Big Book of Parties 2012

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

BIG BOOK of Parties

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Fun Themes: Princesses and Pirates l

Avoiding Party Pitfalls l

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Birthdays on a Budget

Party Resources

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BIG BOOK of Parties

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BIG BOOK of Parties

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Contents

Theate im Ult arty P ide Gu 12 20

Atlanta Parent’s Big Book of Parties is the No. 1 source for planning your upcoming events.

From local resources to party planning tips and checklists, you’ll find everything you need to make your next bash a smashing success.

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Birthday on a Budget You’re super-busy and on a budget?

No problem! Let us help.

Crowns and Ahoy, Mateys!

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Pirates are the No. 1 theme for boys’ birthday parties, while young girls love to dress up as princesses.

Throw the perfect party with these themes in mind.

Party Pitfalls Even great party planners can forget little (but important) things. Here are some tips for handling unexpected situations.

Party Planner Special Advertising Section

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Our listings will make planning your next party a breeze.

Entertainers n Mobile Party Services n Party Places n Rentals n Sweets and Sundries n

Double the Fun When two kids want to have a joint party, parents can split the workload and expense.

Invitations: Options A-Plenty From do-it-yourself designs to clever ideas, make a good first impression when throwing a party.

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s BIG BOOK of Parties

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BIG BOOK of Parties PUBLISHER Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com

ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com

EDITOR Julie Bookman editor@atlantaparent.com

BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT asmith@atlantaparent.com MANAGER

ACCOUNT Julia Sparks EXECUTIVES jsparks@atlantaparent.com

Andi Levine

alevine@atlantaparent.com

EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

PRODUCTION Natalie Thavenot MANAGER apads@atlantaparent.com

EDITORIAL Robin Mintz PRODUCTION rmintz@atlantaparent.com ARTIST

OFFICE Caroline Ward COORDINATOR cward@atlantaparent.com

ADMINISTRATIVE Kirsten Gromatzky ASSISTANT kgromatzky@atlantaparent.com

EDITORIAL INTERN Carolyn WIlliams

Performers family Needed!

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

block party

Entertainment • Food • Music

Interactive Games & Activities

For advertising information, please contact us at 770-454-7599.

Atlanta Parent is looking for experienced magicians,clowns, singers, dancers, troupes and other talented performers to volunteer for our event.

Call to find out more:

October 13, 2012

678-222-1911

Join this great group of performers at Family Block Party!

Horizon Theater, Imaginators- Imagine It, Kidazzl Parties, Kim Armstrong, Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, Little Beat Music, Mr. Greg’s Musical Madness, Sandtown Allstars, Therapy Dogs International, Wren’s Nest & Akbar Imhotep, Young Audiences ArtistCaroline Herring & Marty Barrett.

(Atlanta Parent thanks these 2011 performers)

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BIG BOOK of Parties

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Event & Party Planning Custom Balloon Decor Theme Parties Inflatables & Fun Foods Party Rentals Costumed Characters Artistic Facepainting Creative Balloon Artists Puppets, Magic & more!

Birthday Parties, Corporate Events, School Functions, Private Parties, Baby Showers, Fairs, Festivals and more....

Call us today to schedule your next fun filled event!

770-572-1737

or

678-643-6317

The Busy Mom’s Budget Birth

by Jessica Baldis

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e’ve all been to one of those fabulous birthday parties thrown by a super-crafty Mom who has loads of time and energy to spare.

The decorations are to die for. The cake is homemade. The entertainment is endless – a bounce house, face painting and pony rides.

You tell yourself that one year you’re going to throw a party like this … but this is not the year! This year you’re swamped and on a budget. The good news is that it doesn’t matter if you’re not channeling your inner Martha Stewart. The whole point of a birthday party is for your little one to have fun celebrating with family and friends. Here are nine tips for planning an awesome party on a budget.

Pick a theme.

Remember that timing matters.

A theme will help set the mood of your celebration and focus your decorations and entertainment. Get creative with your little one – think about their favorite activities, books, TV shows and movies. Picking a “generic” theme instead of a character-specific theme can be easier on the wallet. For example, if your little princess wants a princess party, you can hit the dollar store in search of anything pink and sparkly, instead of spending big bucks on Beauty and the Beast plates and napkins.

When you pick a time for the festivities, remember that the time will dictate the amount and type of food you’ll need to serve. A party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday usually involves serving lunch – which can really bump up your budget. If the party starts later, you’ll have the option of just serving snacks and cake.

Relax and pick one area to focus on.

The first step is to realize you don’t have to do it all. Pick one thing that will let you put your personal stamp on the party, but won’t overtax you. If you enjoy expressing your creative side, make handmade decorations. If baking is your thing, go all out with the birthday cake.

Consider electronic invitations.

