17 December 2018

Three Important Things to Remember When Preparing for a Children's Party

So we just celebrated Sammy's dedication to the Lord and first birthday two Sundays ago. It wasn't a perfect party but all the people I've spoken with after told me the same thing—our Pinoy 90s party was naturally fun! I felt so relieved when I knew that our friends and family were happy. You see, a first birthday party isn't really for the celebrant. Aside from the parents hosting it, it is actually for the guests. That is why whenever we hold parties, we make sure to invite those that matter to us. R and I aren't the kind of people who invite the "guest of honor" type, who usually ends up to be the star of the event. We love having the people we love to be with. 


It's not that I'm already a pro in parties but I just realized now that budget, location and food may be the basic things to think about but there are three more important things a mom (or dad or anyone) should remember when preparing for a children's party. And because sharing is caring, here it is. This is just a quick read, no worries. Just think of the 3Cs!

BE CHEERFUL

Set your mood right even when you're still in the planning stage. Don't feel too pressured. It's a children's party, not the Met Gala! If your budget can't do a certain activity, be realistic about it. Instead of sulking in sorrow for not being able to hire an English-speaking magician, think of an alternative. Perhaps, a talented relative can help. Or do it yourself if you think you're funny. It's better than getting a novice who doesn't know what to do. Trust me on that; been there, haha. 

CONSIDER YOUR GUESTS

This should be in the guidelines of all kinds of parties. I mean, why invite guests when you're not aiming to please them, right? I remember attending a semi fancy-schmancy party and seeing guests clad in casual clothes. Guess what, the host didn't tell them about it. The host 'fessed up that the guests might dress better than them. I don't know what adjective to use to describe what I thought about it. Also, here's my personal story. Since we were doing a Pinoy 90s party, we wanted to hire an ice scramble cart. As in the guy with a bike and a pail full of shaved ice. But few days before the d-day, we still haven't gotten one. Perhaps, it was God's way of telling us that we shouldn't go for it. I realized that even if we will be super cool on that day, our kiddie guests will not have it since ice scramble carts come with stomach flu no matter how the vendors claim it's clean. 

CEASE IT RIGHT

I have attended a party that made us stay for almost five hours. An hour of that included waiting for the buffet table to be opened. While we were happy catching up on each other's lives, I still can't forget how famished I was at that moment. Parties with kids should be short and sweet. 2 to 3 hours is just enough for eating and a few games. It's best to end a party while the guests are high on happiness. Why? It gives them cliff-hanging feeling. It's like they would want more of it. So maybe, just maybe when you invite them on your next party, they'd be there again!

There you have it, friends. Do you have other tips to add to this list? I would love to read it in the comments!

13 comments:

  1. Big help Ms. D., not just for my own son's future party, but also for my family... Thanks po ♥

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  2. Correct waiting time for the celebrants fam is a no no no for me, halllerrr 3pm sa invitation past 5 na di pa nagsisimula bukod sa gutom na ang kids nagtatrums na ✔️😔

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  3. Consider din po kung hahanap ng venue, marami po available parking slots.. nowadays lahat yata may private service.

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  4. so true. minsan kasi masyado na tayung nilalamon ng kagustuhan natin na maging perfect ang dream party natin sa mga kiddos na nakakalimutan na natin i-consider yung pinaka-importante sa lahat. You must enjoy, keep it simple and stay calm. Mas madalas after party hulas na hulas na tau sa sobrang pagod at hindi na natin maisip san ba talaga tau nag enjoy during the party. Pagod nlng ng katawang lupa natin ang naiisip natin. Sana sa susunod na mgpaparty ako sa anak ko maachive ko din to.

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  5. Thanks for these tips ms. D! Tamang tama para sa 1st bday ng baby ko next month

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  6. Super relate Ms. D and very timely.. I'm currently prepping for the 2nd birthday of my daughter, super dami kong gusto paandarin pero thinking about reality haha diy at creativity nalang muna pagaganahin. Hindi naman masama
    magnenok ng ideas from pinterest eh hahaha. :)

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  7. Big check ✔ I remember when we celebrated my eldest son's first birthday, it's just simple. No clown. Only me and my bff hosting the party.kahit mukha na kaming loka loka, go lang! Hahaha. And whats important is that, the food were yummy and the guests esp. the kids enjoyed the party.😊 minsan kasi mas na pe-pressure tayo sa mga nakikita natin sa feed natin or friends na nag post sa FB nila na bonggang party ng kanilang anak. But what matter most is the memories, yung nag enjoy yung anak mo kahit simple lang.😊 soru for the long comment btw..😁 thanks.for sharing this Ms. D.😊

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  8. Me and hubby are planning for a party for my stepdaughter, but unfotunately, we cannot go home coz that month is the peak season specially in our hotel. But I will bear these tips in mind and I will tell every detail to my M-i-L coz she's the one gonna be incharge for everything. Hehe. Thankyou, Miss Dee.

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  9. Awe. This is so nice and I really neeed it. I'm already preparing for my sons first bday. Although, I still have 9 months. Hahaha i just want to be prepared. ❤❤❤ thank you, as always Ms. D.

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  10. Considerable tips! Realistic yung statement that a 1st party is not for the celebrant but actually for the parents! Naisip ko, totoo nga yun. Will start our preps for the 7th and 1st birthday of our daughters. Times
    running so fast, before I know it, malapit na dn mag September again :)

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  11. Thanks for the tips Ms. D. On point and very sincere. 😊

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  12. Thanks for the tips. Eye opener para sa successful event. at the end of the say. mas ok padin na nag enjoy, nabusog at naasikaso ang bisita/

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