.php?cPath=291_292_211

Planning a Princess party?

Princess Theme Party

Party Plans
Planning a party should be fun for all, including the birthday child! If your child enjoys these types of activities, make sure to include him/her in all of the pre-party planning, such as developing the guest lists, planning the games, selecting the decorations, even preparing the party treats.
If your child is younger, consider creating a countdown calendar to keep track of the number of days until the party. Think how excited he/she will be by the time the big day arrives!
Deliver or mail your invitations at least 2-3 weeks in advance so that your guests can respond and plan accordingly.
Set a budget. Before you make any purchases or deposits, put together a list of all your expenses by item. If the total expenses are more than your budget, think of how you can creatively reduce your expenses by trimming some of the less important items. If necessary you may also need to trim your guest list.
Schedule
Consider limiting your party activities to no more than two hours. At this point the energy level of most children starts to fade, and all of those amazing party activities you have planned will cease to be fun. A two hour party will provide enough time for your child to greet all of his/her guests, play a few games, open gifts, celebrate with refreshments and cake, and say goodbyes.
Guests
It's tempting to not want to leave anyone out when planning a party for your child. Will this be a family event, or school friends only? What about brothers and sisters? Remember, it's important to keep the party size managable. If the weather permits, an outdoor event might provide more flexibility if you're working with a larger group. Together with your child develop his/her "wish" list of attendees, and then determine what will work best for your party setting. If the party is a large event with lots of guests, remember to include friends or family who are willing to lend a helping hand.

Decorations
Think about how you can "transform" areas of your home, backyard, or other party space so that your guests truly experience the party theme. Reinforce the party theme with coordinating wall and table decorations. Fairytale Princess includes a Banner, Feather Boa Garland, Centerpiece, Door Fringe with Feathers, Printed Hanging Cutouts and Metallic Balloon. Birthday Princess includes a Centerpiece and Metallic Balloon.
Are you creative? Try crafting a castle or drawbridge for your party. A variety of different materials such as cardboard or foamcore can be used depending on your level of detail and targeted finished size. Add a knight on a horse for more interest. Check the internet, the library, or your local craft store for ideas on how best (and easiest!) to construct these items for your event.
For a more "magical" setting, consider using tulle - you can purchase at almost any fabric store. Create a canopy that can be used for the guests to walk under as they enter the "castle". Drape from a ring or square attached to the ceiling and extended out to the corners of the room. Create a large bow and attach to the back of each guest's dining chair. Add additional ribbons and streamers to the guest of honor's throne.
Scatter rose petals or pearls on the tables.Incorporate doilies into your party place settings. Also your guests will enjoy special "mood" lighting, such as twinkling mini white lights.
If your party is at home, you may also want to decorate the outside of your house! This will help set the mood for the party and direct guests to the correct address.
Purchase or create a red carpet runner for the guests to walk on as they arrive at the party. If the weather allows, create a balloon archway over the red carpet.

Activities/Games
To encourage participation from everyone at the party, it's always a good idea to stick to simple games that children may already know or can learn easily. Consider starting with something less active to allow the party goers to warm up to each other. It's also good to have these kinds of activities or games at the end of the party also, so that your guests can start to wind down prior to refreshments and saying goodbye.
Think of simple ways to adapt standard party games to complement the theme of the party. These include Pin the Tiara on the Princess, Kiss the Frog, Musical Pass the Slipper or Pearls, or Treasure Hunt.
Make sure you have enough activities to last the length of the party, and then some. Running out of activities can quickly take your event from loads of fun to a party downer. Remember board games and craft materials can always be used in a pinch.

Other Ideas
For more authentic looking invitations, create "scrolls" and hand deliver to each guest. Consider "aging" the paper prior to rolling it up and dropping it in the bottle. Think about how the royals might speak and write your invite accordingly. (Hear ye, hear ye, by order of Her Royal Highness you are invited to a royal celebration at the castle.)
Provide each guest with a royal wand or sceptor as they enter the party. Decorate Tiaras and Crowns or Treasure Chests for fun craft project. Purchase foamcore or colored foam at your local craft store, along with an assortment of jewels, beads, feathers, stickers, glitter, etc.
Movies are great time fillers. Make sure you have several princess favorites on hand targeted to your age group in case your guests are interested.
Create a memory book or box of the event. Take lots of photos, everything from the guests, to the food, to the games, and the gifts. Make special note of the current events of the day. Include a few small decorations or momentos. Include the photo as a momento with your thank you notes - your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and treasure the memory for years to come!

Party Wearables
Royal attire is a must for this event! Have your guests come dressed as a princess. Make sure to have a few extra outfits on hand for anyone who happens to forget. If you're on a tight budget, check out local thrift stores - you never know what you may find!

Favours / Prizes
The possibilities are endless! Consider Fairytale Princess's Headband with Stuffed Crown, Tiara Haircombs, Stuffed Wand and Stickers. Birthday Princess includes Pink Bead Necklaces and Bracelets, Body Glitter, Paper Tiaras and Star Wands.
Game prizes are fun for both winners and losers. Keep the prizes simple so others do not feel left out. Make sure to have some silly prizes on hand for the losers as well so they have something to take home.

Food
Treat your guests to a variety of creative royal snacks complete with fun names. Consider sandwiches cut out with shaped cookie cutters for a more "formal" look. Don't forget the Royal Toast with ginger ale or punch served in decorated plastic champagne flutes.

Don't Forget
What's a birthday cake without the candles? Make sure to have plenty on hand.

Unexpected
No matter how much you plan, be sure to expect the unexpected, both good and bad. Be prepared with a good attitude and a camera!