Electronic invitations are a great way to save time and money. Enter the email addresses of your invitees and the site will automatically send out invitations, track the RSVPs, and send out reminders before the party. Most busy moms appreciate receiving electronic invitations – there’s no invitation to lose, and you just click a button to RSVP. If you’re considering electronic invitations, check out a site like evite.com.

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BIG BOOK of Parties

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day Guide Choose a location and entertainment.

The location and entertainment will have a big impact on the amount of time and money you spend. If you pick a venue that does all-inclusive birthday parties, you’ll spend less time but more money. Many of these venues offer cheaper rates on weekdays, so be sure to ask. If you hold the party at your house or a park, you’ll invest less money but more time preparing. At-home parties can be tons of fun, and there are plenty of entertaining and inexpensive party games that you can put together quickly – musical chairs, scavenger hunts, freeze dances, obstacle courses, etc.

Decorate!

Plan your decorations around your theme. Save a few dollars by using things you already have that fit the theme – lawn chairs, towels, sand pails and a colorful umbrella will help set the mood for your “beach” theme. If your little one picked a characterspecific theme such as Thomas the Tank Engine, Elmo or Barbie, find a few character-specific items. Then buy cheaper “generic” items in a solid color that fit your theme. If you’re on a tight budget, think old school – crepe paper streamers and balloons are both great, inexpensive ways to bring a lot of color and fun to a room. Many of the all-inclusive venues supply the decorations, so be sure to check before you buy anything.

Simplify the food.

Does your theme lend itself to any specific type of food? Hotdogs and popcorn are perfect for a baseballthemed party – not to mention inexpensive! Pizza is always quick and easy. If you opt for pizza, ask the pizza place to “double cut” your pizzas. You’ll end up with smaller, kid-size pieces and less will go to waste. And don’t forget to use coupons when you order!

Streamline the goody bags.

The cost of all the little goodies that go into the gift bags can add up to big bucks. Not to mention the time they take to put together. Consider giving a single item – a coloring book, sand pail, racecar, or bubble wand and bubbles. Or plan a party activity that incorporates an end-of-party gift. If you decorate cookies, wrap a decorated cookie in a cellophane bag, tie it with a bow and present it to each party guest as they leave. Or have a treasure hunt where the “pirates” take home all the booty they find.

Accept help if it’s offered.

You don’t have to do it all yourself! If family or friends offer help, take advantage of their talents. Having someone else bake the cake or help with face painting during the party will be a big help. Be sure to let your helpers know their assistance was appreciated with a small token or a thank-you note. atlantaparent.com

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Party Countdown Checklist Keep your birthday party planning on track with this helpful checklist. From setting a budget to welcoming your guests, it’s sure to make throwing your bash a cinch.

Six Weeks to Go n Decide on time and money budget n Begin researching costs of external locations n Research entertainers for in-home party n Check out books about kids’ parties from the library for theme and game ideas Four Weeks to Go n Choose party theme n Select party location n Determine maximum number of guests n Finalize date and time n Book and send deposit for entertainers or external locations Three Weeks to Go n Make or buy invitations and send them n Make transportation arrangements to external location n Finalize menu n Order cake and food if not homemade n Arrange for extra helpers Two Weeks to Go n Shop for paper goods, theme props, goodie bags and game prizes n Make favors and/or assemble goodie bags n Plan games and make any decorations or game props n Select music as needed n Buy any craft supplies needed for party crafts 10

BIG BOOK of Parties

One Week to Go n Confirm final numbers with party location n Confirm arrangements with entertainer n Create menu and ingredients shopping list n Shop for non-perishable foods and ingredients n Develop a timetable for the party day Three Days to Go n Confirm that helpers will show up n Call entertainers and party rentals to confirm your order n Finalize all props and music needed for games and crafts n Check camera, video supplies and batteries n Choose party clothes and get them ready to wear

PARTY DAY Six hours to go n Pick up last minute items, such as helium balloons n Clean up clutter and put away any special items not used for the party Four Hours to Go n Decorate house Three Hours to Go n Make final food preparations n Make final game preparations One Hour to Go n Set table n Dress yourself and your children

Two Days to Go n Make food that will keep in refrigerator or freezer n Check the house for safety hazards n Put away any special breakables

30 Minutes to Go n Have helpers arrive n Run through timetable and basic responsibilities with helpers n Put out materials for first activity or game

One Day to Go n Bake or pick up cake n Rent videos for sleepovers n Review day of party timetable

Party Time! n Welcome your guests

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BIG BOOK of Parties

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tions! e decora

get th Don’t for

• Birthday Parties • Graduation • Field Day • Festivals Theme Party Décor is our specialty!

Eco-Friendly & Non-latex options available!

