PERFECT PARTY PLANNER

Its easy to let a party get out of hand: keep it simple and plan a time table.

A typical Ace of Diamonds Painless Party runs like this

11.50 Set up and ready to go
12.00 Start the party with some simple games while all the guests arrive
12.10 Magic show

1.00 Break for food.

1.20 Games
1.50 Birthday child makes magical sweets for all their friends.
2.00 Finish party, hand out party bags say good bye to children.

The times and lengths are flexible but having a plan makes things run much smoother.

Remember who it's for
If you have three children age 2,5 and 10 and the party is for the 5 year old it's all to easy to have a few friends for all the children. Then you have too large an age range to make the birthday child feel really special. Stick to his friends, make the older child special by giving him jobs to do, as for the younger child have someone watch the show with him and help with the games and he will be fine.

Presents
Have a box or table by the front door for children to put their present into, that way they can be opened in peace at the end of the party and you have a chance to see who the presents are from. It also keeps the party moving.

Too many cooks
Let the parents go home. This will leave more space for the children and cause less distractions. We all know of the children who don't want to stay at school but as soon as the parents have gone they have a great time. The entertainer needs one other adult in the room at all times, remember he is not a baby sitter but an entertainer.

Food
A good idea are small food boxes, these can be used with either hot or cold food and keeps all the mess in one place. If all the food is placed in front of children they will eat you out of biscuits and leave all the savoury food for you to eat for the next week. Don't serve food or drink while the entertainer is performing as this is very distracting for the children, and will leave you with a very messy carpet!

Games
Avoid elimination games at all costs, children soon get bored standing on the side waiting for the game to end. If you are having an Ace of Diamonds' painless party, I play all sorts of games that involve the children throughout, some sitting down, some musical, depending on the mood and the situation. Through years of experience I chose games that will keep a party at an up beat but controlled level.

Above all, enjoy it !!!