Construction Theme Party

Construction Theme Party - view our construction theme items - click here

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, yard, or other party space so that your guests truly experience the party theme. Reinforce the party theme with coordinating wall and table decorations. Under Construction includes a variety of Construction theme party decorations. Click here to view

Get creative! Turn your party site into a construction job site. Think about creating construction or building decorations that can also serve as activities at the party. A variety of different materials can be used, but cardboard boxes of varying sizes are probably easiest. Decorate these ahead of time to use at the party, or, provide paints and markers to your guests and let them have fun decorating. Check the internet, the library, or your local craft store for ideas on how best (and easiest!) to construct and design 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: orange pylons, a road constructed from black tablecovers with yellow dashes (construction paper or tape) down the center, street signs, and yellow warning tape from your local hardware store.

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. For a Construction theme, these might include Ring Toss on the Pylon, and an Obstacle Course that involves hammering nails, filling a toy dump truck with dirt or sand, painting.

Think about your child's building toys that could be adapted to an activity at the party. Divide the group into teams and see which group can construct the tallest or most unique tower.

Do you have some extra large cardboard boxes? Why not have the kids "build" something? Bring out the craft supplies such as markers, paints, scissors, etc., and watch them go to work. You'll be amazed at the creative talent! (Of course, make sure whatever you have is safe to use. This activity may require extra hands and closer supervision.)

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
Provide each child with a "time card" when they arrive at the party. Include a list of events for the day.

Teach your guests about tools. Have an adult at the party do a "show and tell", explaining a variety of different tools and how they are used.

Create a lifesize construction worker from cardboard, cutting out a hole for the face. Then, take a picture of each child standing behind the cutout and give it to them as a fun party momento.

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 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!

Party Wearables
Encourage your guests to dress for the event by asking them to wear jeans, t-shirts, and work boots to the party.

Favours / Prizes
Consider Mini Tool Sets, Tool Aprons, Safety Goggles, or Orange Vests to give to your party guests.

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 snacks that tie to the construction theme. For example, think about foods that resemble dirt (brownies, crushed chocolate wafer cookies) and think of unique recipes or ways to present the snack. Or have them "construct" their snack - have on hand toppings for pizza and let them make their own! Just like at the job site, why not serve each lunch or meal in a lunch pail, or brown bag?

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!

New Roary the racing car range just arrived

Brand new & just arrived at Party Kiwi is Roary the Racing Car.

Click here to view full range

New and exciting party ranges landed today

Just landed today awesome new party ware. Camouflage, pirate & dinosaur. Not to mention some awesome new candles for the 1st birthday child.

A night of Christmas December 4th Whangarei

My good friend Kathryn (Whangarei Cake tin hire) holds an event each year called "A Night of Christmas". I'm posting details of it here, so that if any of you are in Whangarei on December 4th you can come along. This is one of my favourite Christmas events. Kathryn runs this evening, with her good friend Sasha. Together they make the most amazing crafts, as well as the best truffles I've ever tasted in my life - no exaggeration. Everything is displayed so beautifully - I always go home with an empty wallet. There are plenty of tastings. What more can I say?. You simply must come!.

I'll be there, of course - and so will some of Kiwicakes Christmas products. I look forward to seeing you there. The snowflake cookies were made by Kathryn, as invitations for friends family and colleagues that came last year (for those interested she used the Autumn Carpenter snowflake cookie cutter & impression mat set). Rest assured, you don't need a cookie to turn up.

A Night of Christmas 14 King Street Kensington, Whangarei. 5pm onwards 'Merry Everything'

Planning an Army birthday party in NZ?

http://www.partykiwi.co.nz/ has this line of product due in early October

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, yard, or other party space so that your guests truly experience the party theme. Reinforce the party theme with coordinating wall and table decorations. Camo Gear includes Banners and Balloons.
Are you creative? Try crafting a "Recruitment Office" building front or army helicopter for your party. A variety of different materials such as boxes, cardboard or foamcore can be used depending on your level of detail and targeted finished size. 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! These "props" 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 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. For example, these might include a Secret Mission Scavenger Hunt, or a Boot Camp Obstacle Course with various physical activities. Other games like Pin the Medal on the Soldier or Captain Says (Simon Says) are also fun.
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, consider creating personalized "recruitment" posters or secret mission folders and hand delivering to each guest. Use typical army "lingo" for a more authentic feel. ("Uncle Sam wants you for a special birthday celebration")
Create personalized dog tags for each of the guests to receive as they arrive at the party. As they leave the party, present them with a Boot Camp Certificate.
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 Privates for the afternoon! Have a few extra items on hand in case any of your guests forget. When your guests arrive add the finishing touch - camouflage face paint.