404.351.0538 Fan Us: www.Facebook.com/Balloonacy www.BalloonacyAtlanta.com

Kid’s Party

Entertainment • Great Costumes • Cartoon Characters • Princesses • Superheroes • Face Painting • Balloon Tying • Clowns • Magic • Bunnies

770 424-2287 WWW.COPYCATSFORKIDS.COM

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BIG BOOK of Parties

How to Make Your Kids’ Birthdays Extra Special

by Kate Wicker

Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day. Every holiday is special, but there’s only one that’s dedicated solely to the birth of your child. When you celebrate your child’s birthday, you’re setting aside an entire day to commemorate his life.

Birthday parties and cakes are old favorites that are sure to put a smile on your child’s face, but there are other, more creative ways to give your children birthdays they will never forget. n Bring out the baby book. On your child’s birthday, take time to look at pictures, and tell stories about the day of her birth. Recount what happened and how you felt when you first held her in your arms. n Put birthday surprises in your child’s lunch. You can decorate lunch bags for younger children with stickers and glitter. Put “Happy Birthday” notes in older children’s lunches. And don’t forget to stick in a birthday cupcake or other favorite treat. n Pamper your child. After tucking him in, give him a long backrub and share funny stories about his childhood. If you have a daughter who likes her hair braided or styled a certain way, go all out on her birthday. You can also let kids soak in warm bubble baths, but be sure to supervise them for safety.

n Write your child a letter every year. In the letter, talk about what she’s doing at this stage of her life. You can also include snippets on what’s going on historically from big national events to popular songs. On each birthday, read the letter from the previous year. When your kids are older, you can compile the letters and make a book to give to them on a special birthday or at the birth of their first child. n Make a birthday scrapbook or photo album. Take photos of each birthday celebration and put them together in a birthday memory book. Take the album out each year on your child’s birthday and enjoy the photos and memories together. n Celebrate your child’s birthday with a treasured story. Go to a bookstore with a kids’ section and pick out a book for you to share together. Find a quiet corner and read the tale. Then purchase it as a take-home birthday souvenir. Don’t forget to sign and date the book’s inside cover. n Arrange a day to spend alone with the birthday boy or girl. This is a great way to make your child feel special, especially if you’re not throwing a big birthday bash. Visit the zoo. Go to a local museum. Take a stroll through a butterfly garden. Hike a nature trail. Attend a sporting event. Find the perfect outing to meet your child’s interests and then relish in your time together. You might want to have someone watch your other children, so the birthday girl or boy feels extra special. n Plan a birthday scavenger hunt.

Hide a small gift under your child’s pillow and include a clue. When she wakes up, she will open the gift and discover a clue that leads her to another gift and clue until she has several little gifts to start out her day. atlantaparent.com

Spotlight on Parties E Motions Video Game Parties

Game Truck

eed to fit more than 16 people in your video game party?? E Motions is a new party destination in North Atlanta / Doraville that not only fits but seats comfortably and continuously entertains up to 30 guests simultaneously – with video games! Your crew will have your own party room, rented by the hour, that includes admission for 30 and unlimited use of 9 flat screens, 12 Wiis, Xboxes, and PlayStations, 200 games, 80 controllers, 12 gaming chairs, retro games, online access, tournament boards, and enough space to play even the 4 player motion games at each station. Non-gamer systems include TV, movies, music, karaoke machine, and WiFi. There is a sit down eating area with fridge, freezer, and serving tables, as well as an adult waiting/viewing area and snack bar.

Customize your own party or select one of our themed packages for all age groups from 5 to adult. Ideal venue for birthday parties, video game clubs, family gatherings, tournaments, or large group activity for any day or night.

By reservation only.

To plan your next video game party please call (404) 9134263 or visit us on the web at http://www.emotionsatl.com

any a parent has anguished over the thought of organizing their child’s birthday party. Where will it be?

What kind of activities should they offer? And most of all, will the kids enjoy and remember the experience?

Say no more. The game truck team has it covered and they make it very easy for you! The game truck serves all of atlanta with the largest state of the art video game theater fleet.

You can play up to 20 kids with no clean up or hassle.

Sit back and relax while their certified game coaches do the rest.

The sky is the limit on what the game truck team can do for you, here are a just a few ideas; birthday parties, team building events, employee recognition, tail gate parties, fundraisers and summer camps.

To learn more about game truck, visit their website at www.Gametruckparty.Com look them up on face book at game truck atlanta or give them a call at (770)755-5100.

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Interactive Neighborhood for Kids

Malibu Grand Prix/Mountasia

nteractive Neighborhood for Kids is one of the best places in Northeast Georgia for a child’s educational experience or event! There are several different opportunities offered to fit everyone’s needs. Call today for field trip or birthday party needs.

What better place to learn & celebrate than at INK where guests can truly become the figments of their imagination. Children can role play and learn through practical experiences about being a banker, grocery store clerk, doctor, pilot and much more. All exhibits are designed to provide a unique hands-on learning environment, to actively engage young minds while having lots of fun. Everyone is a kid at INK as adults are encouraged to join in the fun for intergenerational learning.

