Party Plans
Planning a party should be fun for all, including the birthday child! If your child enjoys these types of activities, make sure to include him/her in all of the pre-party planning, such as developing the guest lists, planning the games, selecting the decorations, even preparing the party treats.
If your child is younger, consider creating a countdown calendar to keep track of the number of days until the party. Think how excited he/she will be by the time the big day arrives!
Deliver or mail your invitations at least 2-3 weeks in advance so that your guests can respond and plan accordingly.
Set a budget. Before you make any purchases or deposits, put together a list of all your expenses by item. If the total expenses are more than your budget, think of how you can creatively reduce your expenses by trimming some of the less important items. If necessary you may also need to trim your guest list.
Schedule
Consider limiting your party activities to no more than two hours. At this point the energy level of most children starts to fade, and all of those amazing party activities you have planned will cease to be fun. A two hour party will provide enough time for your child to greet all of his/her guests, play a few games, open gifts, celebrate with refreshments and cake, and say goodbyes.
Guests
It's tempting to not want to leave anyone out when planning a party for your child. Will this be a family event, or school friends only? What about brothers and sisters? Remember, it's important to keep the party size managable. If the weather permits, an outdoor event might provide more flexibility if you're working with a larger group. Together with your child develop his/her "wish" list of attendees, and then determine what will work best for your party setting. If the party is a large event with lots of guests, remember to include friends or family who are willing to lend a helping hand.
Decorations
Think about how you can "transform" areas of your home, yard, or other party space so that your guests truly experience the party theme. Reinforce the party theme with coordinating wall and table decorations. Buried Treasure includes a Banner, Centerpieces, Printed Hanging Cutouts, Balloons, and a Jointed Pirate Skeleton Cutout.
Are you creative? Try crafting a pirate ship for your party. A variety of different materials such as cardboard or foamcore can be used depending on your level of detail and targeted finished size. Add some roping and pirate flags. Walk the plank - as simple as a wood board resting on bricks (make sure this is secure and safe). Check the internet, the library, or your local craft store for ideas on how best (and easiest!) to construct these items for your event.
If your party is at home, don't forget to decorate the outside of your house! This will help set the mood for the party and direct guests to the correct address. Consider: Treasure chests, pirate flags, "bones" or "skeletons".
If your guests are a little older, consider adding seasonal decorations for a more authentic and scarey look. Include items like fish net, sea shells, plastic skulls, spider webs, small twinkle lights, plastic rats and skeletons.
Activities/Games
To encourage participation from everyone at the party, it's always a good idea to stick to simple games that children may already know or can learn easily. Consider starting with something less active to allow the party goers to warm up to each other. It's also good to have these kinds of activities or games at the end of the party also, so that your guests can start to wind down prior to refreshments and saying goodbye.
Depending on the age of your party guests, be sure to include the Buried Treasure Pin Game when planning your party activities. Think of simple ways to adapt standard party games to complement the theme of the party. For example, Musical Chairs can become Musical Islands. Think of ways to search for hidden treasures. Pan for gold using plastic gold coins or painted rocks.
Make sure you have enough activities to last the length of the party, and then some. Running out of activities can quickly take your event from loads of fun to a party downer. Remember board games and craft materials can always be used in a pinch.
Take your pirates on a treasure hunt! Using the Creative Expressions' Treasure Hunt Card Game, label the cards with clues and place in various areas at your party location. Divide the party group into teams, and then let them search for the clues that takes them to the prized treasure.
Other Ideas
For more authentic looking invitations, create a note in the bottle and hand deliver to each guest. Consider "aging" the paper prior to rolling it up and dropping it in the bottle. Think about how a pirate might speak and write your invite accordingly. (Aye.. We be invitin ya fer some swashbukling fun...arrgghh!)
Fill the Treasure Chest Centerpiece with Plastic Gold Coins, or with party goodies and let your guests take turns selecting their treasure to take home from the party.
Include your guests in a group photo and include the photo as a momento with your thank you notes. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and treasure the memory for years to come!
Create a memory book or box of the event. Take lots of photos, everything from the guests, to the food, to the games, and the gifts. Make special note of the current events of the day. Include a few small decorations or momentos.
Party Wearables
Make all of your party guests pirates for the afternoon! Creative Expressions offers Paper Pirate Hats, Plastic Pirate Vests, Pirate Badges, Eye Patches, Pirate Hook, and a Plastic Pirate Weapon Set to help complete the look.
Favors / Prizes
Of course Gold Coins and Beads are a must for any pirate's treasure chest! Also look for Pirate Figurines from Creative Expressions.
Game prizes are fun for both winners and losers. Keep the prizes simple so others do not feel left out. Make sure to have some silly prizes on hand for the losers as well so they have something to take home.
Food
Treat your guests to a variety of creative Pirate snacks complete with fun names. Turn the hot dogs into pirate ships. Stick with finger foods for a more authentic pirate experience. Don't forget the blood punch!
Don't Forget
What's a birthday cake without the candles? Make sure to have plenty on hand.
Unexpected
No matter how much you plan, be sure to expect the unexpected, both good and bad. Be prepared with a good attitude and a camera! |
