Party Planner

Party Time!!

A birthday party is often the highlight of a child’s year and is dreamt about for a long time before it actually arrives.  It is a magical time and one that should be very special for a child but one which can be quite stressful for the parents but hopefully that’s something we can help with a little bit.  In our Party Pages you will find lots of ideas for parties for the Birthday Boy or Girl which might at least make the decision of what type of party to have a little bit easier.  The rest is up to you ……

A: Arrangements

A good party always starts with a good game plan and the earlier you make arrangements the better. The most popular venues and entertainers get booked well in advance, so any early reservation will avoid disappointment.

 

B: Balloons

Balloons make a wonderful, colourful addition to brighten any venue; will make quite a statement and will always attract attention.

 

C: Cake

An essential addition to any child’s party is the celebratory cake. Remember to bring a knife, candles and matches!

 

D: Date

This seems like an obvious decision but sometimes complications arise, such as other commitments or family occasions or other children having parties at around the same time.  

 

E: Entertainment

If the thought of entertaining a room full of lively, over-excited children brings you out in a cold sweat it may be best to call in a professional! Thankfully you’ll be spoilt for choice as there is a vast choice of children’s entertainment and entertainers available. Face painters, magicians, jesters, imaginary play entertainers, fairy party entertainers, ventriloquists, DJs, clowns, story tellers, animal encounter experts, Punch and Judy – yes, the list is never-ending .  Once the guests have left feeling happy and content, most parents will tell you the entertainer was worth every penny. 

 

F: Food and drink

The birthday feast is pretty crucial – get it right and you will have a room full of happy, contently-full children – get it wrong and you will be faced with a group of hungry, disgruntled youngsters. Simple, non-fussy food is always best to serve up.  To complement the food, simple fruit squash is your best bet as it can be diluted making it a cheaper option.

 

G: Guest list

To avoid an exhaustive guest list limit the numbers and let your child decide who they want to invite.

 

H: Help!

Arm yourself with a list of mobile numbers of people you can call on should you need any extra help.

 

I: Invitations

Send out the invitations in plenty of time, especially if your child’s birthday falls within a school holiday. Add an RSVP as there’s nothing worse for your preparations than not knowing how many children will attend. Remember to clearly describe or supply a map of the location of the party venue and always include a mobile phone number so people can contact you at the party in case of emergency. 

 

J: Joint birthday parties

To save on cost and time, a favourable option for many is to hold a joint birthday party. This works well, if both children are in the same class at school and are likely to invite the same people, on the same date. 

 

K: Keep an eye on the time

Be very clear on your invitation to stipulate a set start and finish time to the party. If a child is left waiting to be collected at the end of the party they may get upset.

 

L: Lists

There will be plenty of them - lists of guests, to-dos, last minute arrangements!

 

M: Makeovers

Big girls and little girls just love to be pampered and a makeover session or nail party with like-minded friends will be a luxurious and much welcomed treat.  

 

N: Numbers

As the big day approaches, guest numbers will fluctuate. Don’t let this worry you, but always cater for more, just in case.

 

O: Organise seating arrangements

The hurried scramble to sit next to the birthday girl or boy at meal time is an occurrence that is likely to cause bad feeling among certain party guests.  It may potentially spoil a party, so a seating plan may be useful.

 

P: Party bags

Multiplying the cost of one simple party bag by 30 will certainly push the overall price up so if you are working to a budget, it will help to keep this in mind as you stock up on miniature treats. 

 

Q: Quizzes and games

Even if an entertainer has been booked for the duration it’s always best to come prepared with a back up quiz or traditional party game to fill those potentially quiet or fractious moments.  Pass the parcel always goes down a treat.

 

R: Remember – Don’t forget…

The matches for the birthday cake! And the camera, washing up liquid, tea towels, bin bags, mobile phone, table cloths, napkins, sellotape, string, scissors and a first aid kit.  

 

S: Sports and activities

Sports and adventure parties are big hit with the slighter older primary school child.  The difficulty will be in whittling the list down of activities available as there are simply hundreds to choose from such as multi-sport activities at local sport centres, outdoor pursuits and dance parties. Bouncy Castles are always a firm favourite and craft based activities such as pottery painting, jewellery making, teddy-bear making, cooking, sewing and general craft always go down a treat.

 

T: Themes

It’s easy to add a special theme to a party if your child has a particular passion about something.  Many party shops sell themed items such as tableware, balloons and small token gifts.

 

U: Upset children

Prepare yourself for the eventuality of having an upset child at the party so give a little thought of what you would do if this happens.

 

V: Venues

Thankfully there are plenty of venues and attractions where birthday parties can be held. Community centres and sports halls are great for DIY affairs, whilst zoos, theme parks, soft ball play zones and pony centres often supply the catering too. And getting to a venue can be an experience in itself if your child chooses a luxurious limousine to arrive in true celebrity style.

 

W: Wise spending

It’s easy to get carried away and blow the budget on the spur of the moment, so to help keep a tighter control of the cash flow - use cash.  When it’s gone, it’s gone and you will not have overspent.