INK is open to the general public 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday and 1pm-5pm on Sundays. There is also a gift shop, annual family memberships and Paint Your Own Pottery Studio available. Group rates are available with advance reservations.

Call 770-536-1900 or visit the website www.inkfun.org to book your next event!

re your kids tired of the same old birthday party year after year? Are you looking for something new, fun and exciting? Host your child’s next party at Malibu Grand Prix or Mountasia! Your child will love racing their friends on hi-speed go-karts through the track’s banked curves, hairpin turns, and exhilarating straight-aways. How about climbing aboard one of the bumper boats for some water fun! Come aboard and soak the ones you love, but watch out – you could be next! You can also try your hand at one of the 18 hole miniature golf courses. Their state of the art game rooms offer incredible games to tickle everyone’s imagination!

While you are at Malibu Grand Prix, try your hand in the batting cages – they offer everything from slow pitch soft ball to expert speeds! Looking for even more speed?

Strap yourself into one of the custom built, high powered, ¾ scale Indy cars.

With birthday party packages starting at just $12.99 per person plus tax, there’s something to fit everyone’s needs and budget! They’re also great for a day of family fun and group outings! Malibu Grand Prix 770-416-7630. I-85 at Indian Trail in Norcross. Mountasia 770-422-7227. I-575 at Barrett Parkway in Marietta.

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Special Advertising Section

BIG BOOK of Parties

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Those Guys Rent Everything!

We handle all the Party Details so you can enjoy your childs special day.

4710 Lower Roswell Road Marietta, GA 30068

678-569-1271

30+ years of serving Atlanta Party Rentals • Tool Rentals • Equipment for Sale

www.suburbanrental.net

we make everything • Full cafe where fresh daily!

• Large menu selection for kids and adults for snacks, meals and parties. large tvs and comfortable • Free wifi,seating for adults Face painting, balloons & large • selection of party decor Newly enlarged party rooms • ORGANIC birthday party options * Only in Atlanta Present for Build-Your-Own, Deluxe & * Offering Private party packages 1 FREE * Goodie Bags & Videography available CHEESE PIZZA (Ask how we can sponsor your local school, neighborhood, church, synagogue, mom’s club, sports team, playgroup, newsletter or event.)

with any new party order.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

ATLANTA: 404-634-4964 1936 Briarwood Ct NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 DULUTH - 678-648-6655 1630 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 110, Duluth, GA 30096

WWW.HIPPOHOPP.COM

Science Parties!

AGES 3-12 We come to the location of your choice!

Bubbling Potions! • Rockets!

Cotton Candy! • Much More!

Starting at $199 for up to 20 children

Exciting & Interactive Show includes a variety of Fascinating Experiments & Two Awesome Scientific Take-Home items for each child.

Birthday Child will be the STAR as Big Thinkers Special Assistant

Ask about our In-class field trips, Summer Camps, Shows, Corporate Events, Scout Badges, & More!

Mention this ad for 10% Discount!

678-392-1500

Big-Thinkers.com 14

BIG BOOK of Parties

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Spotlight on Parties Red Hot Fire Truck Events!

Sky Zone

ids love fire trucks!!

Remember driving in the car and passing a Fire Truck and hearing kids shout…

“FIRE TRUCK!!” ?

That’s the whole idea with Red Hot Fire Trucks. Only they take it one step further and let the children actually BE the Fire Fighters. Kids can take a ride, blow the horn, sound the siren, and see the lights flashing above. Red Hot Fire Trucks actually allows the kids to dress up in the gear, play with the hoses, shoot the water, and really see what it’s like to be a real Fire Fighter!

Red Hot Fire Trucks are RED and very noticeable from all around. What better way to get the attention of all the kids than when the fire truck arrives in front of the house, school, child-care center or event scene with sirens blaring and lights flashing!

Everyone knows Red Hot Fire Trucks is on the way! A child friendly event is guaranteed to impress children, parents and guests of ALL ages.

Bring the party to your home, child care center, school or event! For more information, go to www.redhotfiretruck.com or call 404-925-1221.

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n the midst of status quo, mundane monotony, and discouraging imitations rises a unique and exciting star in Atlanta, Georgia. SkyZone Indoor Trampoline Park is the destination for family fun! Jump your way through multiple exciting options - from the huge foam pit, to 3-D dodgeball, to SkySlam dunk court, and the massive Open Jump court, family members of all ages will reach new heights of entertainment.

For the fitness buff, come check out SkyRobics fitness classes and burn up to 1,000 calories in an hour - just by having fun! For those who want a competitive edge, come jump off walls and launch balls at our 3-D dodgeball tournaments. Parents can enjoy watching their kids jump while relaxing in the comfortable parent lounge (with free wi-fi), or they can be part of the action!

