15 Suggestions for a Healthy Super Bowl Party
Here are some ideas to make Super Bowl Sunday low fat and, in some cases, low calorie.
1. Order pizza without the cheese and ask for extra veggies.
2. Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream to mix up the dip. Use baked or low-fat chips and veggies for dipping.
3. Make nachos using reduced fat cheese and baked chips.
4. Drink diet soda, non-alcoholic beer and soda water instead of regular beer, soda or juice.
5. Use low-fat microwave popcorn.
6. Take a walk at halftime.
7. Watch the game while running on your treadmill.
8. Eat pretzels instead of chips.
9. Make submarine sandwiches using non-fat mayo, mustard, low-fat cheese and lean deli meats like turkey breast. Skip the ham, salami and bologna while piling on veggies such as pepper strips, sprouts, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, pickles, cucumbers and grated carrots.
10. Order a fruit tray from your local grocer instead of a cheese tray.
11. Serve a broth-based soup instead of a cream soup.
12. Make a pot of vegetarian chili instead of the regular beef based, or use low-fat ground turkey breast instead of the regular beef.
13. Put out cereal mix instead of mixed nuts.
14. Skip the cheese and crackers and substitute pita wedges and hummus dip.
15. Instead of chicken wings, make chicken fingers using skinless chicken breast strips, dipped in milk and seasoned bread crumbs and baked at 425 for 10 minutes (cooked through, but still moist). Dip into mustard, honey or barbecue sauce.
Author: Sue Gilbert, M.S., Nutritionist
1. Order pizza without the cheese and ask for extra veggies.
2. Use plain yogurt instead of sour cream to mix up the dip. Use baked or low-fat chips and veggies for dipping.
3. Make nachos using reduced fat cheese and baked chips.
4. Drink diet soda, non-alcoholic beer and soda water instead of regular beer, soda or juice.
5. Use low-fat microwave popcorn.
6. Take a walk at halftime.
7. Watch the game while running on your treadmill.
8. Eat pretzels instead of chips.
9. Make submarine sandwiches using non-fat mayo, mustard, low-fat cheese and lean deli meats like turkey breast. Skip the ham, salami and bologna while piling on veggies such as pepper strips, sprouts, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, pickles, cucumbers and grated carrots.
10. Order a fruit tray from your local grocer instead of a cheese tray.
11. Serve a broth-based soup instead of a cream soup.
12. Make a pot of vegetarian chili instead of the regular beef based, or use low-fat ground turkey breast instead of the regular beef.
13. Put out cereal mix instead of mixed nuts.
14. Skip the cheese and crackers and substitute pita wedges and hummus dip.
15. Instead of chicken wings, make chicken fingers using skinless chicken breast strips, dipped in milk and seasoned bread crumbs and baked at 425 for 10 minutes (cooked through, but still moist). Dip into mustard, honey or barbecue sauce.
Author: Sue Gilbert, M.S., Nutritionist
4:02 PM | Was this helpful? | 
Planning Your Super Bowl Party
Don't Hold Back!
The traditional Super Bowl Party is probably the least fussy, most unpretentious party you can host all year. So, there is no point in holding anything back! Go all out and serve everyone's favorite high fat, finger-licking snack foods. After all, your television set is the focal point, not the food. Or is it?
Thinking about the traditional party food for this event- chips, sour cream or cheese dips (onion soup dip springs to mind), chili, salsa, Buffalo wings, cheese balls, pizza (the Domino's kind, thank you very much, not the goat cheese and smoked pheasant kind) - I wonder whether these items are served because they're easy to serve and eat while watching the game, or because this has become the one event where Americans can eat their favorite foods without guilt. Men take the lead at this party, and their tastes have set the tone for the snacks as well as the entertainment. Let's all eat what we enjoy and forget about the diet ramifications or culinary trends!
Party Tips According to the folks at Hallmark Cards, Inc., Super Bowl parties are one of the top at-home party events of the year. Super Bowl parties have become much more than a gathering of football lovers. In fact, many people attending these parties don't love football as much as they love the excuse to get together with friends at the end of the very boring month of January.
Whether you're planning a Super Bowl party out of love for the game or just the desire to host a fun, relaxing party, here are tips for making this a super bash:
- Plan simple, portable foods. A buffet is your only option. Nobody wants to be sitting down at a table to eat when they'd rather be screaming at a television set or two.
