Having written some articles on party games for kids, I was asked to explain my formula for successful kids parties.
So here it is...
in this 4-part series you will find out, 4 essential rules for planning kids parties, why a party plan works, the 7 steps of a good plan and how to use a plan to ensure successful kids parties.
The key to my formula for successful kids parties is concentrated around 4 essential rules.

1. Keep it simple.
   By this I mean simple food and simple games.
   Simple really can be best.
   Keep it simple and you will have time to enjoy preparing and participating in the fun.
   Keep it simple and it will also cost you less.
   
2. Make a party plan.
   In other words be prepared.
   You need to plan ahead, know what you need to do and do as much as is possible before the big day.
   You will create great memories for yourself and your kids.
   
3. Party Games.
   Use games as your entertainment.
   Your parties will be full of fun and laughter.
   The kids will love you for planning games as the entertainment and they are inexpensive too.
   In my book of party games for kids the games fall into one of four categories, food games, races and relays, musical games and memory games.
   Four to six games will be enough.
   
4. Designated areas.
   I have found that having a designated area is essential.
   All the equipment and supplies are given a designated area where they can be stored and found with ease.
   This makes it easy leading up to and especially the day before and day of the party.
   This may seem like an unnecessary thing to spend time on, however, it will save plenty of wasted time and stress trying to locate items you know you bought and have forgotten where you put them.
   

• One area in both the fridge and freezer where you can easily locate all the frozen and cold items.
  
• Cupboard space, table or the corner of a room for all the none perishable items.
  

A party plan is key to successful kids parties.
My next article in this series will explain how a good plan will help you reduce stress, spend less and save time.