SkyZone also offers unique birthday party packages that feature private jump areas, access to party rooms, and DVDs with pictures and videos from your party that will last a lifetime. From toddlers to seniors, SkyZone is the hot new attraction that never gets old.

For more information, follow them on facebook (facebook.com/skyzoneatlanta) and go to www.skyzoneatlanta.com to purchase tickets now!

Stars and Strikes

Young Chefs Academy

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ake your child’s birthday party to the EXTREME! Stars and Strikes all-inclusive package includes laser tag, bumper cars, bowling, an arcade card, pizza, soda and even your very own party host. Their expert hosts have been trained at Birthday Party University and will ensure that your party is extremely memorable for everyone. Moms and Dads don’t have to do anything….leave the work to them and enjoy watching all the FUN! All birthday kids get a turn during their party in the “Fun Machine” where they can win hundreds or even thousands of tickets to use at the huge redemption counter. State of the art bowling lanes are equipped with automatic bumpers and scoring. Your child will love the ALL-NEW THEME PARTIES at Stars and Strikes! Their birthday planners will work closely with you to create a unique experience for your child. Ask about Princess, Prince, Superheros, Star Wars Parties and other options…the sky is the limit!

For your convenience, there are four Stars and Strikes locations in Metro Atlanta.

Call 678-965-5707 or go to www.starsandstrikes.com for additional information or to book a party.

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OOK UP SOME BIRTHDAY FUN! Come celebrate and be the chef of the day at Young Chefs Academy. All of their birthday parties are filled with interactive, hands-on cooking and delicious fun!! Birthday parties are all-inclusive events with personalized invitations, decorations, recipe ingredients, drinks, paper goods and goodies for the kids.

The birthday child even receives a special gift from Young Chefs Academy. Their parties are packed full of amusing activity! They will introduce each guest to the essentials of cooking as they make their “creation” from scratch, all while being entertained by the lively staff and their crazy “antics!!”

Birthday parties are great for kids, tweens, & teens -- they learn to make pizza, pasta, chicken enchiladas, celebrate a theme party such as Pretty in Pink, prepare copycat recipes from favorite restaurants, or maybe even decorate cupcakes!

Young Chefs Academy has been recognized as one of the best kids’ birthday parties in Atlanta. You supply the chefs, and they supply the rest!

Call today to schedule your special day at YOUNG CHEFS ACADEMY at one of two Metro Atlanta locations. North Druid Hills/Emory: 404-633-2633 www.YoungChefsAcademy. com/northdruidhills. Sandy Springs/Northside: 404-2559263 www.YoungChefsAcademy.com/sandysprings

Special Advertising Section

BIG BOOK of Parties

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Parties Fit for a Princess and

by Penny Warner with Balloon Time Helium Balloon Kits

Dress-up themed parties are always a hit with kids. Children love to put on fancy clothes or fun costumes and enter a fantasy world. The most popular dress-up themes for girls are Princess Parties, while for boys it’s Pirate Parties.

Here are some suggestions for both. n Princess Crown: Have the girls make their own cone-shaped princess crowns from poster board, and decorate them with jewels, glitter, beads and lace.

Refreshments

Serve sherbet and lemon lime soda floats, tiny pink-tinted sandwiches, and little petit fours cakes iced pink and white and decorated with small candies.

Favors

Give the princesses dress-up items to take home, such as barrettes and hair clips, lip gloss, paper doll books, costume jewelry, and bubble bath.

Pirate Party Invitations

Princess Party Invitations Write the party details on homemade magic wands. Buy princess-themed pencils and tie a wide colorful ribbon on the eraser end. Write party details on the ribbon, and mail in padded envelopes to guests.

Costumes Ask the girls to come dressed up, then rummage through your closet or head for the thrift shop and pick out old jewelry, silky scarves, white gloves, high heels, and fanciful hats to share with the party guests.

Decorations

Cut out a castle background with towers and turrets, using large appliance boxes. Paint the castle pink and decorate with scarves, jewels, and pictures of princesses. Tie pink helium balloons along the length of the castle and around the party room.

Help the guys find their way to your Pirate’s Cove with a Treasure Map invitation.

Draw a simple map that includes the homes of each guest and your own. Mark yours with an X, then add pirate-related places, such as Black Lagoon, Hook’s Hideaway, and so on. Tear or burn the edges, roll the maps into scrolls, and mail in tubes to guests.

Costumes

Pirates pillaged their outfits so head for the thrift shop, a great source for pirate-wear. Pick up some billowing white shirts, striped socks, bandanas, short pants, and oversized shoes, then add eye patches and phony mustaches for fun.

Games and Activities

n Pretty Princess: Let the girls paint each other’s faces with stars, rainbows, or flowers, or hire a professional face painter. n Dress-Up Relay: Set out princess outfits and accessories, divide into teams, and have girls race to dress up. Make it more interesting by having them dress each other!

