No matter where you are on the entrepreneurial journey, you’re bound to have realised that you can’t be a pro at everything. Even if you’ve hosted a range of parties, the thought of children’s parties can stir up visions of last-minute baking, screaming children and endless mess. As with everything in life and business, preparation is the key to minimising your stress and maximising your enjoyment. If you have a party on the horizon, or you’re tossing up whether to even bother with a party, we’ve collated a list of our top tips to ensure you (and the kids) get to enjoy the occasion!

Choose a theme

Themes are not essential, but they give your party a clear foundation. If you’re going to use a theme, pick something your child really loves, or, if they’re really young, choose something they’re starting to recognise (for example an animal, character or colour). There are plenty of resources for theme ideas, but if you can tell they love Paw Patrol, they’ve dreamed of being Cinderella, or are obsessed with catching Pokémon, then the choice is simple to make. But be aware, as with any popular theme, it may become tiresome for the other parents – try to think outside the box, or take a different angle on an overdone theme (e.g., Minions in Space?). Our number one rule with themes is: don’t overdo it – purchasing boutique or licensed party products for a large group is pricey – complement them with some simple items in matching colours (that’s The Kit Source’s specialty!).

Have a budget

Speaking of spending - you have to set a budget. If you don’t have a budget at the beginning, chances are that you will spend more than necessary. Do your research and know the general price of the party supplies, decorations, food, the cake and the venue. Our rule is to always find three quotes. DIY-ing things like invitations and food are almost always cheaper than outsourcing, but this is only if you’ve got the time and/or skills (Hint: Google ‘cake fails’ to get a taste of DIY gone wrong). Don’t hesitate to contact fellow mums in business – the party industry is fuelled by them and developing these relationships might be beneficial both for your budget and business ventures.

Set reasonable expectations

There’s nothing worse than a party that’s short on food! Before you start sending the invitations, know your maximum capacity and the number of people you’ll be able to cater for in terms of supplies, seating, food, favour bags and space. It’s not nice to have some kids going home with lovely goodies while others are empty-handed; a ‘no tears’ party should be what you’re aiming for!

Activities and games

This is the part where you have to get creative. Plan fun and easy games and activities that will keep the kids busy. Sometimes, old-fashioned party games work best; think treasure hunts, musical statues, balloon races.

If parents are attending, get them involved in helping out or hosting games – doing everything on your own will be a feat! But remember to cater for them too - although some parents might love fairy bread, having dips and crackers on hand, along with some tea and coffee, is a wise move.

Keep things simple

Yes, simplicity is one of our top tips – from the food to the seating arrangements, and decorations to desserts. Use your creative problem-solving skills to find simple ways to provide food and entertainment. There are a million sources for inspiration out there (e.g., Pinterest), but you can easily get lost in all the options and tiny details. Try to limit your exposure to distractions; it might even boost your creativity and let you put your own unique mark on the event.

Remember, you want everyone to have fun and remember the party, including yourself. Plan as much as you possibly can, and your party will go off without a hitch!

Lel Brassel Ngo is co-founder of The Kit Source.