Favours/Prizes
Consider coordinating Cello Bags and Loot Bags filled with simple treats. Remember to keep the favours age appropriate and large enough to prevent any choking hazards for those children under three years of age. Plastic Army Toys help complete the theme.
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 your own version of MREs. Serve your meals in brown paper bags stamped with each "Private's" name.

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

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!

Don't forget the grooms

With so many wedding sites geared towards the bride (& deemed far too girly by the boys), it's great to see a fun site geared towards the grooms. Brides will find it useful to simply point their man in the direction of pre-chosen pages. (would we do that?) Check it out http://www.groom411.com

Need help with invitation wording?

Making your own inviations for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries & christenings can be fun. But sometimes we just get stuck for words. If you don't find it easy to come up with the perfect words for your party invites check out http://www.verseit.com/ its fast, free & user friendly. There are hundreds of great invitation ideas included.

Stunning new wedding cake toppers in stock

For those of you that would like a wedding cake topper, but want something a little different to the normal bride & groom for your wedding cake. Look no further than these delightful clay dough toppers. Clay dough toppers have the look of icing, but they are inedible and will last forever. Available with both blonde & brunette brides. Priced at $45 each. Click here to buy

Special offer until December 15th 2009

Today I've just had three pallets loads of stock arrive, I'm feeling somewhat overwhelmed by it all. SO I've decided one way to clear out some items is to GIVE IT AWAY!. Place any order at www.partykiwi.co.nz mention you read this blog, in the comments section when placing your order. And we'll add free goodies to your parcel. We will theme them when possible to match your order.

Having a soccer party in NZ?

We had some of the neatest soccer party supplies arrive lately, I just wanted to share the selection with you. This is a theme, that hasn't been terribly easy to find in the shops in the past.

I just love the stunning design of the ball shaped plates and I think the 48 piece favour pack is a steal at $25, as it come with 8 loot bags.

Click here to view the full soccer range at Party Kiwi

Do you have a picky eater!

Look at these great divided party plates from Disney. A pack of 12 is only 9.95 They are divided in to 1 large and 2 small sections. 17.8cm x 22cm. Great for picky eaters, or just to keep the tomato sauce in one place. They are sure to make a statement at your next part. These are specially imported in to New Zealand for us, from the USA. Available in Disney Princess & Cars themes.

Click here for Lightning McQueen

Click here for Disney Princess

Salami flavoured chocolates

I just saw Hannah on the Herald website, with her salami flavoured chocolates. I had the pleasure of meeting Hannah at her truffle shop in Auckland last year. And tasted some of her wonderful creations. If salami flavoured chocolate intriques you. Click here to read the full story on the Hearld website

Check out Hannah website - Mamor chocolates

Having a Spongebob party?

Having a Spongebob party? these fruit snacks imported especially in to New Zealand for us, would make great loot bag fillers. They would also make awesome cupcake toppers. Fruit snacks come in a 25g pouch and feature Spongebob, Mr Crabs, Squidward, Sandy & Patrick.

Click here to buy

Also just arrived - these awesome spongebob shaped lollipop rings $6.50 for three.

Click here to buy

Planning a Disney Princess party?

I just love these new Disney Princess fruit snacks - imported especially in to New Zealand for us. Priced at 1.50 per 25g pouch. The front of bag features 3 princesses (Ariel, Belle & Cinderella). These would be great loot bag fillers, or attach a name for a place setting holder. I also think these great fruit snacks would look awesome on top of a cupcake, as a topper.

Click here to buy

Party planning help

Need help planning your party?. Courtesy of Balloontime.com you can seek help from party planner Penny Warner to provide you with time saving tips, decorating ideas and party activities for your next celebration. http://www.balloontime.com/display.php?page=planning Whilst this is an American site, there are still plenty of great ideas for planning a party in New Zealand.

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