- Set up as many televisions as you have available around the party area.
- Don't prepare recipes that will keep you locked in the kitchen all night. You should enjoy the party too.
- Have one room set aside without a television for partygoers who aren't interested in the game and would like a quieter place to talk.
- Likewise, set up one room with a television for serious football fans who don't want to be distracted by idle chatter.
- Plan on plenty of beverages, and don't forget the beer. With all of those beer commercials bombarding your guests, they'll be working up a strong thirst for the suds.
- If you feel compelled to decorate, think team colors, footballs, team jerseys, goal posts, and pennants. But don't knock yourself out. Most eyes will be more impressed by the clear reception on your television.
- Have lots of paper towels, napkins and rug cleaner handy for messes created during exciting plays.
- Keep a little spare change and small bills handy for any betting pools that just might pop up over the course of the evening.
Author: Donna Pilato
The traditional Super Bowl Party is probably the least fussy, most unpretentious party you can host all year. So, there is no point in holding anything back! Go all out and serve everyone's favorite high fat, finger-licking snack foods. After all, your television set is the focal point, not the food. Or is it?
Thinking about the traditional party food for this event- chips, sour cream or cheese dips (onion soup dip springs to mind), chili, salsa, Buffalo wings, cheese balls, pizza (the Domino's kind, thank you very much, not the goat cheese and smoked pheasant kind) - I wonder whether these items are served because they're easy to serve and eat while watching the game, or because this has become the one event where Americans can eat their favorite foods without guilt. Men take the lead at this party, and their tastes have set the tone for the snacks as well as the entertainment. Let's all eat what we enjoy and forget about the diet ramifications or culinary trends!
Party Tips According to the folks at Hallmark Cards, Inc., Super Bowl parties are one of the top at-home party events of the year. Super Bowl parties have become much more than a gathering of football lovers. In fact, many people attending these parties don't love football as much as they love the excuse to get together with friends at the end of the very boring month of January.
Whether you're planning a Super Bowl party out of love for the game or just the desire to host a fun, relaxing party, here are tips for making this a super bash:
- Plan simple, portable foods. A buffet is your only option. Nobody wants to be sitting down at a table to eat when they'd rather be screaming at a television set or two.
- Set up as many televisions as you have available around the party area.
- Don't prepare recipes that will keep you locked in the kitchen all night. You should enjoy the party too.
- Have one room set aside without a television for partygoers who aren't interested in the game and would like a quieter place to talk.
- Likewise, set up one room with a television for serious football fans who don't want to be distracted by idle chatter.
- Plan on plenty of beverages, and don't forget the beer. With all of those beer commercials bombarding your guests, they'll be working up a strong thirst for the suds.
- If you feel compelled to decorate, think team colors, footballs, team jerseys, goal posts, and pennants. But don't knock yourself out. Most eyes will be more impressed by the clear reception on your television.
- Have lots of paper towels, napkins and rug cleaner handy for messes created during exciting plays.
- Keep a little spare change and small bills handy for any betting pools that just might pop up over the course of the evening.
Author: Donna Pilato
3:59 PM | Was this helpful? |
Top 7 Super Bowl Necessities
When it comes to the Super Bowl, the actual football game is often an afterthought to the Super Bowl party. Most of your guests will care more about how prepared you were for their entertainment than how prepared the teams were for the game. That's why you need to be sure you'll have all the necessities for your Super Bowl party this year.
1) Maxim Warming Tray
You know your Super Bowl party is a buffet all the way. But the trick is to keep the food warm and appetizing throughout the game. That's why you'll want at least one of these warming trays for all those items you don't want to keep running into the kitchen to reheat.
2) A 6-Quart Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is the perfect appliance for keeping your chili, beans, cocktail franks, or swedish meatballs at just the right serving temperature throughout your Super Bowl party.
3) Swirl Design Glass
Chip and Dip Chips are always going to have a place at your Super Bowl party, and a chip and dip bowl is the ideal way to serve them.
4) Cafeteria Style Supplies
Host your party in cafeteria style with trays, food baskets, ketchup and mustard dispensers and disposable plates. Find these and other party supplies at Plum Party.
