Here, entertaining expert Diann Valentine answers viewers' questions on throwing parties for kids.
Q: I want to have a small party so my daughter gets to know kids in our new neighborhood. We don’t have much of a yard, so it needs to be inside. Any ideas?
A: This would be a great opportunity to have a cooking party. If you had about five or six kids over, you could get the party going by having them each decorate their own chef’s apron. Give them lots of things to personalize their aprons. Markers, iron-on patches, stencils, and the girls will want rhinestones. I would stay away from glitter because you’ll have enough cleanup without having glitter everywhere too. Then I would let them make grilled cheese sandwiches cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters. If you finish with a sundae bar, I’m sure the new girl in the neighborhood will have friends for life!Q: I want to set a really pretty table for a party my daughter is having. She’s 13 going on 25 and I want it to seem very feminine and grown up. Can you help me think of something original?
A: I have the perfect thing, and I did it for a 14-year-old girls party. They’re only 14, but they really want to feel grown up. Just think pink...lots of different shades of pink. Take a pink tablecloth and you’ve got a great base. Think of any extra fabric you have around that might work. Take a pink linen napkin and tie it with an organza bow. For the centerpiece, instead of flowers, set several little jeweled frames down the middle of the table with pictures of all the friends. The table will look special, and if you’d like, each girl could pick one to take home. Q: I recently attended a party where a little girl got very sick because of food allergies. Should I call parents and tell them what I’m serving at my daughter’s birthday party?
A: You could do that, but here's something that might be even better (and easier). Print a copy of your menu on bright paper and make it part of the invitation. Your phone number will be on it, so if any of the children are allergic to something, the parents can call you. Q: My son and his teammates played their hearts out this season, but their ball team ended up with a terrible record. I’m having an end-of-the-season party and am trying to think of ways to show them we’re proud of them.
A: I think this is a great idea, and here’s what you could do. Get them all a small trophy and make up certificates or even ribbons for each player. You could get them an end-of-the-season t-shirt. There are iron-ons you can create on your computer. The kids will never forget it.
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