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a Pirate

Decorations Turn the party room into Pirate Cove complete with a Pirate Ship. Get a few large appliance boxes and line them up to form the foundation of your pirate ship. Cut the tops off, paint the boxes brown, make portholes, and lay out a “walk-the-plank” entrance. Tie on balloons decorated like Jolly Rogers and you’re ready to set sail.

Games and Activities

n Play Walk the Plank! Set out a long, narrow board and have the kids try to walk a straight line without stepping off into the “sea.” Make it more and more difficult by having them walk backwards, sideways, hopping, no hands for balance, and finally….blindfolded. n Make Pirate Pieces. For eye patches, cut circles from black felt or imitation leather, attach a length of elastic string on both sides, and tie them to fit. Make swords from cardboard, round the tips, paint them silver, and decorate them with stick-on jewels. Create pirate flags from cotton rectangles and let the kids decorate them with markers.

Serve bowls of “grog” (soup). Offer chicken legs and hot dogs they can eat with their hands.

Or go with fish ‘n’ chips and a mug of apple cider. Serve individual pirate cupcakes or make a Treasure Chest Cake by baking a rectangular cake. Frost it with chocolate icing and decorate with colorful sprinkles, chocolate gold coins, and candy jewelry. To make the chest lid, clean the cake pan, frost it, and set it at right angles to the cake.

Send the mates ashore with chocolate gold coins, eye patches, swords, flags, and other pirate accessories.

Refreshments

Favors

Penny Warner has more than 25 years of experience as an author and party planner. Balloon Time is the leading brand of consumer helium balloon kits in North America. For more information, visit BalloonTime.com

dreamfriends.net * 404.319.0180 * Acts For Any Event atlantaparent.com

BIG BOOK of Parties

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Top 10 Party Pitfalls

by Jean Marie Bond

Some people love to plan parties for their kids’ birthdays. My younger sister, the Martha Stewart of children’s events, is clearly that type. She even goes so far as to coordinate the costume she will wear at her daughters’ parties. Big sister, on the other hand, isn’t quite that clever. Being a bit more pragmatic and pressed for time, I’ve simply established the ground rules for what not to do. Seasoned by a dozen-plus years of planning and attending umpteen kids’ parties, I’ve come up with a top ten list of birthday party planning pitfalls.

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Overly enthusiastic parent invites too many kids

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Impractical parent invites wrong mix of kids

3

Pop-in drop-ins and other guests unexpectedly appear

The old adage – limit the number of guests to the birthday child’s age, plus one (i.e. four guests for a three year old’s party) – is certainly a tried and true guide. As kids get older, parents can stretch that limit by one or two guests.

Generally speaking, unless a troop of professionals is hired to plan, implement and supervise your child’s party, it’s best to stick with a limited guest list.

Even the most cautious parent, after diligently whittling the guest list, can sabotage a child’s party by inviting the wrong mix of kids. Invite guests close to one another in age. Probe to find out if there are bullies, braggarts or belligerents in the crowd. Try to determine if guests can cooperate and listen.

If you are fearful that one guest could get out of hand, it’s best to arrange a special one-on-one celebration date with that child, rather than chance party day problems. Most kids will feel honored by an exclusive invitation, such as an outing for pizza followed by a romp through a local arcade.

Parents frequently forget that guests have siblings, capable of pitching fits when escorted to the door. Hedge your bet by having a surplus of goody bags on hand. A balloon bouquet, from which siblings and guests make personal selections, prevents departure outbreaks. For your own sanity, be firm. Graciously usher uninvited children outside, with parents. If all else fails, promise big pieces of cake, and huge scoops of ice cream when siblings return to retrieve guests. atlantaparent.com

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Busy, over-stressed parent neglects to arrange sufficient adult supervision In all the hubbub of producing kids’ parties, from crafting invitations to frosting cakes, party-planning parents frequently forget to ask for help. Certainly several parents would be happy to “hang out” at the party. Or ask a couple of relatives to help shepherd your flock.

There are at least a half dozen teens in my neighborhood who love to come and supervise children.

A crisp twenty dollar bill, for a few hours work is all it takes to elicit their help. A good rule of thumb for preschool age children is to have one adult for every three to four guests.

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Naive parent forgets that children get cranky when tired or hungry The bottom line is, avoid parties during nap times, early evening hours or when you anticipate ravenous hunger. Toddlers, needful of naps, fare well with midday events when they’re freshly rested and still in good spirits. Schedule weekend parties for preschoolers, rather than chance a cranky, after-school mob.

As kids get older, timing becomes more flexible.

Likewise, the older the child, the longer the party can last. Toddlers fizzle-out after one stimulating hour.

Preschoolers can handle two hours, max. Longer parties are feasible for school-aged children and teens, if hosts can survive.

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Party planning pro (a.k.a. parent) plans too many activities Bingo, pin the tail on the donkey, Twister, pizza making, cupcake baking, party hat crafting and frozen tag are all loads of fun. But face it, none of these activities is enjoyable if kids feel pressed for time.

