When you are hosting a karaoke party it is important to get the guests involved from the beginning. A karaoke party with nobody singing is a disaster that should be avoided! Some people are shy and find it difficult to sing in front of other people. As the host it is your job to help people to overcome this shyness. Here are a few important tips you can follow to get your guests participating:

• Create a festive atmosphere by adding a few special effects like special lights, a mirror ball and a bubble making machine or a fog machine.
• Get a stage area ready and decorate with posters of rock artists and musicians.
• The seating should be arranged that all the guests is facing the stage.
• Provide a dressing room with props like wigs, hats, masks and musical instruments. This will help your guest to get into the spirit of the party.
• Get a wide variety of karaoke songs. Golden Oldies like songs from ABBA and Credence Clearwater Revival are normally very popular at a karaoke party. But make sure you also fit your music selection to the age group of the guests.
• An easy way to get participation from all is to start the party by getting everyone to do a song together.
• Get all the guests involved by awarding lots of prices and by using a few games.
• The final aspect that may make or break your karaoke party is your karaoke system. If your system is not up to the challenge your party is going to fail.

KaraokeStarDVD is an excellent karaoke system and this 4 DVD package from Karaoke Star DVD contains more than 800 songs from popular music from female super stars and hits from popular genres like rock and country. If you buy KaraokeStarDVD from karaokestardvd.com you can use a normal DVD player with microphones for you karaoke party, there is no need to get an expensive karaoke system!

If you need good birthday party decoration ideas you can go the easy but expensive way and hire a party planner to do it all….. but we don’t want to do that!! Doing it yourself can be loads of fun and knowing that you created a wonderful party atmosphere is a very satisfying experience. Use these tips on how to decorate a party to get started:

• Use a specific theme for the birthday party.
• Never neglect the entrance, remember the entrance is the first impression your guests are going to get of the party, you want them to be impressed with a festive atmosphere….
• Use lots of balloons, no matter what, balloons and parties go together! 
• Balloon Drops are spectacular, dramatic and easy to do.
• Make Balloon Chandeliers to hang from the ceiling.
• Use Balloon Columns.
• You can even twist balloon party hats.
• Did I say use balloons? Remember to use lots and lots of balloons.
• Use streamers to add color to your party.
• Lighting can create a great atmosphere, use string lights or special lamp shades.
• Use glow-in-the-dark sticker stars if the lights are going to be low during the party.
• With candles a very special mood can be created..
• Create your own special stand for snacks or sweets.
• Use special centerpieces for the tables.
• Flowers are always nice, wild flowers go very well with an outside party.
• Furniture should be positioned to create an informal atmosphere and to stimulate interaction and conversation between guests. Do not line the furniture up against the walls!
• Have a problem with unsightly walls or ceilings? Cover it up…use balloons, streamers or other party decorations!
• Take care that your decorations would not be in the way of the party guests.

This is but a few ideas for party decorating, let your imagination loose, surely you will come up with great ideas for your birthday party decor.

]]> http://slumber-party-invitations.com/blog/birthday-party-decoration-ideas-how-to-decorate-a-party/feed/ 6 http://slumber-party-invitations.com/blog/birthday-party-venues-party-safety/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=birthday-party-venues-party-safety http://slumber-party-invitations.com/blog/birthday-party-venues-party-safety/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:31:28 +0000 Slumber http://slumber-party-invitations.com/blog/?p=279 The safety of your party guests are you ultimate responsibility and the safety of the guests should always be considered a priority. It is essential to give attention to this important aspect of party planning as failing to do this can have far reaching consequences!

The following important safety aspects should be [...]]]>

The safety of your party guests are you ultimate responsibility and the safety of the guests should always be considered a priority. It is essential to give attention to this important aspect of party planning as failing to do this can have far reaching consequences!

The following important safety aspects should be considered to ensure the safety of party guests:

• First of all the party venue should be inspected for safety.
• Make sure that the party venue is safe, pay attention to things like electrical power outlets, rails and stairs.
• Is the venue located in a safe area.
• Check for and remove all potential dangerous objects and substances from the party venue.
• When planning a pool party, extra care should be taken, especially if there is smaller kids around. Make provision for a lifeguard.
• Organize for a person with first aid training to be on close call and make sure you have a first aid kit available.
• Have a vehicle available in case of emergencies during the party.
• Be prepared for unexpected rain and bad weather. Having a tent available is always a good idea when hosing an outside party.
• Lightning can be deadly and if there is any possibility of lightning you should make sure that all guests go inside as soon as possible.
• Prevent heatstroke by making sure there is enough shade when hosting an outside party or a party by the pool.
• Prevent sunburn by making sunscreen lotion available at pool parties and outside parties.
• Beware of allergic reactions to food or drinks.

By taking a practical approach to potential problems that may arise at birthday party venues you can take steps in advance to prevent or to deal with it. By being prepared for things that can go wrong you are contributing to the safety and well being of your guests and ensuring a successful party.

