Before the party

• Send out invitations about 3 weeks in advance.
• If you are hiring a hall book early and check the booking a week or so
  before the party.
• On the invitation ask if any guests have food allergies. Nut traces are found in many children's party foods. Also request that all the children wear sensible footwear.
• Party bags are important. Even if you are just giving the children sweets to go home with, put them in a bag, freezer bags are ideal.
• If the birthday child is too young to write their own thank you letters, put a prewritten thank you note in the party bags. Although this is cheating, it will save you a lot of time and energy

On the day

• Pack the matches for the birthday cake.
• Record contact details of all the children whose parents are not present
• At fancy dress parties, after the judging put all wands, crowns, and weapons out of sight. This ensures that neither the toys, children nor entertainer get damaged.
• Hang all balloons on the doors and walls. Many children will be frightened of loose balloons popping.
• Do not give out Party Poppers, hooters, and whistles .Party Poppers are not suitable for children and should not be used at all. Hooters and whistles will give everyone a headache (trust me on this one), and can be saved for the party bags.
• Let the entertainer know if there are any children with special needs, along with any special requirements they have, also, if any of the children are not allowed to be given sweets.
• Prepare your evening meal in advance...along with a bottle of wine.
  You deserve it!