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Plan your party like a pro!
When it comes to your child’s birthday, you want everything to be perfect and memorable. It’s much easier to pull off a fabulous fete with advice from a professional. We’ve assembled a panel of local party professionals with expertise in menu planning, entertainment, equipment rental and party supplies to lend their best party-planning tips. Use their advice to plan your child’s next party! Help! How do I pick a theme for my child’s upcoming birthday? Selecting a theme for a party should be easy. Your theme should match the guest of honor’s personality or interest. Younger kids usually prefer a theme associated with the hot licensed character of the moment, such as Barney, Dora the Explorer and the Powerpuff Girls. I find that children in their “double digits” choose themes that describe their hobbies or what’s “in” with their schoolmates – sports, SpongeBob and the Bratz characters. Partygoers ages 16 and up seem to like era parties from the ’70s and ’80s and special themes like a luau. It allows the guest to get dressed up and show off some of their creativity. Once you have your theme secured, you need to address party favors and decorations. A necessity for every party is the disposable camera. It allows your guests to take part in recording great memories. Sign-in or autograph pups and pillows are great for partygoers to leave special messages for the birthday child. Party favors are more memorable when they match your theme. If you have a disc jockey, make sure he makes a CD of the songs he’s playing at the party. This is a great take-home memento. — Lucia Torres, Party City Party Profile: Torres lives in Conyers with her husband and two children. Her favorite party memories include a surprise party for her son’s 10th birthday and a “crazy hair” party for her daughter.
Getting the kids involved is key – it’s another area where they can let their creativity run wild. We have had great results in our kids parties, we include the children in some type of cooking, baking or food decorating element of their party with the chef – they love showing off the finished product and, of course, love that they get to eat it too. Some of our most popular menu items include: mini turkey burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches cooked to order by our chefs, cheese pasta stations, and “Smashed Potato Bars,” where kids are able top their mashed potatoes with a variety of different toppings. Three cheese pizzas, hot dogs and soups are some good standbys that are always a hit. Desserts are particularly fun to get creative with – one favorite is “The Chocolate Fountain,” a great presentation where kids dip marshmallows and fruit into chocolate. It can create a wonderful mess, but it makes for great photos! Ice cream sundae bars are great too because, again, kids really respond to making their own choices and getting creative with their food. — Tony Conway, Legendary Events Party Profile: As the founder and president of Legendary Events, a full-service event-planning and catering business, Conway has orchestrated events for high-profile clients such as Coca-Cola, Elton John and the Atlanta Thrashers. I’m planning my child’s birthday and want to make it a memorable event. Any suggestions? While the parents may appreciate the sentiment, kids are focused on the here-and-now, so it’s great to find ways to capture the day while keeping the energy up and the mood light. Bringing in an old-time photo booth is great fun and can generate some great spontaneous pictures. Another special touch is to create a video of the party, where friends record a special message to the birthday boy or girl. Karaoke machines are a big hit; it’s great to record the “performances” and give copies to all the kids (and their parents). One of my favorite party details is when the guests are surprised by a present from the birthday boy or girl. — Tony Conway What’s your advice for hiring an entertainer? An entertainer’s services are the highlight of any party. You’ll remember the entertainment long after the price is forgotten. In Atlanta there are lots of entertainers, each with a variety of skills, to choose from. I recommend starting your search about eight weeks before your party date – give yourself more time if your date is in October or December. This gives you plenty of time without rushing and fussing. Also, the entertainer will have more open slots for you to choose from. First, determine the type of entertainment you need, whether it’s a magician, clown or costumed character. Talk to your child and guide them to appropriate ideas. Next, network and see what experiences your friends have had. An entertainer who is recommended by your friend should be contacted right away. There is no stronger reference you can get. You can also surf the Internet for possible entertainers and gather information along the way. Once you have a few people in mind, contact them via e-mail or phone. Be sure to leave the details clearly: Your name, type of event (for example, girl’s 5th birthday), event date, event time and the party location. Be sure to leave your contact phone number(s) and repeat it slowly! Hiring the right entertainer is a highly personal experience. Be sure to talk to the performer before you make a decision. During your search: Ask for an explanation of the entertainer’s services.
During the call take notes and ask as many questions as needed. Besides the basic party details, relay any concerns to the performer. Good entertainment does come at a price. Often parents search for an entertainer without really knowing the going rates. Think carefully before planning a budget – a great entertainer will give you a party that you and your child will never forget. And that is priceless. — King Chapman, King of Magic Party Profile: Chapman is a long-time professional family entertainer in Atlanta. He has performed his award-winning magic show in front of an audience of one up to crowds of 1,200. My son loves moonwalks. What are your tips for choosing a rental company? Inflatable devices such as moonwalks, giant slides, obstacle courses and mazes have become very popular over the past 20 years. Today they’re considered a mainstay for children’s parties by providing a fun, safe and exciting activity that easily ties into most party themes. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a rental company:
Choosing an equipment provider can feel chancy for first-time renters. Check with parents who have used inflatables for recommendations. If you don’t have any personal references, ask the equipment company for names of past customers. Make sure the equipment provider has the professionalism you desire on the phone when making a choice. Prices for similar equipment will vary. It’s best to have equipment shape/design and dates in hand when getting quotes. Once you’re comfortable with a provider, reserve the equipment and get ready for a great time. Beware – you may have trouble getting the kids off the equipment when it’s time for cake! — Tom D’Anna, Jump and Slide, Inc Party Profile: D’Anna is the owner of Jump and Slide, Inc. His equipment is used at nearly 2,500 parties in the Atlanta area each year. |
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Planning your child’s birthday party is fun, but it often comes with a certain amount of stress. There are a million questions to answer: How will I make this year’s party special? What theme should I use? What should I serve? What about hiring an entertainer?
Kids can be picky partygoers. What are your suggestions for a creative birthday party menu that kids will eat?