What Do You Expect From a Party Host?

Hello,

It's been a while.  I've been very busy with parties, expanding the type of work I do, settling children into school and generally enjoying life.

My daughter started nursery at school in September, and has been making many new friends.  I hope that some of them will be a good influence on her, and calm her down!  (She's very active and excited about everything and everyone.)  As a result of her new nursery setting, she has been invited to many parties recently, and for me, it has be VERY interesting to see how different party plans work.

Most have been fantastic!  I've loved being a parent at parties and watching how party hosts interact with the children and the adults there. I've also picked up a few ideas which I hope to implement at future parties, and considered how I would change/adapt if I was hosting that party.  I'm not here to moan about other party plans, each to their own etc.  (By the way, for my 4yr old daughter, I used the Gym Academy in Portishead, it was BRILLIANT!)

However, today my daughter went to a party that has this description on the website. 

 "We have dedicated party hosts to help you plan and personalise your party to make it a truely memorable event."

Perfect!

But this is my problem.  My idea of a party host is someone who is there to work for the children. Someone to smile, interact, make them feel special, and provide fun.  He/She should talk with the child's parents, be on hand all the time to make sure that what they ask for is done.  The party host today didn't do this. Their duties consisted of handing out tomato ketchup, putting pots of ice-cream in front of the children, giving them spoons and standing in a corner looking bored. The parents chatted with the children, encouraged them to eat their food, filled up their cups, refilled their cups and guided them with what to do.

Excuse me if I sound critical, but that doesn't sound like a 'dedicated party host... making it a truly memorable event.'

So, in true fashion, I've tried to work out how this could have happened.

1)  The host has this role as a weekend job and doesn't want to be there.

2)  The host has not received training in how to host a child's party.

3)  The host is young, and was intimidated by the parents there.

4) There is no set policy on how to interact or how to make a party memorable.

5)  The host is young, has no experience and has been thrown into the deep end.

I like to think that it is the 2nd option, which could be easily sorted with a little training. 

What is different about PartyEase

Communication.  What does your child want from his/her party?  What do YOU want from the party?   

Interaction.  From the moment I walk through the door, even during set up, my focus is on the children, making them feel comfortable and confident with me.  Children are the most important part of the party, they need to feel special.

Fun. -A party needs to be fun.

Inclusive. I have found that younger children don't always want to join in with all the party games.  And that's fine, every child is an individual, growing in maturity at different rates.  I make sure I have extra activities that the children can do independently, rather than sit on the side feeling left out.

Personal.  Every party is different.   All my parties are tailored towards the birthday child.  

Experience.  I don't want to give away my age, but I have nearly 20 years experience of working with children aged between 2 and 11. I know how to adapt to different situations, I know how to engage with children, and I still enjoy it!

Me. I do this job because I LOVE it. If I didn't, I'd do something else, but there's something about 20 children having fun, laughing, being loud and then going away saying that it was 'The Best Party Ever!' that really appeals to me.

Why not check out my website, and see if PartyEase Portishead is for you?

Or check out my 5* reviews on Facebook.  

One last note, I have used the above venue for my son's birthday in the past.  He and his friends thoroughly enjoyed it, and the host then was great too.  Maybe today's host just wasn't having a good day.  It's just that it made me think - what is it that I do that's different?  That is why I've not named the venue, or made any real hints to where it could be.   Those of you who were at the party with me today, know that our children didn't see things with adult eyes, and still had a good time.

A Perfectly Piggy Party!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of hosting a party for a 3yr old girl who loves Peppa Pig.  As requested by L's mother, and also taking into account the young age of the children attending, the party became more craft and activity focussed.

As those who follow my blog may know, I tend to follow themes loosely rather than going for an all out theme.  This is due to costs, availability of resources and an understanding that not all guests like the same thing.  Many parents choose to use decorations to emphasise a theme, which is great as it brightens up the venue and gives the party child their focus. 