5) 4 Part Condiment Dish
Your guests will be looking for lots of crunchy things to relieve their stress during the big game. Remember to serve plenty of crisp veggies and dips to satisfy that crunchy impulse in a healthy way.
6) Super Bowl Party Pack
This is not a party for your fine china. The more disposable your party goods are, the better.
7) Beer Steins
As much as it makes life easier to use disposable party goods for the food, it's still pretty nice to drink your beer from a real stein.
Author: Donna Pilato
1) Maxim Warming Tray
You know your Super Bowl party is a buffet all the way. But the trick is to keep the food warm and appetizing throughout the game. That's why you'll want at least one of these warming trays for all those items you don't want to keep running into the kitchen to reheat.
2) A 6-Quart Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is the perfect appliance for keeping your chili, beans, cocktail franks, or swedish meatballs at just the right serving temperature throughout your Super Bowl party.
3) Swirl Design Glass
Chip and Dip Chips are always going to have a place at your Super Bowl party, and a chip and dip bowl is the ideal way to serve them.
4) Cafeteria Style Supplies
Host your party in cafeteria style with trays, food baskets, ketchup and mustard dispensers and disposable plates. Find these and other party supplies at Plum Party.
5) 4 Part Condiment Dish
Your guests will be looking for lots of crunchy things to relieve their stress during the big game. Remember to serve plenty of crisp veggies and dips to satisfy that crunchy impulse in a healthy way.
6) Super Bowl Party Pack
This is not a party for your fine china. The more disposable your party goods are, the better.
7) Beer Steins
As much as it makes life easier to use disposable party goods for the food, it's still pretty nice to drink your beer from a real stein.
Author: Donna Pilato
3:25 PM | Was this helpful? |
Toasted: A Housewarming Tradition
A housewarming gift comes from cultural traditions the world over. But for the most part, a housewarming gift comes from the heart, an act of giving from one friend to another. The true meaning of housewarming can be found when one friend sees the need of another, and tries in however small of measure to give something to help. May the roof above us never fall in And may we good companions beneath it never fall out. - Irish Blessing
From round bread loaves and salt to a classic kitchen gift, the tradition of housewarming gift giving has a long and venerable history. That history of a housewarming gift continues today as an effective means of bringing new neighbors together.
The Tradition
Boris removed his cap and wrung it nervously. A member of Russia's ruling party was arriving in full regalia. The entourage moved through the village as merchants offered respect. Boris nervously ran to his cottage and asked his wife, Yelena, for the gift they had prepared for this moment.
As the dignitary approached the outskirts of the village, Boris walked forward holding a round loaf of bread with a mound of salt in the center.
"What's this?" asked the dignitary.
"Bread - for good health. Salt - for long life," Boris said nervously.
"For me?" queried the dignitary.
"With glad welcome," replied Boris as Yelena anxiously brushed back a strand of hair wondering if the gift would be well received.
All was quiet while the dignitary lifted the bread and inhaled the fresh baked scent. "Such a wonderful welcome," he said with a large grin. The village folk broke out into cheers as a new tradition was born.
...
While there is no definitive way of knowing exactly how housewarming gifts truly originated, some historians believe a scenario like the one above may have merit. Some will look back further to the birth of the Christ child and the gifts of the Magi.
However it originated, the idea of giving a housewarming gift in honor of new neighbors or friends has long been celebrated. It has proven useful in either breaking the ice with those we have not known or celebrating a new chapter in the lives of those we have long cared for.
Meaningful friendships have begun by observing this housewarming tradition.
Housewarming Etiquette
Housewarming gifts should be practical. A kitchen gift or cooking gift is always appreciated as neighbors or friends begin life in a new home. Housewarming gifts do not need to be overly expensive to be gratefully received. A very expensive housewarming gift given publicly can actually cause uncomfortable moments for the recipient as well as any other guests who may be in the home.
So Many Choices
While items for the outdoors may prove useful in some cases, a kitchen gift or cooking gift proves especially welcome in most scenarios. Even single men often find the kitchen of unique interest when seeking to entertain guests, so a housewarming gift for the kitchen may be appropriate more often than you might think.
A Good Neighbor
In a society that is increasingly mobile, a housewarming gift may be the perfect opportunity to lend support for someone who may be distanced from family. Your simple act of kindness in this housewarming tradition may well result in long term friendship and mutual support. In a society where we often don't know our neighbor's names, a housewarming gift provides a welcome means of connecting neighbors.
