• Match your decor to a theme or to the occasion.party cup ctreamers and party banners image by Warren Millar from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Planning a children's party requires some legwork beforehand to ensure it's a success. Work with your child to pinpoint what interests he and his friends enjoy so you can tailor the party to what the children already enjoy. Begin planing well in advance so you have time to pull all the elements together for an enjoyable event.
  
  

Timing

• Set your party date at least six weeks in advance so you can send out invitations no later than four weeks before the party. This allows guests plenty of time to work your party into schedules. Plan the party for the weekend when possible, but keep in mind the age of the children when setting the time. Morning parties are most suitable for younger children, who may be too tired and ready for a nap come afternoon. Older children may have other responsibilities in the morning, such as sports, so an afternoon or early evening party is appropriate. Keep the party short for younger children at no more than two hours. Older children can handle slightly longer parties or even overnight sleepovers.
  
  

Themes

• A theme guides decor and food choices, helping provide inspiration. Work with your child to develop the theme. Themes range from favorite cartoon or movie characters to sports or activities. Purchase or make decorations that match the theme as much as possible. Include the theme on the invitations to help build excitement in your child's guests about the upcoming festivity.
  
  

Food

• Finger foods work well with children of most ages. Young children can't cut food on their own, so finger foods allow them to eat mostly unassisted. Older kids may be too excited to eat a full meal, but finger foods allow them to snack as they feel the urge. Pizza, hot dogs and chips provide inexpensive and easy to prepare dishes. Provide a cut veggie and dip tray along with chips. Even if the kids don't touch the vegetables, the parents will appreciate snacking on it.
  
  

Opening Activity

• Rarely do guests all arrive at once. Keep the kids busy by planning an opening activity. Place themed coloring sheets and crayons out so each guests can join in at any point. If your theme and the age of the children is appropriate, make posterboard masks or hats. The kids can decorate their mask while waiting for everyone else to arrive. Then, each child has her own personalized party gear to wear for the rest of the celebration.
  
  

Games

• Plan a few games or activities, but avoid over-planning the kids and rushing them through activities. Younger children usually require a more structured party while older kids have the ability to entertain themselves. Keep games simple for the young kids. Pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, balloon races and musical chairs are familiar and enjoyable for the younger set. Come up with theme appropriate games for older kids and give them some time between each activity to just run around and have fun. Plan on more activities than you need in case something goes more quickly than you though it would. If an activity is particularly enjoyable to the kids, allow them to continue playing it and skip the next activity.