Have a battery of activity options ready to implement.

But, be aware, part of the joy of kids’ birthday parties is simply to “hang out” and have fun!

When left totally to their own devices, havoc ensues.

When given a good balance of structured time and free play, kids invariably have tons of fun!

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BIG BOOK of Parties

19

Top 10 Party Pitfalls

7

Party planning novice (a.k.a. parent) forgets that kids need guidelines Simply put, kids can and will create chaos! Set boundaries at the outset of your party, announcing that “Today our party zone is right here” or “This fenced-in area is our official fun zone!”

Have an arsenal of weapons readily at hand to keep wanderers, weepers and wallflowers happy.

Set up a table with art supplies, in case one or two guests reject playing games. Include supplies for simple craft projects. In case parents run late, plan a back-up activity to play at party’s end.

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Too little nutrition Yes, cake and ice cream are expected at birthday parties. But, when coupled with candystuffed goody bags and fizzy fruit punch, parties quickly run amuck.

Children need balance in the foods they consume. Stuff goody bags with packets of pretzels, raisins or rice cakes. Serve unsweetened beverages or milk. Provide healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit or vegetable kabobs, baked tortilla chips with salsa, air-popped popcorn, or trail mix. Due to allergies, it is a good idea to avoid peanuts in your snacks. Remember, energy levels will already soar simply because it’s “party day”!

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Gift exchange mayhem occurs. Some kids are territorial

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Well-meaning parent forgets true purpose of party . . . for kids to have tons of fun!

Guests don’t always understand that ribbon-clad boxes are solely for the guest of honor. That one-year-older-and-wiser birthday child of yours may wise up to the fact that wrapped packages belong exclusively to him.

Sometimes it’s best to wait, unwrapping gifts after the party. If that’s the case, snap a photo of your child unwrapping each gift, to include with the thank you notes. If you opt to open gifts at the party, wait until near the end to begin the unwrapping process.

With that ultimate purpose in mind, your child’s next birthday bash is bound to be a blue ribbon event!

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BIG BOOK of Parties

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Fun Birthday Facts! n Birthdays are the No. 1 reason to have a party in the U.S. n Nearly 5 million birthdays are celebrated in the U.S. each week, with an average of 700,000 on any day. n More babies are born in August than any other month.

February has the least amount of birthdays. n “Happy Birthday to You” was first penned by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill. Mildred, a schoolteacher, composed the melody in 1893 and Patty added some simple lyrics and published it that same year. n Originally, birthday cards were written as apologies for not being able to attend a birthday party. Today, approximately 1.2 billion birthday cards are exchanged each year. n The world’s largest birthday cake was created in 1989, weighing 128,238 pounds, 8 oz. and using 16,209 pounds of icing!

– Compiled by Nicole Bush Sources: Hallmark.com, Fun4Birthdays.com, Ibiblio.org, Everdaybirthday.com, Unforgottencards.com

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23

Party Planner

Whether you’re planning a birthday bash for 20 kids or a block party for 100, our Party Planner is your ultimate resource for finding entertainers, party places, supplies and everything you need to plan your event.

Listings provided by advertisers

Entertainer n Auntie Renee Storyteller www.AuntieReneeStoryteller.com Party entertainment for boys and girls. Includes storytelling, puppet shows, games, face painting, arts and crafts. 770-402-0564. n Bubble Celebrations www.bubblecelebrations.com A Bubble Party is an Amazing Bubble Show whirling with Music, Dancing, and Games Led by the Bubble Emcee! 404-981-7069. n Copy Cat for Kids copycatsforkids.com TV and movie look-a-likes, Princesses.

Superheroes, Cartoon characters and Moonwalks. 770-424-2287. n Dream Friends Entertainment dreamfriends.net Characters, Princesses, Superheroes, Hannah Montana, Cartoon characters, Capt. Jack, Pirate Re-enactors, Mermaids who can swim, Variety Shows, Musicians and more! 404-319-0108.

n Look-Alikes and Characters Entertainment partypop.com/Vendors/4268021.htm Kids’ favorite performing Popstars, Movie & TV star Celebrity Look-alikes! We have Katy Perry & Justin Bieber. 785 Sweetbrier Dr., Alpharetta.

770-713-4303. n Miss Gail and The Jumpin’ Jam Band Jumpinjamband.com Jumpin’, dancing, wiggling, musical fun. Miss Gail solo or with Jumpin’ Jam Band. Ages 0-8.

678-437-3304. n Platinum Media Group theplatinumgroup.net Specializing in DJ Services. Kids Parties, Sweet 16’s, School Functions & Weddings.

404-477-7211. n Tommy the Clown drtomisi.com Professional clowning, magic, comedy, balloons, rabbit, plate spinning and juggling. $165.00 and up. 678-462-1009.