Author: James Zeller
From round bread loaves and salt to a classic kitchen gift, the tradition of housewarming gift giving has a long and venerable history. That history of a housewarming gift continues today as an effective means of bringing new neighbors together.
The Tradition
Boris removed his cap and wrung it nervously. A member of Russia's ruling party was arriving in full regalia. The entourage moved through the village as merchants offered respect. Boris nervously ran to his cottage and asked his wife, Yelena, for the gift they had prepared for this moment.
As the dignitary approached the outskirts of the village, Boris walked forward holding a round loaf of bread with a mound of salt in the center.
"What's this?" asked the dignitary.
"Bread - for good health. Salt - for long life," Boris said nervously.
"For me?" queried the dignitary.
"With glad welcome," replied Boris as Yelena anxiously brushed back a strand of hair wondering if the gift would be well received.
All was quiet while the dignitary lifted the bread and inhaled the fresh baked scent. "Such a wonderful welcome," he said with a large grin. The village folk broke out into cheers as a new tradition was born.
...
While there is no definitive way of knowing exactly how housewarming gifts truly originated, some historians believe a scenario like the one above may have merit. Some will look back further to the birth of the Christ child and the gifts of the Magi.
However it originated, the idea of giving a housewarming gift in honor of new neighbors or friends has long been celebrated. It has proven useful in either breaking the ice with those we have not known or celebrating a new chapter in the lives of those we have long cared for.
Meaningful friendships have begun by observing this housewarming tradition.
Housewarming Etiquette
Housewarming gifts should be practical. A kitchen gift or cooking gift is always appreciated as neighbors or friends begin life in a new home. Housewarming gifts do not need to be overly expensive to be gratefully received. A very expensive housewarming gift given publicly can actually cause uncomfortable moments for the recipient as well as any other guests who may be in the home.
So Many Choices
While items for the outdoors may prove useful in some cases, a kitchen gift or cooking gift proves especially welcome in most scenarios. Even single men often find the kitchen of unique interest when seeking to entertain guests, so a housewarming gift for the kitchen may be appropriate more often than you might think.
A Good Neighbor
In a society that is increasingly mobile, a housewarming gift may be the perfect opportunity to lend support for someone who may be distanced from family. Your simple act of kindness in this housewarming tradition may well result in long term friendship and mutual support. In a society where we often don't know our neighbor's names, a housewarming gift provides a welcome means of connecting neighbors.
Author: James Zeller
5:34 PM | Was this helpful? |
Top This Party
Over the weekend I managed to catch the new Lifetime series "Top this Party", that has new episodes every Friday night at 10p.m. with rebroadcasts throughout the week. Although I've been enjoying the recent break from television, courtesy of the writer's strike, I couldn't miss checking out this series about two party planners to the very rich and spoiled. One of the party planners, Brian Dobbin, serves clients based in Orange County, CA. The other one, Brian Rice, works in Las Vegas. Once I was able to get past the spoiled women who hired Brian Dobbin, I enjoyed watching these planners at work. After all, not many of us have the challenge of putting together a party with a virtually unlimited budget. The sky's the limit for these bashes - I just wish the clients appreciated how good they have it, instead of petulantly demanding more. Did you watch the show? Will you tune in next week?
By: Donna Pilato
By: Donna Pilato
9:27 AM | Was this helpful? |
Party Planning Tips For Planning The Perfect Birthday Party Celebration
As 2006 draws to a close, and 365 brand new days lie ahead of us, we look forward to another year of memorable celebrations with family and friends!
At times, planning these events may seem a little daunting, that is why we have put together the perfect celebration checklist to keep your party planning on track, and ensure that no small detail is forgotten.
Developing a game plan and keeping a checklist can be exactly what you need to help organize any event. So from the guest list to the thank-you cards, In Favour will be there every step of the way... think of us as little party planning fairies!
Taking the time to organize your thoughts and get your party ideas down on paper can take a lot of the stress out of planning a great event. Advance planning can mean the difference between booking the venue and time that you want for your party and settling for second best.