Princess party supplies at Party Kiwi

http://kiwicakes.co.nz/kiwi/index.php?cPath=291_292_295

First Birthday Party Planning tips

Theme
First Birthday Celebrations are one of the biggest birthday celebrations anyone will have - so make it memorable!! At Party Kiwi we have all themes covered - from Pink and Blue, to Animals and Cupcakes, each theme is designed to be colourful and eye catching for the one year old. The theme you select will help provide focus when it comes to decorating, games, food, and perhaps even the location.

Party Plans
While a first birthday celebration is often one of the biggest birthdays a child will celebrate, in reality it's really more for the other children and adults at the event. So while it's important to keep your one year old entertained, it's even more important to make sure your guests are occupied and engaged throughout the party. If your event includes young children you'll want to have plenty of toys, activites and games ready for them to play. If your party includes adults, you'll want to have an area for them to interact.
Deliver or mail your invitations at least 2-3 weeks in advance so that your guests can respond and plan accordingly.
Set a budget. Before you make any purchases or deposits, put together a list of all your expenses by item. If the total expenses are more than your budget, think of how you can creatively reduce your expenses by trimming some of the less important items. If necessary you may also need to trim your guest list.

Schedule
Your one year old's attention span will be short. Consider limiting your party activities to no more than one and a half to two hours. If there are other children in attendance, their energy level will also start to fade, and all of those amazing party activities you have planned will cease to be fun. This timeframe will provide enough time to greet all of the guests, play a few games (as necessary), open gifts, celebrate with refreshments and cake, and say goodbyes.
Think about when your one year typically naps and schedule your party accordingly. You and your child will enjoy the events a lot more if your child is awake and happy!

Guests
It's tempting to not want to leave anyone out when planning a party, especially for a First Birthday celebration. Will this be a family event? What about brothers and sisters and their friends? Remember, it's important to keep the party size managable. If the weather permits, an outdoor event might provide more flexibility if you're working with a larger group. Determine what will work best for you and your party setting. If the party is a large event with lots of guests, remember to include friends or family who are willing to lend a helping hand so you have time to enjoy the events of the day.

Decorations
Think about how you can "transform" areas of your home, backyard, or other party space so that your guests truly experience the party theme. Reinforce the party theme with coordinating wall and table decorations. Creative Expression First Birthday patterns include a variety of party decorations, including Centerpieces, Hanging Cutouts, Door Signs, Giant Party Banners, Flag Banners, Jointed Banners, Garlands, Yard Banners, and Metallic Balloons.
If your party is at home, don't forget to decorate the outside of your house! This will help set the mood for the party and direct guests to the correct address.

Activities/Games
To encourage participation from everyone at the party, it's always a good idea to stick to simple games that the children may already know or can learn easily. Consider starting with something less active to allow the party goers to warm up to each other. It's also good to have these kinds of activities or games at the end of the party also, so that the kids can start to wind down prior to refreshments and saying goodbye.
Don't forget the adults! If it's appropriate for your event, they may also enjoy participating in simple activities. To keep it simple, think of ways to adapt simple word games, or shower games. Bring out the board games for those that want to participate.
Make sure you have enough activities to last the length of the party, and then some. Running out of activities can quickly take your event from loads of fun to a party downer. Remember craft materials and videos can always be used in a pinch for the children.

Other Ideas
Create personalised invitations with coordinating Imprintable Invitations. Keep one invitation as a momento.
Create a photo video of your child's 1st year, and set it up to play continuously throughout the event. Your guests will enjoy this quick snapshot of your child, especially if they've traveled from out of town for this special event.
Create a memory book or box of the event. Take lots of photos, everything from the guests, to the food, to the games, and the gifts. Make special note of the current events of the day. Include a few small decorations or momentos. Encourage your guests to write special notes or add a momento of their own.
Include your guests in a group photo and include the photo as a momento with your thank you notes. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and treasure the memory for years to come!
Think of a special birthday tradition you can start that will continue throughout the child's life. This might include purchasing them a special gift or card, or may be as simple as writing them a personal letter to read as they grow older. Whatever you choose, you and your child will treasure for years to come!

Prizes
Game prizes are fun for both winners and losers. Keep the prizes simple so others do not feel left out. Make sure to have some silly prizes on hand for the losers as well so they have something to take home.

Food
The type of food you serve will be dependent on several factors, including the location, the size of the group, and the time of day. Taking all these things into consideration, as well as your budget, you may opt for simple snacks, appetisers, or an outdoor barbeque. Whatever you choose, take the extra step to coordinate the food to the theme of the party. Your guests will be impressed, and you will make the event even more memorable for the one year old!
When preparing your menu, consider foods that you have made previously, that are easy to prepare, or that can be made ahead of time and frozen. Now is not the time to experiment, unless you have time to prepare ahead of time as a test. The party will be much more enjoyable for you as the host if you are mingling with the guests rather than hanging out alone in the kitchen!

Unexpected
No matter how much you plan, be sure to expect the unexpected, both good and bad. Be prepared with a good attitude and a camera!

First birthday supplies from Party Kiwi http://kiwicakes.co.nz/kiwi/index.php?cPath=291_294

Welcome to Party Kiwi - Where all the Fun parties happen!

Welcome to Party Kiwi - Where all the Fun parties happen!

Party Kiwi stocks everything you could need for great kids & adult parties. We have popular classic themes such as Soccer, Princess, Pirates & Unicorns. We also have an extensive range of licensed TV & movie characters, such as, Ben 10, Hannah Montana, Dora the Explorer, Star Wars, Sesame Street, High School Musical and so much more. The adults haven't been forgotten, with Wild West, Music, 195o's & 70s party themes AND SO SO MUCH MORE.

Check us out on the web www.partykiwi.co.nz