10 Fun Things to do in Summer
How to throw a fabulous party without breaking the bank:
Throwing your child a fun and memorable party does not have to break the bank. Here are ten tips to ensure a successful party:
1. Do host the party at home or at a neighborhood park. Forget about hiring entertainment.
2. Do limit the guest list. Veterans of the kids party circuit recommend limiting the number of guests to the age of the child, that is, five guests for a five-year-old. Instead of expensive, custom-made invitations, make your own using your computer and some art supplies.
3. Do seek input from the birthday girl or boy. If your child has a tendency to go overboard, give them some simple choices, for example, yellow or chocolate cake, strawberry or vanilla ice cream.
4. Don't be afraid to make your own cake. It can be fun and save you money. Most kids would be happy to eat bowls of frosting, so don't spend a fortune on a custom-made creation. Enlist the birthday child to help decorate the cake.
5. Don't go it alone. Enlist the aid of a neighborhood teen-ager, brother-in-law, aunt or grandparent. Matter of fact, two helpers are better than one.
6. Do make a schedule in advance. Nothing fancy here - all you need is a basic list of planned activities and a few back-ups. Always, plan for a few back-ups - you will be glad you did.
7. Do go with the classic games, the less competitive, the better.
8. Do plan for coloring at the table. Cover your table with large sheets of paper. This will double as a tablecloth. Tape paper down, and give everyone a handful of crayons. You'll end up with adorable drawings and greetings for the birthday child. This activity keeps kids happy and under control while you are serving.
9. Don't forget candles, matches, singing happy birthday and to take a few photographs of the birthday child blowing out the candles.
10. Don't spend a fortune on goodie bags. A group picture or craft is enough to cement the memory of the good time had at the party. With today's digital cameras, one of your helpers can print off the photos during the party. You can add a cardstock or cardboard frame or spring for an inexpensive one from a discount store, if you want to make the photo a bit more permanent.