Four Weeks Prior To Your Celebration
- Select a date for your celebration. Remember, if your child's birthday falls during the week, you will want to book a weekend celebration on either side of that date. Also keep holidays and long weekends in mind. Some families travel or have their own special celebrations on long weekends and you may find your attendance numbers fall if you book a celebration on a holiday weekend. Many party hosting facilities are also closed for long weekends.
- Decide what your budget will be for your event. Planning ahead will allow you to price out the cost of venues, food, loot bags and other incidentals.
- Prepare your guest list. Keep a record of other parties that your child has been invited to over the course of the year. If your child is old enough, sit down with them and discuss who they would like to see at their party. Set limits to the number of friends they can invite. This will help your child decide who they would really like to have at their party. Without limits, you may be hosting the entire neighbourhood!
- Choose a party theme or character for your celebration.
- Take a trip to the local toy store or simply ask your child what gifts they would like to receive for their birthday. Many parents will be eager for gift suggestions, so have a list prepared with items, such as puzzles, books, and art supplies. A great non-gift option that is becoming popular these days is to select a charity your child is interested in, and suggest donations to that charity. Including this information directly in the invitations saves you time and explanations.
HINT: Scholar's Choice offers a BIRTHDAY REGISTRY for all members! You and your child can take time to fill his or her very own birthday bucket with any toy that they would like to recieve. This way, guests can stop in and pick and choose from a much smaller selection of toys that they know that birthday child will love!
- Take all of the stress out of organizing and putting together your party loot bags and decorations! Choose from our wide selection of party packages and mix & match your loot bags to accommodate each and every child at your party!
Three Weeks Prior To Your Celebration
- Review your guest list.
- Prepare and send/handout the invitations.
Include the following information on the invitation:
- Location with address & phone number, time and duration of the party
- Theme of the party and activities planned during the party
- Let the parents know if the child will require special clothing such as socks (for indoor playgrounds) or clothing for arts & crafts.
- Indicate whether or not parents are invited to stay for the party. If parents are leaving their children in your care, be sure to request an emergency contact number where they can be reached.
- State what foods you will be serving. Is lunch included or will the children only be eating snacks & cake.
- Ask if there are any allergies to be aware of.
- Set an RSVP deadline, along with your name and phone number or email address.
- Gift or charity donation ideas or if you would prefer no gifts at all, this would be the time to mention it.
Two Weeks Prior To Your Celebration
- Plan your menu and collect phone numbers for the pizza parlour and bakery.
- Create a phone number sign in sheet for parents who will be leaving their child in your care during the celebration. That way, you will have quick access to emergency phone numbers if needed.
- Order your cake from the bakery. Make sure that they know what time you will be picking up the cake. Always book your cake for at least 4 hours prior to the event time if possible. Confirm that their products are nut free.
One Week Prior To Your Celebration
- Take a moment to mentally run through your celebration day. Imagine how you see it unfolding from the moment that you get up until the time the party ends. This way you can plan ahead for baths, dressing, departure times and arrival times at your chosen location. Setting out an agenda will help the entire family plan their day and organize themselves accordingly.
- Check that all of your invited guests have RSVP'd. Contact those who haven't to make sure that they received their invitation and to confirm whether they will be attending.
- Label the loot bags for each child. This will help ensure you have one for each child coming to the party.
- Shop for and wrap your child's birthday gifts!
- Confirm your event bookings and food orders.
One Day Prior To Your Celebration
- Make sure that the batteries for your camera are charged, and that you have lots of film or space on your memory card. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member play camera man on this special day. That way your attention is not diverted and you won't miss any of the fun PLUS you'll be in the pictures with your child!
- Organize a basket or box of all of the items that you will need for the party.
- Prepare food that can be made ahead of time.
- Organize decorations, or if your celebration is at home, decorate with balloons, banners and streamers.
The Day Of Your Celebration
- Wish your child HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
- Pick up your cake and balloons.
- Decorate.
- Organize your party supplies on the table or serving area.
- Organize birthday gifts.
- Sit back and enjoy the perfect party !!!
- During the present opening, write down the gifts that each child gives your birthday girl/boy. This will help when writing out the thank you notes.
Tip: take a picture of the birthday girl/boy with their friend and the gift they gave. Tip: sometimes it is easier to open the gifts after the children have left and the party is over.
- Hand out the loot bags to the guests at the end of the party, as the children are leaving. This allows the birthday girl/boy to personally thank each guest for coming to their party.
