Saturday, July 25, 2009

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

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