Obviously this is done in consultation with the client, who can request certain activities or games to their child or their vision of the party.  My role is to facilitate this, keep the children entertained and make sure the children enjoy themselves.  I also hope to take the pressure away from the parents.  This was reflected at the party yesterday when the client told me she had never been so relaxed before hosting a party. (Her sister also told me she'd never seen her this relaxed before a party too!)

The activities:

1) Welcome activity.  The children decorated the tablecloth with the crayons and stickers I supplied.

2) Make pig face biscuits.



3) Make pig masks using paper plates.

4) Decorate their party bags.










5) A box of Rainbow Rice (with hidden pigs) to play with.

The Games:

1) Music Muddy Puddles (like Musical Islands)

2) Peppa Pig Treasure Hunt

3) Pass the Parcel

The Story:

10 Green Bottles by Abigail Voss.  (Available here on Amazon.)  (This is a great story by a Portishead Author, and is fab for joining in and learning numbers.)


The 14 children were kept happily occupied, with supportive parents who enjoyed joining in. 

Their party tea was packed in individual coloured paper lunch bags with Peppa Pig detail on them.  I particularly liked the idea of putting individual jellies into plastic shot glasses.  (I'm going to borrow that one for my children's next party!)  

We sang Happy Birthday to L, and she blew out the candles on her beautiful chocolate Peppa Pig cake. 

Packing up was quick and efficient.  (I bring my own bin bags, and was massively helped by the other adults.)

This was a fun party to do.  Craft parties can provide a calm but busy atmosphere, and make sure that everyone has something extra to take home too.

It was a fun afternoon for all.


(Craft Parties are priced the same as regular parties, see my website for package prices.)

Let them Eat Cake! (and other party food ideas.)

I asked on my Facebook page what people liked to offer for a party tea.  There weren't many suggestions, so you'll have to put up with the party teas that I've seen.  Sorry!

So, here are the answers from those who answered my facebook page - thanks Abi and Jennylee for your interaction. :-)

• Chopped cucumber, baby tomatoes, cheese cubes, cheesy puffs and hula hoops, party rings, sandwiches / pizza slices / mini bagels, cakes. 😛

  
  
• Fairy bread, party sausage rolls, cocktail frankfurts, fruit platter (grapes, orange, kiwi fruit, watermelon are usually the favourites here), cheese cubes, cabana, cucumber and baby tomatoes

For those wondering, Fairy Bread is pictured below - sliced bread, buttered and covered with sprinkles.

I had to use Google to find out what fairy bread was...

My research suggests that Cabana is a Polish Sausage.  (Jennylee, if you read this, then please correct me if necessary.)

What would I suggest?  Well, for my son's birthday, we supplied the following:

Not the party tea we supplied, but you get the idea...

Cheese / Ham sandwiches.  (I buy a loaf of brown and a loaf of white, and use a slice of each to make two-tone sandwiches.) Sausage Rolls, Cocktail Sausages, Cucumber Sticks, Cherry Tomatoes, pizza slices,  crisps (cheesy puffs, and some other type, like Hula Hoops,) Chocolate finger biscuits, party rings (because they remind me of parties from my childhood,) mini muffins,slices of fresh apple. 

This was enough to serve 30 children (and hungry parents who tucked in once the children had finished), and worked out to be quite cheap. 

Pros - everything is done in advance, nothing needs cooking or heating up at the venue.  There's a choice, so most children will eat AT LEAST something!

Cons - preparation - making the sandwiches, having everything ready on plates, buying a variety of items. The potential for waste.

What else have we experienced?

Takeaway Pizza.

This was the easiest option ever!  Phone up your local Pizza Place.  Order enough pizza for lots of hungry children, arrange to have it delivered at the desired time.

Pros - how easy is this?  You just need some paper towel to serve it on, and off you go!  Most children LOVE pizza.

Cons - Not ALL children love pizza. Deliveries aren't always on time.  (When my son attended a party where this was done, the delivery was 30 minutes late, and the hired entertainment didn't entertain while they were waiting!)  You need to think carefully about how  much to order, to make sure there's enough for everyone.  Can work out expensive.

Fishfingers/chicken nuggets and Chips.

