Kids Parties...

My son just had a birthday party! I can truly say I love kids parties -- they are SO much fun!! With the economy the way it is I wondered what parents were saying about throwing their children extravagant birthday parties, and here is what I found....

ALL moms will still find a way for thier child to have just as special of a birthday as years past!

For all those fabulous and loving moms out there, Here are some birthday budget tips...

Opt for Cupcakes
Cupcakes are portion controlled and kids dont get toooo much sugar, plus no need for cake plates!

Less is MORE!!
Take it back old school!! Remember all the fun you had as a kid?? Pin the tail on the donkey, Slip and slides, and pinata's are STILL awesome!

Remember Your Theme and Stick To IT!!!!
Dont get a pony AND a clown, get one or the other and make it the focus!

TIME (its on your side)
Shorten your party to 2-3 hours instead of 4-6 hours and plan your time wisely! Have a schedule of what you want to do and when.

Kid Count
We all know the rule of thumb is your kids age plus 1 is to be invited, but lets face it, that is hard to do without hurting some feelings these days so, schedule an RSVP time and keep to it, ask the parents to RSVP on time so that it is easier to schedule and budget for food and games!

Saying Thank You
NEVER EVER put the kids thank you's in the goodie bag -- way too impersonal! Make sure you get a shot with your birthday boy or girl and each attendee - then send them them the picture in the mail with the thank you on back (you can find picture pens at craft stores).

Your kids birthday should be fun and special -- so most importantly, dont stress yourself out thinking that you have to do everything all the time!!

Happy Party!

Thanking...

Thank Your People!
I recently read an article about how to thank your speakers or entertainers in today's cost-conscious climate, and I have to say, most of the suggestions were things you should be doing for your speakers anyway!

Here were a few suggestions

• Give them a set of DVDs documenting the event
• Giving speakers time to network
• Give them a green room and access to their fave snack and drinks (non-alcholic of course)

I think that all of these should be included in the "Speakers Package" and I believe some speakers call for it (Except maybe the snacks and drinks might seem a little diva-ish).

Here was their (in my opinion) innovative suggestion

• Instead of lavish gift bags (you know the ones with cameras and name brand sunglasses) use those dollars to donate to a great local cause in their name!
• Send a certificate and letter of appreciation to the speaker.

At a time when the economy is slow and people are struggling think about the non profits that are truly missing out! We pay our speakers good money and lets face it, they usually re gift most of the stuff in the gift bags anyway right??

Budget Alert!!!

Dont skrimp on the lighting! Lighting can hide unsightly areas and accentuate beautiful areas! Lighting can change the entire feel of your room!

Hot Trend...

Wine tasting fundraisers - Affordable, refreshing and not at all snootie!

Check THIS out -

Got a kids party? Play Karaoke chairs! Instead of playing music use a karaoke machine and use kids to provide the music. If you dont have a Karaoke machine pop in a CD and let the kids sing along with a toy "mike". (Don't forget the video camera!)

Quote of the Day:

Small Actions = BIG Results!!

Thanks for reading!