 

X: eXtra party bags: Remember to make up some extra party bags for young siblings of party guests.

 

Y: Yours truly

It’s a near impossible task to take on a birthday party on your own, so look after yours truly and call in re-enforcements to help with the added extras.

 

Z: ZZZZZZZZZZ. The children have returned home, the hall floor has been swept, the presents opened – and the party went swimmingly. It’s time for one last thing - zzzzzzzzzz

 

Cheezee Choonz   

 Cheezee Choonz, established in 1999, is one of the West of Scotland’s most interactive kids’ disco suppliers. Playing all the kids’ party hits such as The Hokey Cokey & The Music Man as well as the up to date chart hits, Barry Shafar and his team always give kids a birthday party to remember. All parties include the traditional games such as Musical Bumps & Pass the Parcel. There is also that additional interactive comedy element too with Barry himself either leading the Macarena or treading the dancefloor Zombie style...all at the kids’ pleasure of course. Covering kids’ parties all over West & Central Scotland from the age of 4 upwards as well as school discos, etc, Cheezee Choonz will give your children an unforgettable experience. For full details of their service, contact Barry now on 0141-357-4039/07932-747807 or at www.cheezeechoonz.co.uk

Combat City

New Combat City Battlefield. Recruits wanted for the hottest new party venue in Cambuslang, Glasgow. Combat City brings games like ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘Battlefield 3’ to life in a unique purpose built arena. It’s a hi-tech hybrid of laser tag and paintball – but without the bruises, mess or masks! Each party includes kit up (cammo suits and hats), briefing and about 90 minutes Tour of Duty,with unlimited ammo! Party food is available in the ‘Mess Hall’ afterwards. Check out www.combatcity.co.uk for info.

Fab 'n' Funky Faces

Fab 'n' Funky Faces are a Professional Arts, Crafts & Face Painting company based in Glasgow and covering the West of Scotland.Are you looking for high quality face painting from fantastic artists with a huge range of wonderfully funky designs at their fingertips?Do you want someone to help make that special day or party the very best ever? Look no further!  Our skilled professional face painters and artists are experienced, creative, fully insured and Disclosure Scotland certified.Call us and find out what we can do for you! www.fabnfunkyfaces.co.uk Tel: 07910009098.

Gambado

Gambado is Glasgow’s newest family indoor play and party centre.  Having recently taken over the centre from Monkey Bizness they are delighted to be taking on the baton of offering quality fun and parties for all the family. Memorable party packages are offered to children aged from 1 year+. Gambado’s fun factories offer a huge play-frame to explore, sensory toddler area, Go Karts and Climbing Wall.  Included in the package is a party feast, invites, thank you cards, balloons, blower, unlimited sugar free squash and more!  And for the cherry on top you can add a host of extras such as themes, party bags and adult platters to add the Wow factor.  Packages start from as little as £7.95 per child. Gambado Glasgow is in Xscape.

Glammylicious

Glammylicious offer Makeover Pamper Parties in your own home or if you prefer not to host a party at home, you can be Glammified on the Pink Pamper Bus.Our Pamper Bus will arrive at your home where the girls will be welcomed on board with Pink Champop, receive a Free Makeover and then be whisked away for a Fabbylicious trip on the Bus. For Girls Who Love The Glam call 07763 246 557 or visit www.glammylicious.com See all our photos on facebook.  www.facebook.com/glammyliciousuk

Pop Stars Recording Parties 

Why not try something fun, original and creative this Spring with Glasgow Music Studio's Pop Stars Recording Parties?  It is the perfect treat or birthday surprise for any young person whether a complete beginner, aspiring X Factor star or musician and what’s more they can enjoy it with friends too!  Our recording parties (5-10 people) consist of a consultation with our inhouse sound engineer, recording in our precision designed sound pods, designing CD front cover and poster and finally leaving with your very own CD.  We provide packages from Mini Popstar, Pop Star Parties, Music Recording Birthday Parties, Music workshops and lots more...  Also Singing/Drums/Bass/Violin/ Trumpet/ Fiddle/ Saxophone/ Bagpipes/Guitar/Piano/DJ/Music Production lessons available (aged 8 - adults).  Glasgow Music Studios Ltd. T. 0141 552 0907.   info@glasgowmusicstudios.co.uk  / www.glasgowmusicstudios.co.uk

Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre Club

Tubing Birthday Parties!!!

Why not book the perfect way to celebrate your child’s birthday with a fun and exciting Tubing session here at Glasgow Ski Centre in Bellahouston Park. The Tubing session lasts for 45 minutes on our slope and children then come into our Clubhouse for a party ‘snack bag’.  Cost includes party Invitations and snack bag and are available Saturday and Sunday afternoons and midweek after school.  For more information and to book, please call 0141 427 4991. www.ski-glasgow.org                   

Goals Soccer Centres 

Goals are top of the league when it comes to birthday party celebrations.  With one hour & a half frantic football on our state-of-the-art synthetic grass pitches great fun is guaranteed. At the final whistle, it’s off into the Party Room for well earned Hotdogs, Hamburgers or Pizzas, drinks & Ice cream & an extra half hour out on the pitch after food.    We also provide

• Party Invites

• A commemorative birthday card

• Team picture of the players & certificate

• A Championship engraved trophy for the birthday boy or girl.