Quite a few parties are now happening over lunchtime.  (My preferred time is 11am-1pm, as it does encompass lunchtime, so children are hungry.)  It's quite nice for them to have a meal which fills them up.  This option works well for that.

Pros - child friendly food.  Easy to prepare in large numbers.  Fills children up.  Not too costly - just remember the ketchup!

Cons - Logistics.  You need to have a friendly relative who can cook everything at home and transport to venue as speedily as possible, or else a venue which has cooking facilities.  You need to consider health and safety with moving hot tins/trays around.  The washing up!

Lunchboxes

This option is becoming more popular.  Buy a job-lot of cardboard lunchboxes, pack a lunch in them, pop them on the table (or floor, depending where you'd like to eat) and let the children unpack and eat!

Pros - Everything is organised, less possibility of over-catering, less mess. Easy to prepare.

Cons - These boxes take up quite a bit of space once assembled - with everything else you may transport for a party (unless you've booked an amazing party host, like er... PartyEase Portishead) you need to consider this.  Lots of rubbish - 30 boxes?  An outlay of about 30p per box, before you put anything in it...

I think that the most important thing to remember is that it doesn't have to be elaborate.  Children are hungry, and so long as they like it, they will eat it!

I would love to hear of any other party food suggestions you may have.  Please leave a comment below.

Thanks.

(By the way... Messy Play went really well. Thanks to those who attended.  Photos can be found on Facebook.)

A few questions and a few answers

It's been a few months since I set up PartyEase Portishead. I've been so touched by the support I've received from friends, and also from those who think it's important to support new businesses.  My brand is now becoming more known around the area, and I am getting increased traffic to my website, facebook page and to my email account. However, there are a few questions/statements I'd like to answer.

Why don't you include food and cakes in your package?

There are two reasons for this.  

Firstly, I am a mum of a 3 yr old and 5 yr old.  Our house is busy, fun and our home.  If I were to supply party food, I would need to have my premises inspected, and hygiene rated.  Now, my house is clean (most of the time) and hygienic, but we all have moments, and I don't want that responsibility.  

Secondly, party food is quite a personal choice.  I prefer a traditional type tea - sandwiches, crisps, cakes, carrot/cucumber sticks, sausage rolls, cakes, biscuits etc.  That's my choice. (and  my children's - last year, my son sat me down to write a list of what food he wanted at his party, and basically chose all of the above.)
At recent parties we've attended, party food has included a pizza delivery, fishfingers and chips, chicken nuggets and chips, a selection of nibbles including fruit and tubes of fromage frais, bowls of sweets...  People like different things.  I am happy to advise, recommend caterers, etc, but the food is your choice.

Children's parties aren't difficult...

They don't need to be difficult.  Children just want to be entertained, active and able to join in - sometimes with adult support, sometimes independently. 
But you know what?  Some people do find it difficult to be with 30 young children.  I don't find it difficult, but that's because I trained as a teacher, and have spent so much time working in child-based settings.  Put me in a hospital as a nurse, or in a garage as a mechanic - I wouldn't have a clue!  We all have our talents, and they are diverse.  It makes life interesting.
Also, we're all busy people.  I'm very fortunate in that I could choose to be at home with my children, and build my business around them.  Others make the decision to work, or do not have a choice in the matter.  All choices are valid and should be respected.  Planning a party does take time and effort.  Sourcing fun gifts, wrapping the pass the parcel, compiling the gift bags, putting together playlists... I'm here to provide a service to those who want me to.
Lastly, some parents would like to be able to take a step back, join in with their children and enjoy their day with them.  With my entertaining the children, that is possible.  You can join in, but you will be able to take time to savour the party with your child.  That's important.

Children over 8 aren't interested in large parties or party games.

Really?  I run a brownie pack, with girls aged between 7-10yrs old.  We do have the odd party night.  They love the games.  I adapt them for older children - make them a little more grown up, challenging, silly, maybe a touch more responsibility for them...  They always go home with big smiles on their faces.  
Traditional parties don't have to be large.  I can't remember having more than 10 guests at my parties (though my mother may beg to differ...) and we played plenty of games.  Although my packages start with prices for 20 children, I am happy to discuss how I can accommodate smaller parties, and will develop games suited to them, in discussion with you.