It also encourages the kids to open the loot bags with their parents in attendance, and minimizes the risk of kids losing their loot bags, or items out of their loot bags. You don't want anyone leaving the party unhappy!
A Handy Dandy Checklist
Decorations: streamers, balloons, birthday banner, piñata-filled & hitting stick & blindfold, confetti, table centerpiece.
Loot Bags for the guests
Games/Activities/Crafts: Relay races, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Musical Chairs, and any other crafts or activities that you have planned
Tableware: Tablecover luncheon plates, dessert plates, napkins, cups, cutlery (for both eating and serving)
Party Essentials: Masking tape, scotch tape, blank paper, pen, string, matches or lighter for cake candles, scissors.
Photography: camera, video camera, film, memory card, new or freshly-charged batteries.
Serving Utensils for The Food: plan your menu, then ensure that you have sufficient and appropriate serving dishes and utensils for each food item. (For example, for the cake: cake plate, knife and lifter, matches or lighter, candles or sparklers, ice cream scoop. For chips: large bowls for each variety of chips or Cheesies or pretzels, etc.)
List of attendees, sign-in sheet emergency contact information for parents dropping off their children. You can also include party information reminders such as pick-up time and ask once again if there are any allergies that you should be aware of.
Box for transporting gifts back home.
Garbage bags for clean-up (although some facilities may supply these).
Your SMILE!! Be happy and enjoy!
Create Your Own One Of A Kind Loot Bags
Starting in January, you can now purchase loot bag items to build your own loot bags. In Favour carries a wide variety of character items and themed party favours to help make creating your loot bags a piece of cake! Want to make the job even easier? Choose from our many exciting themes of ready made loot bags in two price options!
Happy party planning from your In Favour Party Planning Team!
At times, planning these events may seem a little daunting, that is why we have put together the perfect celebration checklist to keep your party planning on track, and ensure that no small detail is forgotten.
Developing a game plan and keeping a checklist can be exactly what you need to help organize any event. So from the guest list to the thank-you cards, In Favour will be there every step of the way... think of us as little party planning fairies!
Taking the time to organize your thoughts and get your party ideas down on paper can take a lot of the stress out of planning a great event. Advance planning can mean the difference between booking the venue and time that you want for your party and settling for second best.
Four Weeks Prior To Your Celebration
- Select a date for your celebration. Remember, if your child's birthday falls during the week, you will want to book a weekend celebration on either side of that date. Also keep holidays and long weekends in mind. Some families travel or have their own special celebrations on long weekends and you may find your attendance numbers fall if you book a celebration on a holiday weekend. Many party hosting facilities are also closed for long weekends.
- Decide what your budget will be for your event. Planning ahead will allow you to price out the cost of venues, food, loot bags and other incidentals.
- Prepare your guest list. Keep a record of other parties that your child has been invited to over the course of the year. If your child is old enough, sit down with them and discuss who they would like to see at their party. Set limits to the number of friends they can invite. This will help your child decide who they would really like to have at their party. Without limits, you may be hosting the entire neighbourhood!
- Choose a party theme or character for your celebration.
- Take a trip to the local toy store or simply ask your child what gifts they would like to receive for their birthday. Many parents will be eager for gift suggestions, so have a list prepared with items, such as puzzles, books, and art supplies. A great non-gift option that is becoming popular these days is to select a charity your child is interested in, and suggest donations to that charity. Including this information directly in the invitations saves you time and explanations.
HINT: Scholar's Choice offers a BIRTHDAY REGISTRY for all members! You and your child can take time to fill his or her very own birthday bucket with any toy that they would like to recieve. This way, guests can stop in and pick and choose from a much smaller selection of toys that they know that birthday child will love!
- Take all of the stress out of organizing and putting together your party loot bags and decorations! Choose from our wide selection of party packages and mix & match your loot bags to accommodate each and every child at your party!
Three Weeks Prior To Your Celebration
- Review your guest list.
- Prepare and send/handout the invitations.
Include the following information on the invitation:
- Location with address & phone number, time and duration of the party
- Theme of the party and activities planned during the party
- Let the parents know if the child will require special clothing such as socks (for indoor playgrounds) or clothing for arts & crafts.