• Complimentary tea/coffee for the parents

Call Goals Glasgow South on 0141 636 5334 Glasgow West  0141 944 2020 or book online www.goalsfootball.co.uk

Party Starz Ltd 

WE ARE ONE OF LANARKSHIRE’S LARGEST THEMED PARTY SPECIALISTS.  We cater for ALL ages!  Soft play hire for under three years!  Cool pamper parties, princess, or pop-stars parties for girls! Fantastic football, star wars, spiderman themed disco parties and more for the boys! You can also add one of our themed bouncy castles or slides! We have egg-citing Easter parties, with ‘Easter’ our bunny mascot! Boo-rilliant Halloween parties and our cracking Christmas parties with Santa himself! Cut out and keep our £10 OFF voucher in the magazine! Public Liability Insured, fully enhanced disclosure checked.  Book your 2012 party NOW!  We have EVERYTHING you’ll need at our website www.party-starz.co.uk  or call 01698 356 656 today!

South Lanarkshire Leisure Parties

Give your child a birthday party to remember at South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC).Create a splash with one of our fabulous pool parties.　 In some cases you can have exclusive use of the pool and enjoy fun inflatables. Theme parties are available from princesses and pirates, to teddy bear picnics, offering theme-based stories, songs, crafts and games. We have bouncy castles, trampolines and soft play across many of our venues, and for a more sporty party we offer football, badminton, short tennis and more. If you prefer the great outdoors we have a fantastic range of water sports parties too. Most of our venues have catering facilities so the children can enjoy a birthday banquet after their activity, and in some cases food and drinks can be provided as part of your package Visit www.slleisureandculture.co.uk to book your perfect party today!

Starz in their eyes!

Get ready for an unforgettable party packed full of musical mayhem & madness - dance routines, X Factor, groovy lights and bubbles, dressing up games, and wacky party games!  Popstarz Parties are suitable from 3-teens. We offer tailor made parties to suit any theme and budget. Choose from Britains Got Talent, X Factor, Mad Hatters, Superheroes, Princesses & Pirates, Popstars and Rockstars, Hawaiian and many more!  Your child will be treated like a celebrity with fantastic prizes and a chance to compete in our Strictly Come Dancing, Limbo and Cha Cha Slide competitions! We can come to your home or a hired venue. Private/ Corporate Hire available. Contact Sophie on 07940 524673, popstarzparties@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.popstarzparties.co.uk

Superstar Parties

Superstar Parties recently celebrated its second birthday and we are thrilled! The feedback we get from parents but, most importantly the children is amazing. We are regularly told ”it was the best party ever”  And, this is from mums and children that have experienced us and our competitors! We supply everything from your very own decorated party room, fabulous party food, games and prizes. And, we record not one, not two, but three of your favourite tracks!  We also provide you with your very own professionally designed CD, which all of your friends get a copy of, so for mums, no more filling party bags with the dreaded plastic stuff. Call us on 0845 020 4236 or log onto our new look website: www.superstarparties.co.uk

The Zone

THE ZONE IS A GREAT PLACE TO PLAY OR PARTY FOR ALL AGES.  Enjoy PRIVATE PARTY HIRE of either Ziggy's or BounceZone with hot food, juice etc all included for £140. Invite the whole class and that works out at less than £5 per person. Just bring a cake! Or experience the rush of zapping your friends in our amazing lasertag arena. Our popular 2 game party package is only £9.95 per player or simply come and play with games starting at £3.50 each. For more info call 01698 261728, visit www.zapme.co.uk, or come in sometime and we will show you around!

thinkScience Ltd

thinkScience Ltd delivers science workshops and shows to:

• School and Nursery - curriculum-linked and highly interactive.

• Out of school, holiday clubs, science festivals, youth groups - bespoke shows and workshops.

• Birthday parties - very different and out of this world! 

• Explosive corporate entertainment – unusual shows and teambuilding                                                                              

thinkscience Ltd, established in 2009, is owned by Jon Davies, an enthusiastic and highly skilled presenter and science communicator.  Following on from last year’s very successful thinkScience Summer Club, dates for Summer Club 2012 will be available soon – check the website for details.  www.thinkscience.co.uk / info@thinkscience.co.uk / 07754 219877

 WHALE OF A TIME BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Let us take away the stress and mess of your child’s Birthday Party!! We supply everything, from food to games and party bags – all you need to bring is the cake. The birthday child also receives a free pass for a return visit.  Your Party Host will greet you and your guests on arrival and ensure your children have a great time. Choose from a wide selection of party foods. All diluting juice & nibbles are also included. Contact us to find out more about our party packages, including Private Parties.  Go on, Go on, Go on, give your child a birthday to remember!! Tel: 0141 649 5455 or visit our website: www.softplayglasgow.com