What about your prices?

I cover that in another blog post here. However, I suggest you search other entertainers, and see what they include in their packages.  You will find that my prices are very competitive.  You may also find a party package that you prefer.  That's ok.  Again, the world is diverse, what I offer suits many, but not all.  Enjoy your party! :)

I am passionate about providing quality children's parties, with transparent pricing, and a service which children and parents alike will enjoy.  I love parties, and all the reviews I've received are 5* reviews.  You can find them on my FACEBOOK page.

If you would like to find out more, then please visit my website  or feel free to contact me at rachieparties@gmail.com.

I look forward to hearing from you. 

Should you pass on Pass the Parcel?

It's a game that children love to play, but adults hate to prepare... 

Every party I've been to, when Pass the Parcel is announced, there is a cheer from the children.  Is it the anticipation of the prize in the middle?  Is the thought that all you need to do to win a prize is rip of a layer of paper?  Is the attempt to guess when the last layer will appear?  
For the adults, this is a stressful game.  Should you put a prize in every layer?  I asked this on my facebook page a while ago and there were some interesting answers.  

Some, including my sister, though that prizes should be random.  Children need to learn that they can't always win.  It's a life lesson.  Others said that a lollipop kept the children interested and occupied while others were having their turn.  Another suggested stickers.  

In the past I have used sweets and I have also used little party blowers - makes for a noisy 5 minutes, but you can avoid that sugar high...

Another interesting aspect was that of having to wrap up the parcel.  Not many people enjoy doing it... When I wrapped the parcel for our launch party, there were 25 layers.  It took over 8 metres of wrapping paper and nearly an hour to do.  (My helpful husband, who normally has to wrap the Pass the Parcels in our family, took great pleasure in laughing at me.)  
For one parent who attended the Launch party, she said that it was something she HATED, and one of the reasons she would consider booking PartyEase Portishead for her child's party.

A friend talked about a party she had attended with her 4 year old party, where the Pass the Parcel was a wrapped up box.  When the music stopped, the child holding the parcel was given a sweet, and the music started again without any paper being taken off.  Now forgive me if you like this version, but surely half the fun of a Pass the Parcel is to rip the paper off?  I expect it saves on time and mess.

Another suggested that actually, a main prize in the middle isn't needed.  Again, I would consider this part of the anticipation, and find it hard to imagine a child excitedly removing the last layer of paper to find... just another sweet - but we're all different, and that's what makes each party diverse and fun.

For older children, I have another version of Pass the Parcel - no music or wrapping paper is involved, but it's great fun, and keeps the children involved and excited.  I'm not going to share it here... book me for a party and find out! 

If you would like a couple of child-free hours on December 20th, please check out my Facebook event.  2 hours of fun for them, 2 hours of freedom for you to do as you please.  Perfect.  


I would love to hear what you think about Pass the Parcel.  Feel free to leave me a comment. 

The Launch

Well, after 6 weeks of talking about it, planning, gathering supplies and people, PartyEase Portishead has officially launched.

Although I have told you about a party that has already taken place, this was the biggie!  

Twenty One children joined me in the afternoon, to experience a PartyEase party.  It was daunting as their parents were asked to stay and fill in an evaluation form.  But they were all lovely and supportive, which made things easier. 

As the children arrived, I introduced myself and guided them over to the table where there were crayons and stickers, and explained it was their job to decorate the tablecloth.  This helped settle them into the party, and also avoided the running around waiting for the party to start that happens all too often.

Most of them enjoyed themselves, and before long the table was covered with hearts, rainbows, animals and many random shapes!

One parent on their evaluation said of this activity

"Great idea!"

Another commented

"Loved the tablecloth idea, all involved and no children running wild!"

Our first game was Musical Islands.  Lots of fun dancing, and less stress for the parents as I provide a basket of prizes (both edible and non-edible - another job that you don't have to do! 

