	Are guests parents staying?
	How many children are expected?
	What are the age ranges and numbers of different ages?
	Do I have sufficient tables and chairs?
	Do I have glasses, tumblers other tableware and serving ware?
	Do I need extra equipment such as coffee makers, urn etc?
	Do I require shade or weather protection at the time the party is planned?
	Is a partner, grandparent or other relative or friend able to help on the day?
	What is the birthday child's favorite music?
	What is the birthday child's favorite food?

Check our Party Checklist here.

A Successful Party

Depending on the time of day, seat your guests together in a shady spot close but not too close, to the action.

Offer adult guests tea & coffee and simple snacks such as savory muffins, celery & carrot sticks with your favorite dip, mini quiches etc.

You will need a large table for food and drinks and one for presents. Depending on the age of the kids and type of food you may need tables and seats for the kids. We can provide tables, chairs, shade etc for you, check out Party Needs

Determine the number of kids and the age range. Toys hired form us can be tailored to suit the age range and numbers of each age. Check out Party Examples for some ideas. Or check out the full range of Party Toys

Younger children may not understand or have the patience for party games. Some music, colorful toys and simple treats such as fairy bread and cheezels can make a great party.

Simple games such as "Pass the Parcel" are great for younger preschoolers and every child wins a prize works wonders.

With older children, more fun games such as "Duck, Duck, Goose", "Simon Says' and "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" are good entertainment.

Treasure hunts can be great fun party games for all ages. The prizes can either be hidden with the clues or the clues can be used to find a treasure. Keep it simple with bright pictures for clues for the little ones which can be cut out of magazines or clip art images. Written clues can be more challenging for the older children. Teams can be useful with large groups where all the children in the team share the prizes.

Do you have a hard to hide birthday present like a bike etc.? A treasure hunt can be a more fun than trying to wrap and hide it. It can be covered with a sheet with a treasure box symbol while the last clue leads to it's location.

Older children may be able to "bash" open a piñata filled with wrapped lollies or small prizes. These can be made at home or bought .

Children of all ages enjoy parachute play. Younger children are happy to sit under the parachute while a handful (or more ) adults wave the parachute up and down to music. Older children (over 4) who are able to follow instructions can participate in simple games. Check out Party Toys Outdoor.

Music creates the atmosphere your child's favorite tunes from the "Wiggles", "Hi 5" etc can be used for "musical statues" and "musical chairs". Felt squares can be used as chairs.

A Party plan is not complete without a "time plan". To help the party flow smoother allocate time blocks for each activity, game, food, present opening etc. This will help to determine what can realistically be done in the period for the party. The kids will also need some play time and arriving and departing time. Around 2 hours is a reasonable time to allocate for a party. Younger kids may need a little less while older kids may be fine with more time.

Disposable partyware can be a great help and doesn't need to be expensive. Check out Party Needs Disposable. If using disposable drink ware writing names on the tumblers is a big help. Don't forget the name tags for the kids and parents. They may not all know each other.

Consider shade requirements where a party is held between 10am and 3pm. We can provide shade units suitable for climbers, pools & slides and tables. Check out Party Needs

"Many hands make light work". Accept any help from eager parents to clear away coffee cups etc. Help from a partner, relatives and friends with the kitchen and supervision will help to make the party run smoother. The younger the age of the kids the more supervision is likely to be needed.

Keep the party food simple. The kids just want to have fun and often may eat very little. Simple colorful treats can make a great party where an elaborate spread may be left untouched.

Keep up the fluids with small regular drinks. Water first is a good idea followed by the party drinks. If using punch remember the kids ages. The younger kids may not drink something with lumps (fruit) in it.

Leave time at the end for present opening (unless done at arrival), cake cutting, handing out lolly bags etc.

Well Done

A successful party is a well planned party.

The kids leave with a tired smile and you have the photos.

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