Party Planning Ideas

Because children have birthday parties every year, it can be tricky to find a way to keep the annual celebrations fresh. Instead of typical activities, give your child a special treat and hire a magician. This way, all the kids will have a blast making lasting memories.

The best part about a magician is that they will do more than merely entertain the youngsters – he or she will often involve and engage them as well, turning the act into a performance and an activity.

When hiring a magician, remember to recount the necessary details – even if he or she doesn't ask. Inform the performer of the number of children attending in case he or she brings birthday party favors, and communicate the age range of the audience to ensure that the magician prepares age-appropriate material.

When the magician arrives, take him or her aside and go over the details once more. Point out the guest-of-honor and get your camera ready – you will want to take lots of snapshots to commemorate this special day. 

Princess birthday parties are among the most popular themes for little girls. And, throwing your little princess a party fit for royalty can easily be achieved.

Whether you choose an e-card or a traditional paper invitation, make sure it sets a great first impression for your celebration.

When it comes to party supplies, think fancy! Paper goods and decorations with crowns, castles and princesses are ideal. Faux tiaras, boas and costume jewelry can also be used to decorate the tables, the cake or cupcakes.

Serving fancy foods is another great idea for this theme. Tea sandwiches, crown-shaped rice crispy treats and fruit kebabs are all good snack options.

Whether you choose a full-sized cake or cupcakes, make sure that dessert is fit for a princess as well. Most grocery stores, bakeries and wholesale clubs will make a princess-themed cake. However, doing it yourself isn't as hard as one may think.

Princess-themed activities and crafts will really set your party apart as well. Try setting up a tiara decorating table, a royal mirror decorating station or a decorate-your-own wand station. These crafts can be taken home with guests at the end of the celebration.

Personalized treats like candy bars, lollipops and Hershey kisses also make ideal kids party favors. A design featuring a pink tiara is the perfect way to thank guests for coming to the party.
 

While most people have heard of throwing over-the-top parties for children, the idea of throwing a birthday party for pets is gaining popularity.

According to the Mother Nature Network, many dog owners are marking their pets' birthdays with celebrations that include all the fixings of a regular party including decorations, party hats, cake and a guest list (including both human and animal friends).

The website reports that some businesses are even popping up in response to the trend. In Washington state, pet-friendly restaurant The Dining Dog Café regularly hosts birthday parties for dogs, their owners and friends.

Business owner Dorothy Moore has even launched a canine party planning service. Last year, she organized about 100 dog parties that ranged in price from $100 to $500 each, including high-end soirees, during which owners rent limos for their dogs and guests.

While other dogs and their owners will surely grace the guest list for any canine party, making sure there are appropriate party favors for everyone is important.

Candy bars with personalized candy wrappers or personalized lollipops are ideal for human guests, but not for animals.

Instead, owners may consider ordering personalized stickers to put on small bags of doggie treats or biscuits.
 

Whether you're planning a family or another type of reunion, experts say be prepared to work hard!

According to ReunionMojo.com, the ideal amount of time needed to orchestrate a successful reunion is 12 months.

The first step in planning these get-togethers is to form a committee of classmates or family members to do the grunt work involved. Tasks include choosing the date, location, venue and lodging, as well as locating long-lost friends or relatives, making a budget, creating a reunion website, choosing caterers, booking photographers, decorating the venues and organizing activities.

Utilizing an online schedule as well as holding monthly over the phone or in person will help keep the plans on track.

While activities are important to a successful reunion, it's important to remember that bringing these individuals together is the best way to ensure a great event.

Special touches such as candy bars with personalized candy wrappers and personalized water bottle labels will give your reunion a professional feel without hiring an expert.

These items and other personalized gifts can be placed at each place setting or displayed on a table or in a basket as take-home party favors.
 

When it comes to planning a first birthday party, many parents go crazy! After all, the celebration of their child's first year marks a milestone for the baby as well as a feeling of accomplishment for many moms and dads.

Choosing a party theme based on the child's favorite activity or character is the ideal way to celebrate a first birthday. This theme should be evident in all parts of the celebration – starting with the invitation and ending with the party favors your guests take home with them.

The guest list for many first birthday parties often includes both family members as well as playmates and friends.

While assembling party favors and goody bags for children can be simple (think crayons, stickers, balls, small toys, etc.), deciding what to send home with the adults who attend the party can be more difficult. After all, a children's book or box of crayons just isn't going to cut it!

Candy bars wrapped in personalized candy wrappers can be an ideal party favor for anyone – regardless of age.

Wrappers are available for full-sized candy bars as well as miniature bars. Decorations vary and include first birthday classics such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, monkeys, animals, cupcakes and balloons.

In addition to serving as a tasty, take-home treat, these favors can be printed with a personalized message thanking guests for celebrating with you.