A quick game of musical statues followed before sitting down to play Pass the Parcel.

Now, there were 25 layers to the Pass the Parcel. It took nearly an hour to wrap, and over 8 metres of wrapping paper. It's one of the jobs that many dislike doing because of it being so time consuming.  As one parent said "I hate wrapping pass the parcel!"

Simon Says proved a popular game.  I chose to play this as a time filler while my wonderful friends set out the party tea (which is not included in the package price - sorry.)  We played for fun, nobody was out, and the children enjoyed following regular actions as well as the more silly ones, while trying not to be caught out.

While a few children finished their tea, I kept the children calm by telling them a familiar story, and encouraging them to join in with actions.   This was mainly aimed at the younger children, but the older ones did listen and mostly join in too. 

"During the story, every eye was on Rachael."

Then it was time for the parachute games.  

I chose a selection of team games using balls, and a game of cat and mouse where the children could chase and let off steam.  This particularly appealed to the older children, and it was good to see that they took care to be gentle with the younger ones. 

We ended with a game of Musical Bumps,

Not quite the musical
bumps we expected...

before handing out the party bags.  Again, the party bag service seems very popular with the parents, who thought the £1.50 charge per bag was good value and meant another thing that parents didn't have to organise!

There were a few brilliant suggestions which I intend to implement to make the booking process smoother, and the pricing structure easier to follow. 

What did the parents conclude?  Here are a few statements from the evaluation forms.

"2 hours of stress-free entertainment!  Parents can provide food and enjoy the party as much as the children!   ...Lovely to see the children enjoying 'proper' party games and not just sat watching an entertainer."

"Rachael engaged with the children really well and kept them interested.  It was very well organised."

"Rachael was very personable and welcoming.  There was a good variety of games for the children... My boys were both entertained and had great fun.  I would recommend to friends."

"Great value - having recently been looking for a party like this, this is a great price.  ...Rachael did an amazing job of entertaining a wide range of children."

"She has the patience of a saint!"

"I would recommend PartyEase to my friends with younger children.  All of the children were kept entertained through the whole party."

"I would def. recommend especially for parents that like a traditional plarty but don't want to do it themselves."

This evening I had a message from the parent of two children who came to the party.

"Thank you for having us.  When we left the party, my two commented on what a great party it had been."

I agree - I had a fab time too!

(a big thank you to Lisa and Emma for helping me with putting out the party tea and clearing it up afterwards.  As this isn't part of the plan, it was great that they could act as party host/client for me in this way. )

Party Bags - Yes or No?

In recent years, it's become normal practise to hand out party bags to guests as they leave. In fact, it has almost become expected.  I know when I have hosted my children's parties, their friends have asked where their party bag is.  I've even handed them out to children who have attended my (and my husband's) significant age parties. (Not telling you how old -sorry!)

As part of my PARTYEASE business, I want to take the pressure off of parents in their party planning, and so offer 3 levels of party bags.  However, I like to know what people like in the bags, and their views of them.  It was quite interesting to read the comments that people left.

"I hate them!  Full of tat that clutters up the house and is rarely used!  Much prefer to give a book!"

"Why does a child who attends a party get a present?  A prize or 2 from winning a game of musical chairs should be enough and a slice of cake!  I'm old school - things are turning too American."

"I've always liked party bags.  We always had them.  I like crayons, little colouring books, little story books, sweeties, chocolate, bubbles, a ball or little toy, stationery bits and bobs.  And an all important slice of cake."

"Got to be Stickers!"

"Less is more.  I only put one small gift that they can take away and make at home, something to remember the party by.  Otherwise, it all gets too much.  I think it was Ruby Wax who made a famous joke about how in London children are upset if they don't come away from parties with at least 'a flight on concorde ticket!"

"I like to make them like I used to have them.  Little toys that are simple and good fun to play with.  Like a jumping frog or bird whistle (just add water - remember them?)  Got to have a balloonand bubbles and a piece of cake too.  The simple ones are the best."

