How to Host a Kid's Party (for ages 3 to 6)

Okay so holding a kid's party isn't quite like organizing a Royal wedding but you still want the day to run smoothly. Kids can be pretty unpredictable so you need to know how to prepare for every eventuality...

Firstly, if you want a theme for the party then make it simple. Something like 'animals from kids movies of '93 to '99 is far too specific and the guests just won't bother. Remember that it's not the kids making the costumes and some parents are horrendously busy. Themes like 'Cowboys and Fairies', 'Pirates' or 'Fairy Tales' are all perfect as almost any parent has a checked neckerchief and a cowboy hat or a pair of white leggings and face paints.

Secondly, plan it well in advance. Kids always want to know that you've got their party sorted so they are free to build up excitement at school or nursery. It's a good idea to get the guest list sorted as soon as possible and make sure your kids know that the decisions on guests are final. If there are any fallings-out between children then they know that they should kiss and make up before the big day. Setting a date around 2 or 3 months in advance is perfect for parents with busy schedules.

You'll also need to have a set plan for the day, unless you're planning a huge attraction like a bouncy castle. There's nothing worse than inviting 10 or 20 children to your house (or even worse to someone else's venue), not having anything for them to do and watching them run around wrecking everything. Have them come in and sit down for some calm party games, followed by some more energetic ones before the food. After they've eaten carry on with something calmer like watching a movie, pass the parcel or playing with the presents, then bring on the cake and candles and it's home-time again.

Have something for the parents. Kids love to carry on playing once their parents arrive and have a natter with the other adults and you should be prepared for some adults who love a good chin-wag too. This doesn't involve much; just enough chairs for people to sit down, some tea and coffee, possibly beer and wine and some nibbles.

Finally, remember to get party bags with a couple of toys and cake to send home with the kids at a specific time. Whether this time gets stuck to or not isn't that important as you should have booked the whole day off for the party (you will all be tired afterwards!). If you're stuck for things to put in the party bags then try melting the odds and ends of crayons in the oven to make crayon buttons (there are plenty of tutorials online) home-made soaps, mini fairy cakes or buying things like whistles, toy cars, colourful stationary, bottles of bubbles and kid's jewellery.