Posts tagged Entertaining

Like any other social occasions there are do’s and don’ts at kid’s parties, although they are easy to get the hang off them when you are in full swing. Here are a some of the basics …

RSVPs
Always include an RSVP date and phone number on your party invitations. In the event of a guest failing to RSVP, a cordial call on or after your RSVP date is perfectly acceptable. Sometimes mail is delayed and other mishaps occur, and you need to be sure that the invitation was received. In addition, knowing the exact guest count is necessary for planning purposes.

Hello!
Encourage the birthday boy or girl to greet each of their guests personally when they arrive. Not only will they see all that their friends have made the special effort to be with them on their birthday, it means the guests will feel really welcome too.

Everyone wins!
If your child wants to play competitive games, try to plan them so that every guest wins convincingly at least once. Games like pass-the-parcel and musical statues are perfect for this. Why not include a few team games as well, like a treasure hunt? Then the whole gang faces a challenge and everyone wins!

It’s my party , and I’ll cry if I want to …
Sometimes the birthday boy or girl may begin to misbehave. If this happens emphasize the important role your child has as the party host or hostess to make guests feel comfortable. Discuss the responsibilities s/he will have such as greeting the guests, showing them where to sit at the party table, and handing out party favours. Stress that through helping others enjoy the day, your child will likely have a better time too. A gentle reminder during the party should be all that’s needed once you’ve laid down the ground rules.

Gifts with a Smile
Children may sometimes express their true, and not necessarily polite, feelings about a gift they have received. In advance of the party, explain to your child that it’s necessary to thank all the gift-givers with equal enthusiasm, no matter what the gift. Impress upon them that each guest feels their gift is special, and that it’s the thought behind it that counts.

If you plan to open gifts at the party, make it early before kids are tired and cranky. Of course, this issue can be avoided entirely by opening the gifts after guests have departed, a time-saving practice which prevents the embarrassment of the party child making ungrateful comments. Whatever you decide, remember to do it with a smile!

Thanks
Your guests will really appreciate personal thank you notes for their gifts. Use notes that follow the theme, and there are many ways to say thank you too.