When you planning and preparing the birthday party venue there re certain important things to keep in mind to ensure the success of the party. You should remember to pay attention to the following:

• When preparing the party venue you should take steps to make you party visible for your guests.
• Indicate clearly where you want your guests to enter the party. Make use of signs or balloons to indicate the entrance and lead your guests to the party.
• Give yourself enough time to do improvements to your home or yard before the party if needed.
• If you use your garden you should prepare it long before the party to make sure the lawn looks appealing and everything is clean and neat.
• Prepare enough shade in the event of an outside party or a pool party.
• Give attention to your pool to ensure a sparkling blue pool for a pool party and as always remember the sunscreen.
• If you are planning a pool party, consider getting a lifeguard. Especially if the party is for smaller kids.
• Remember to take the weather into account when preparing the party venue. Unexpected rain can be a disaster for an outside party if not planned for.
• Always consider getting a tent when planning an outside party or make sure you have enough room inside in case of bad weather.
• Make sure there is enough space to accommodate all the guests invited.
• Do you have enough tables or chairs, if not make the necessary arrangements in advance.
• Make sure you have all the necessary equipment needed for the party.
• Prepare for hot or cold weather, depending on the season.
• The safety of the guests should be a priority, make sure you have a first aid kit available.
• It is also a good idea to prepare specific spaces for specific activities for example eating, drinking, watching dvd’s or sleeping.

With careful planning and by taking a practical approach to potential problems that may arise at birthday party venues you can take steps in advance to prevent or to deal with it.

A party at home can be great and there are several advantages of hosting a party at home:

• A home party provides a relaxed and intimate environment.
• The children will definitely feel more at home.
• It makes sense to have a party for smaller children at home as it is easier to keep up with young children in the comfort of your home.
• It is less expensive, as there is no fees for renting a venue and you can shop around for party supplies.
• You don’t have to make any reservations or pay any deposits.
• You can choose any party theme and decorate as you want and feel.
• You can choose the food you would like to serve.
• There is no restrictions on activities.
• There is no imposed time limit for the party.
• There is problems with transporting supplies and decorations to the venue.
• You can prepare for the party at your leisure.

There is a few negative aspects with having a party at home like:

• Having to do all the preparation yourself.
• Cleaning up afterwards.
• “Party proofing” the house with regards to breakables and dangerous objects.
• The number of guests at the party are limited by your available space.

But all considered, it can be great fun to have a party at home, even for teenagers. Imagine having your best friends over for a Twilight Themed Party……

Before you start making a great party guest list you would have to decide how big your slumber party is going to be and how many people are going to be invited. When your are drawing up your perfect quest list you should consider the available space as well as the costs involved. A smaller sleepover is easier to organize and it is also cheaper.

One of the biggest challenges when drawing up a party guest list is the decision who to invite and who not to! Unfortunately it is not possible to invite everyone. Normally slumber parties have 10 or less guests. Take care and avoid mistakes by writing down your party guest list. You really don’t want to leave one of your important guests out!

The first step when making the list is to write down the names of all the people your are considering. If you have more people on your list than the number of guests you want to invite you should cross off names from the least important people until you reach the number you decided on.

Your guest list for your slumber party invitations could also be a way to pay friends back for invitations for slumber parties you’ve accepted in the past, it can be a way to reaffirm friendships and it could also be a way to generate invitations for future sleepover parties for yourself.

A slumber party is only as good as its guests, so you should consider the possible interaction between the guests. Do not invite friends that does not like each other as their differences could spoil the slumber party for the rest of the guests. Think of your slumber party as an opportunity for you and your friends to enjoy a very special night together. You should invite the people you think would help to make a success of the party. Amusing, positive and cheerful people are always a bonus at any sleepover party!

When you are organizing a slumber party or a sleepover it is important to choose a date and time that you know your guests will be available. It would be a disaster if you arrange a stunning slumber party and your guests does not show up! By choosing a date and time that suites all you can make sure that your friends are able to attend your sleepover!

It is always a good idea to do a bit of research before deciding on a date and time for your slumber party. The easiest way to do this is to ask around at school about dates of upcoming school events and other parties.  Speak to your friends to make sure if they will be available.

At Slumber Party Invitations we compiled a short list of times that should be avoided whenever possible when finalizing a date and time for your sleepover party.

• When there is already sleepovers arranged for a certain date. You don’t want your friends to have to choose between your slumber party and someone else’s slumber party!
• During times of very cold weather, like when it is snowing.
• During holidays, as some of your friend might not be at home.
• Don’t organize slumber parties during school exams, some people actually study!
• Avoid week nights, slumber parties should be arranged for weekends.
• Dates of important events at school like sports.

Another thing to remember is to choose slumber party themes that fits the time of year, for example a pool party should not be arranged for the winter, but maybe a polar bear slumber party theme would be just the thing for a cold winters day!

It pays to be prepared and the better you prepare the more successful your slumber party will be! It is also a good idea to start planning at least a month or longer before the date you intent to have the slumber party. You obviously would like you sleepover to run smoothly without any problems and without your guests getting bored!

The best way to do make sure that everything needed for a great party is included in your planning is to draw up a party schedule or use a party checklist. You can use the Slumber Party Invitations Checklist as a guideline. The following should be included:

• Choosing a theme for the sleepover
• Selecting the date and time
• Drawing up a party guest list
• Choosing the party location
• Preparing the party location
• Decorating ideas
• Deciding on things to do at the slumber party
• The slumber party menu
• The party shopping list
• The invitations – make your own or purchase
• Something special like making a movie of the slumber party
• Thank you gifts and notes

By following this checklist you would certainly not forget important details of your slumber party.