- Indicate whether or not parents are invited to stay for the party. If parents are leaving their children in your care, be sure to request an emergency contact number where they can be reached.
- State what foods you will be serving. Is lunch included or will the children only be eating snacks & cake.
- Ask if there are any allergies to be aware of.
- Set an RSVP deadline, along with your name and phone number or email address.
- Gift or charity donation ideas or if you would prefer no gifts at all, this would be the time to mention it.
Two Weeks Prior To Your Celebration
- Plan your menu and collect phone numbers for the pizza parlour and bakery.
- Create a phone number sign in sheet for parents who will be leaving their child in your care during the celebration. That way, you will have quick access to emergency phone numbers if needed.
- Order your cake from the bakery. Make sure that they know what time you will be picking up the cake. Always book your cake for at least 4 hours prior to the event time if possible. Confirm that their products are nut free.
One Week Prior To Your Celebration
- Take a moment to mentally run through your celebration day. Imagine how you see it unfolding from the moment that you get up until the time the party ends. This way you can plan ahead for baths, dressing, departure times and arrival times at your chosen location. Setting out an agenda will help the entire family plan their day and organize themselves accordingly.
- Check that all of your invited guests have RSVP'd. Contact those who haven't to make sure that they received their invitation and to confirm whether they will be attending.
- Label the loot bags for each child. This will help ensure you have one for each child coming to the party.
- Shop for and wrap your child's birthday gifts!
- Confirm your event bookings and food orders.
One Day Prior To Your Celebration
- Make sure that the batteries for your camera are charged, and that you have lots of film or space on your memory card. It is a good idea to have a friend or family member play camera man on this special day. That way your attention is not diverted and you won't miss any of the fun PLUS you'll be in the pictures with your child!
- Organize a basket or box of all of the items that you will need for the party.
- Prepare food that can be made ahead of time.
- Organize decorations, or if your celebration is at home, decorate with balloons, banners and streamers.
The Day Of Your Celebration
- Wish your child HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
- Pick up your cake and balloons.
- Decorate.
- Organize your party supplies on the table or serving area.
- Organize birthday gifts.
- Sit back and enjoy the perfect party !!!
- During the present opening, write down the gifts that each child gives your birthday girl/boy. This will help when writing out the thank you notes.
Tip: take a picture of the birthday girl/boy with their friend and the gift they gave. Tip: sometimes it is easier to open the gifts after the children have left and the party is over.
- Hand out the loot bags to the guests at the end of the party, as the children are leaving. This allows the birthday girl/boy to personally thank each guest for coming to their party.
It also encourages the kids to open the loot bags with their parents in attendance, and minimizes the risk of kids losing their loot bags, or items out of their loot bags. You don't want anyone leaving the party unhappy!
A Handy Dandy Checklist
Decorations: streamers, balloons, birthday banner, piñata-filled & hitting stick & blindfold, confetti, table centerpiece.
Loot Bags for the guests
Games/Activities/Crafts: Relay races, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Musical Chairs, and any other crafts or activities that you have planned
Tableware: Tablecover luncheon plates, dessert plates, napkins, cups, cutlery (for both eating and serving)
Party Essentials: Masking tape, scotch tape, blank paper, pen, string, matches or lighter for cake candles, scissors.
Photography: camera, video camera, film, memory card, new or freshly-charged batteries.
Serving Utensils for The Food: plan your menu, then ensure that you have sufficient and appropriate serving dishes and utensils for each food item. (For example, for the cake: cake plate, knife and lifter, matches or lighter, candles or sparklers, ice cream scoop. For chips: large bowls for each variety of chips or Cheesies or pretzels, etc.)
List of attendees, sign-in sheet emergency contact information for parents dropping off their children. You can also include party information reminders such as pick-up time and ask once again if there are any allergies that you should be aware of.
Box for transporting gifts back home.
Garbage bags for clean-up (although some facilities may supply these).
Your SMILE!! Be happy and enjoy!
Create Your Own One Of A Kind Loot Bags
Starting in January, you can now purchase loot bag items to build your own loot bags. In Favour carries a wide variety of character items and themed party favours to help make creating your loot bags a piece of cake! Want to make the job even easier? Choose from our many exciting themes of ready made loot bags in two price options!
Happy party planning from your In Favour Party Planning Team!
3:36 AM | Was this helpful? |
