Success Secrets for Planning a Holiday Kids Party (Pt 2 of 2) - RI Magician Kids Party Ventriloquist Steve Zany
Once Labor Day passes, the kids holiday party planning countdown begins.
The holidays seem to arrive earlier and earlier each year. This year will be no exception. As soon as Labor Day is over, its the start of the Holiday Party Planning Countdown. As we discussed in my last post, if you are planning a kids holiday party now is really the best time to start planning.
I hope you will find the continuation of the kids party holiday planning checklist helpful. I believe you will find the recommendations below will make your party planning efforts, easier, simpler and more worry free. And who doesn’t want to organize a kids holiday party, that kids, parents and attendees will rave about.
During September (continued):
- Now also is the time to hire someone to visit as Santa Claus. The best kids party entertainment and Santa Claus characters book up quickly, so getting a head start and avoiding procrastination is important.
- Make sure the place that will host your party can accommodate any set up requirements of the kids party entertainer.
- Work with your committee to develop a checklist of action items. Prioritize the list by creating three categories of action items: Must Dos, Should Dos and Nice-to-Dos. During the coming two months, focus on what is most important on your checklist.
During October:
- Meet with your holiday party planning committee regularly. Schedule regular meeting dates on the calendar.
- If you’ve been dubbed the party coordinator, feel encouraged to delegate assignments.
- Work through your checklist with the committee.
During November:
- One month before the party date, send out invites and request RSVPs. Give recipients two weeks to respond which gives you about two weeks lead time to buy enough presents for the kids.
The Week Before the Party
- Follow-up with the venue and cater and confirm all the details.
- Make a confirmation call to your kids party entertainment and Santa Claus, if you’ll be having such guests. Provide them with clear details about how your holiday party will progress. Confirm your kids party entertainment understand what is expected of them, at what time, and for how long. be sure they have your mobile phone number and you have theirs.
- Wrap kids presents at least a week before the holiday party, rather than leaving it to the last minute. It’s a busy time of year for everyone.
The Day of the Holiday Party
- Arrive to your event early to ensure the room is ready for you (i.e., clean, tables set and positioned properly) and that you have time to decorate, as needed.
- Have signs posted at the parking lot, doors and hallways so guests know where to go. Some function halls can be quite busy this time of year and your guests will appreciate your efforts to point them in the right direction.
- Have one point of contact for onsite staff, the caterer and kids entertainment. That coordinator should be capable of managing the day and being able to handle the unexpected.
Of course, such a list is just the beginning. If there’s something you’d like me to add that’s worked for you, please pass along your comments below.
Most importantly, remember, when it comes to planning your kids holiday party, the farther out you plan, the better.
Sincerely,
Steve Zany, RI MA Kids Party Magician Ventriloquist
RI Magician Kids Party Ventriloquist Steve Zany - Nickelodeon Parents Pick Award Winner!