"I like a lucky dip where the child takes a gift out of a box on the way out and is presented with a slice of birthday cake."

It was interesting to see how opinions differ.

At PARTYEASE I like to offer quality party bags.  I enjoy sourcing gifts that are fun, can be useful and are traditional.  a £2 party bag consists of 5 quality items which are suitable for most children.  However, I can easily provide a gift lucky dip option or even books (though cost will depend on the price of sourcing them.)

An example of party bag contents.  

I can be totally flexible on what you want for party bags - as my findings show, people have mixed feelings on them, which is why you may choose not to give bags, or like me, you enjoy sourcing the goods yourself. 

I would love to know what you think.

Are party bags an integral part of the party or an extra that quite frankly, you could do without?

What do you like to see in a party bag, or do you prefer an alternative?

Please feel free to comment below- it would be great to hear from you.

Let's Get This Party Started!

Ellie is now 6, and celebrated with a PartyEase Party.


She was having a party for her whole class - 28 children aged 5 and 6 years old, and a couple of younger siblings. Her parents wanted a mixture of traditional games, but also a couple of inclusive games where nobody was 'out' and there were no winners or losers.

 As an ex- primary school teacher until becoming a mother to my 4yr old and 2 yr old, and also as a Brownie Guide leader, I could draw upon my knowledge of games that children this age enjoy, and incorporate them into the party.  The parents decided that they didn't want a Pass the Parcel, but were pleased that PartyEase supplies the prizes for the games we played.

Knowing that arriving at parties is often the time where children become over-excited, extra noisy and can be chaotic, I had organised a welcome activity where the children sat round the tea table, and with my trusty selection of crayons and stickers, created their own tablecloth for later on. I wish I'd taken a photo of all the Anna, Elsa and Olaf drawings, coupled with trucks, Power Rangers, and birthday messages in all colours of the rainbow.  It was now time for the games.

We played a mixture of dancing games (musical chairs, bumps, statues etc- all favourites), team games with balloons (very tense, and also very noisy when the games included popping the balloons at the end of the games -this was the children's choice, we don't have to pop balloons...) The chocolate cake monkey team were declared the winners, and celebrated by jumping round making monkey noises, before falling to the ground for a relaxing game of Sleeping Lions.  (Who knew that so many children could be so quiet at the same time?)


Party Tea was fantastic, with a wonderful cake based on Frozen, and 6 icy blue candles to blow out. I quickly gained the children's attention, and we sang a lively rendition of Happy Birthday, coupled with THREE CHEERS as Ellie blew all the candles out in one go. 


There was time for another game after tea, before pick-up time, so I pulled out my trusty parachute, and we played Popcorn and Crocodiles. Watching the children slowly disappear under the parachute was very amusing - both for the adults and children.  It also gave the adults a chance to join in the games with their children - something they all really enjoyed, and hadn't experienced at other parties. 


Soon our two hours was up.  The children all went home with their party bags, and smile on their face, chatting about what they had been up to.  I tidied away my bits and pieces, and was handed a piece of cake!


It was a lovely surprise to receive an email just a few days later from Ellie's parents. (written her  with their permission.)


 "Dear Rachael,
Thank you for organising Ellie's party for us.  Knowing that we were your first official clients was a little daunting for us, but your calm manner when discussing our requirements put us at ease.
We loved the quick and professional way you set up, chatting with us, and making us feel relaxed.  The table activity was great!  We didn't have to worry about tablecloths or children running riot. 
The children loved your games, the way you chatted with them, and we still don't know how you managed to remember so many names! It was nice to be able to sit down and watch them have fun, knowing that you had their full attention and control.  We also liked being able to join in with the parachute games - they are fun, and Ellie thought it was great to have us there too.
The best bit for us was your professional manner - the way you stayed focussed all through the party, until the last child had gone home - even helping us serve the party tea.
I would have no hesitation in recommending you to my friends.  Your are amazing value for money, and Ellie has already said she wants you again next year. 
Thank you again for providing a hassle-free party.Alice and John."


If this sounds like a great party for you, why don't you click on the link below to find out more.