Friday, October 27, 2006

Don't Forget the Kids


So, tomorrow is party day. Food planning seems to be under control. We're getting and confirming last-minute RSVP's. Finishing up final decorations. Tomorrow will be a busy day, but I'm sure the party will be great.

One thing we always do is think about how to make our parties fun for kids. Once or twice a year, we'll have an "adult" party and ask our guests to get babysitters, but most of the time we invite lots of families with children. We always like to make sure the kids have a good time, so we plan an activity or two just for them. (It's not nanny service at the party, but certainly helps lets the parents relax a little more also.) It's especially easy to do at the holidays. For Christmas parties, we've set up tables with sugar cookies and gingerbread men and decorating supplies for our littlest guests to make their own artistic creations.

Our Halloween party is a costume party and most of the kids come in their finest. (I already know we'll have a Care Bear and a Ninja Warrior in our midst tomorrow night.) There's a costume contest for the adults, but we consider all the kids winners and give each of them a little party favor. This years it's a little stuffed Frankenstein or witch and a piece of Halloween chocolate. They DO have to earn these prizes though. We pull out the big stock pot and float a few apples in it. Then, it's time for the kids to bob away. They love it and I am always amazed at the fact that so few kids of this generation even know what bobbing for apples is!

So, remember to take care of ALL your guests. Think of ways to make the kids feel involved and entertained. Come up with an activity or game or two (but be careful not to make it TOO competitive! Little kids fighting (and then crying) is never a great party game) and have fun.

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