Party Ideas
This page contains a few useful hints and tips I have learnt while performing and organising children’s parties. With a little Party planning, you can help ensure that your function is a huge success.
Book Halls or Function rooms early to avoid disappointment. They will also be popular with others.
When sending out invitations, put the arrival time at least 15mins earlier than the actual show start time. Sometimes parents run a little late and this ensures no one misses the start of the show. Tell them Magic Pete is going to be at your party! That way, they will also look forward to the party!
If the event is at home, tie a bunch of balloons to the letterbox or front door so it’s easy for your guests and the Magician to find the party.
If possible, arrange a parking place close by for the magician. He may have heavy props to carry.
Get a big decorated cardboard box or set aside an area for presents and as the children arrive, you have somewhere to put the presents, so that they may be opened AFTER the party. This way you will know who brought what, so that ‘thank you letters’ can be sent. This also ensures that nothing gets lost or broken.
A good idea if possible, is to supply name badges/stickers for the children as they arrive. It helps you and the entertainer if you can call them by their first name.
Try to direct the kids to a game or activity to break the ice.
Use parents who stick around as party assistants. They’ll love to participate and you’ll love it too.
Always know where the camera and matches/lighter are for the cake. (Important!)
Keep your food simple. Children aren’t fussy; they just want something quick and simple so they can get back to enjoying the party as soon as they can.
Save time by having the food already on the plates (or food boxes) ready for when it’s time to eat. This way everyone has the same and should finish eating round about the same time.
Please avoid serving sweets or drink during the magic show. Children can’t shout the magic word with a mouth full of sweets, and this is when drinks can be spilt.
There should be at least two adults in the room at all times to assist any child who may need the bathroom etc.
Try if possible to restrict the party to those children who are within a year or two of the birthday child’s age. Seven year old Jimmy may play with his three year old sister at home, but neither he nor his friends will play with younger children at a party.
Save squeakers, blowers and balloons till the end – or they could ruin the party! Hang the balloons up, out of reach, and give one to each child as a going home present. If parents do stay, which I do encourage, please make sure they don’t talk through the show spoiling it for everyone.
Protect your pets. I suggest that they be placed in a safe area away from the children. With all the noise and excitement animals can be unpredictable.
To avoid disappointment BOOK MAGIC PETE EARLY, especially for Christmas Parties.
Have a bottle of wine chilling in the fridge and maybe order a carry out to celebrate after ‘you organised a great party!’
