| Whether you're throwing a race car themed party | | | | some sort of entertainment planned. For example, |
| for ten active little boys or an adults-only 50th | | | | hire a performer for a children's birthday party - think |
| celebration, these five party birthday supplies are a | | | | a clown, juggler, face painter, or princess. For an |
| must for any jovial birthday celebration. | | | | adults-only party, brainstorm games the adults would |
| | | | enjoy such as trivia, charades, or Karaoke. You can |
| 1. Invitations - You can easily create fun, catchy | | | | even hand out prizes to all the winners. |
| invitations without spending a small fortune. Look for | | | | 4. Favors - As the host (or hostess), it's always a |
| stationary or pre-printed invites from a party store | | | | gracious gesture if you send your guests off at the |
| or paper boutique. Use your own computer and | | | | end of the night with a party favor or token. For |
| printer (or hand write if you have excellent | | | | children's birthday parties, favor bags that contain |
| handwriting) to fill in the appropriate information (e.g. | | | | candy and small toys or trinkets is always a hit. For |
| date, time, address, etc.). Don't forget the RSVP! | | | | adults, try giving gifts they'll appreciate or use, such |
| 2. Balloons - What birthday party is complete without | | | | as candles, bar tools (e.g. corkscrews), candy jars, or |
| them? Balloons are an inexpensive and easy way to | | | | even home baked goods. |
| instantly transform a party venue (whether it's your | | | | 5. The Food - Chances are your guests are going to |
| living room or a banquet hall) and create a festive | | | | come expecting to fill their bellies. The time of the |
| and lively party atmosphere. From solid colors to | | | | party should give guests a good indication of what |
| mylar balloons (available at party good stores), you | | | | they will be fed. If you plan on serving a full meal, |
| can find the right balloons for every type of birthday | | | | consider planning the party around a |
| celebration. Tie helium-filled balloons to your mailbox | | | | generally-accepted meal time, such as 6 p.m. You can |
| for guests to easily identify your home or let balloons | | | | even put on the invitation what you'll be serving (e.g. |
| with matching ribbons tied to them float to the | | | | "come enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres!"). Make |
| ceiling. | | | | sure the type of food you serve is conducive to the |
| 3. Entertainment - It doesn't matter how well you | | | | type of party and the guest list. Hot dogs may be |
| know the guests or whose birthday you are | | | | apt for a children's birthday party but not so much |
| celebrating, you can't expect your guests to fill the | | | | for an adults-only soiree. |
| entire three hours by simply talking and eating. Have | | | | |