Party Hints and Helpful Links

Weeks before the party

*Try to decide on a date and theme well before the day so you'll have plenty of time to organise the guest list and plan the theme or type of party you'd like.
*Invite about eight of your children's friends. Too many people can make it harder to play games and enjoy yourself. Try to send invitations about three weeks before the party and put an RSVP date and phone contact so you know exactly who to cater for. You might like to ask if there are any guests with special needs that may need to be catered for eg allergies, when they RSVP.
*Two to three hours is enough time to greet guests, play games or have an activity, eat and relax. You don't want anybody to get tired and bored. That's no fun for anyone!
*Search the smart-e-parties website for tablewares, decorations, games and novelties. Order and pay online and the best part of your party is organised and will be delivered to your door in a flash.
*Use the links on the site to find other ideas for the party such as jumping castles, performers and caterers.

Catering options for the Illawarra to be added soon!

Some catering options for the Blue Mountains!
Diamonds catering 1800 351 444 (Penrith-Blue Mts, Personalised menus cooked on-site)
www.gourmetcatering.com.au 02 47824548 (Katoomba, Buffet, finger food, fine dining)
Sydney spit roast www.spitroastcatering.com.au 1800 007 685 (Go;d licence, 20 years experience all ocaassions, all areas of Sydney)
www.greatoccassionscatering.com.au (Springwood-Food prepared on-site, weddings, buffets, finfer food, spit roasts, dinner parties)
Blue Mist cafe and catering (Wentworth Falls specialising in intimate dinners, corporate functions, special occassions)
www.tellthemyoudiditcatering.com.au (Hazelbrook-Food delivered, freshly cooked, no frozen products)
Springwood deli cafe 47512085
www.busybeekidsparties.com.au (party catering for the North shore and Eastern suburbs)
www.kissmecake.com.au (cupcakes, birthday cakes cupcakes, novelty cakes)
www.sweetdeliveries.com.au (cupcakes delivered)
www.thatsmycake.com.au (3D cakes for any celebration)

Jumping Castles

www.auset.com.au
www.bubblingwithenergy.com.au
www.jubileeamusements.com.au
www.jumpingcastles4u.com.au
www.partycastles.com.au
www.jumpingkids.com.au
www.jumpingrascals.com.au
www.just4kidscastles.com.au
www.justjumpingcastles.com.au

Entertainers

www.carouselclowns.com.au
www.cheekieenterprises.com.au
www.piccolosparties.com.au
www.creativefairies.com.au
www.lavenderlily.com.au
www.fairycrystal.com.au
www.fairygoodtimes.com.au
www.funkyproductions.biz
www.mobydisc.com.au
www.starscribe.com/popkids (kid's in their own music video!)
www.absolutelymagic.com.au
www.billbell.com.au (magic and small animals, travel anywhere)
www.spinoutmagic.com (female magician and entertainer)

Animals

www.crocodileencounters.com.au (they come to you)
www.featurecreatures.com.au (reptiles and amphibians at your place)
www.reptilesgalore.com.au (now with boa constrictor)
For more party ideas head to this website www.activities4kids.com.au

The day before the party

*Make sure you have all RSVPs and special dietary needs are catered for.
*Fill loot bags and pinata and organise where tables and decorations will go.
*Take shopping list to the supermarket and stock up or confirm with caterers.
*Confirm other bookings such as jumping castles and entertainers

Party theme shopping lists coming soon!

On the day of the party

*Blow up all balloons and hang all decorations. (Crepe streamers can get saggy in damp weather so don't hang too early.)
*Layout party table
*Create a themed display at the door or up the garden path eg witches hats for a construction party, blow up dinosaur and footprints for a dino party.
*Get everything ready for games. Have a small box with all the equipment needed ready to go. (That way if you get caught doing something else, someone else can take over!)
Party theme decorations, games and food idea pages coming soon!

During the party

Games
The old favourites are exactly that. Everyone knows the rules but its fun to add a twist eg.Put a challenge or dare into each layer of pass-the parcel or put a tongue twister in for older children(make sure everyone will be able to read the words. Make them simple. Nobody wants to get embarrassed like that.
*Have a blindfold ready for the pinata. Hang off the rafter on the deck, a tree or the clothes line. Fill with novelties and wraped lollies. Put a blanket on the ground for goodies to fall on.

After the party

*Don't forget to send out thank you notes and perhaps a photo of the party guest on the day.