10 Party Planning Tips

1. Don't throw a birthday party that's outside your budget. Hiring professional entertainers, such as magicians and clowns, is an option for those who can truly afford them. If you won't be able to pay for the party in full when the credit card bill comes, scale back.

2. Keep the party small. For example, have five guests for a 5-year-old's party, nine guests for a 9-year-old's. If you live in a community where large birthday parties are common, ask yourself whether you want to or need to take that on, especially for a preschooler. When your children grow up, they won't even remember their early birthday parties.

3. Make parties family affairs. They are joyful times for parents and close relatives to share with children. Ask your child to name his or her best friends to invite, too.

4. Plan early, especially if you are going to rent equipment, hire a performer or reserve a location. Do a little preparation every day or evening so you're relaxed and organized on the day of the party.

5. Search out ideas for kids' birthday parties in books and online and adapt them to suit you and your child's taste. The two of you can read and plan the party together. For several years I consulted the popular "The Penny Whistle Party Planner," by Meredith Brokaw and Annie Gilbar (Fireside), which describes more than 20 party themes.

6. You want enough adults present to handle an emergency and supervise the party. Make sure that parents of preschoolers remain. As your child gets older, call some parents in advance to ask them to stay during the party, or ask grandparents, older siblings or babysitters to help. When children reach middle school, don't cut back on chaperons.

7. Before the party, teach your child what to say (and not say) to gift givers when presents are opened. If it's a large party, leave the opening of presents until after the guests leave. Be sure your child writes thank-you notes.

8. If you're planning an outdoor affair, have a contingency plan for indoor activities in case of bad weather. It would be cruel to make a child wait for a rain date.

9. Keep the party short. One hour is enough for young children. As they get older, two or three hours is okay. Avoid sugar-fueled kids creating bedlam by having an activity ready when they arrive and something for them to do while kids are leaving.

10. Mail party invitations instead of having your child hand them out at school so no one has hurt feelings.

-- Jeanne Maglaty