Mobile Party Service

n Jason’s Music Party jasonsmusicparty.com Jason’s Music Party - A birthday concert for your child, ages 1-8. Everyone loves music! 545 Woodline Ct., Roswell. 323-387-0366.

n Animal Adventures animaladventures.info GPS based, 10 exotic animals, exciting biofacts, hands-on activities. We surpass entertainment/ educational goals. Ages 3-adult. 404-409-5724.

n Little Beat Music www.littlebeatmusic.com Let us DJ your next party. Providing professional family entertainment for over 10 years.

Children’s music cds, party packages and disc jockeys. 877-545-2328.

n The Artistic Place theArtisticPlace.com We offer everything “Artistic”! Parties, Afterschool, Summer Camp, Babysitting and Art Classes. Create! Learn! Play! 3275 Snapfinger Rd., Suite C, Lithonia. 866-714-0109.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

n A Zoo to You zootoyou.com LIVE Alligators, Monkeys, Kangaroos, Wolves, Zebras, Ponies, Farm Friends and More! Many Options! 706-348-7279. n Big Thinkers Science Exploration big-thinkers.com Interactive, hands-on birthday parties.

Experiment with rockets, bubbling potions and more. Ages 4-12. $199 and up. 678392-1500. n Events by Noelle Kidz ebnkidz.com Budget friendly Themed Parties, Sleepovers, Science, Spa, Arty Parties & More! Ages 3-18. 404-234-5675. n Fun-O-Rama Parties funoramaparties.com Your one stop party shop! Event planners, face paint, balloon artist, characters, puppets, decorations, inflatables, magic, balloon décor and theme parties! 1330 Enclave Way, Auburn. 770-572-1737. n Game Truck Party gametruckparty.com Air conditioned video theater on wheels with over 40 multi-player games and seating for 16 gamers playing together. 70 Willard Drive, Marietta. 888-602-4263. n Jumptastic jumptastic.com Atlanta’s leading supplier of Inflatable Moonwalks, Slides, Games & Rides. Over 200 inflatables. Insured. 404-537-1805.

Georgia Aquarium

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BIG BOOK of Parties

n My Play with Ashley myplaywithashley.com Over twenty play themes for every kind of kid! Full party service. In house or we can travel to you! 110 Genevieve Court, Fayetteville. 678-778-3128.

atlantaparent.com

n My Reptile Guys MyReptileGuys.com Amazing Reptile Parties. We also do Schools, Camps and Events. 678-472-8441. n Party on a Platter partyonaplatter.com Themed celebrations for all ages. Packages include invitations, decorations, entertainment, food, favors and more! 2030 Merrimont Way, Roswell. 678-492-8886. n Red Hot Fire Truck Events redhotfiretruckevents.com Take a ride or sound the siren of a real, red fire truck. “5-Alarm Fun” package includes fire truck ride, squirting water from a real fire hose,decorations, kid size firefighter gear and more. 404-925-1221.

Party Places n 300 Atlanta www.300atlanta.com Birthday’s at 300 Atlanta come with a twist and include: bowling, a fun table setup, amazing food and a dedicated party attendant. Contact Sales Manager Keesla Blay-Miezah to get the ball rolling on your party. 2175 Savoy Dr., Atlanta. 678-987-0529. n Adrenaline Climbing adrenalineclimbing.com Atlanta’s BEST Parties on the Rocks! Parents relax. Kids climb like crazy! 460 Brogdon Rd., Suite 100, Suwanee. 770-271-1390. n Adventure Kids www.adventurekidsfun.com Celebrate Adventure Style! It’s Party Time? Let us make it easy for you. Call one of our custom party planners to discuss your next party.

Adventure Kids is like no other playground facility you have ever seen featuring Sand Island, 3000 square feet housing 40 tons of beach sand and more. 4335 Bethelview Road, Cumming. 770-406-8952. n Art & Soul Pottery Studio artandsoulpotterystudio.com Pottery parties, tie-dyed shirts, finger painting, jewelry beading and planters. Ages 4 and up.

4920 Roswell Rd., Atlanta. 404-303-9959.

SkyZone

n Brunswick Zone XL-Kennesaw bowlbrunswick.com All parties include a dedicated party host, cheese pizza, paper goods and more. 775 Cobb Place Blvd., Kennesaw. 770-427-7679. n Center for Puppetry Arts www.puppet.org Create a birthday to remember. Catch a show, build a puppet, tour the exhibits and more. MembersOnly Birthday Party includes unique performance and celebration for your prince or princess! 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-881-5149. n Chattahoochee Nature Center ChattNatureCenter.org Animal encounter, nature hike, favors, games and FUN included! Check out our new Discovery Plan!

9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055, ext. 237. n The Children’s Museum of Atlanta www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org It’s more than a party, it’s a full day of play! Party includes a private party room, a party host, set up and clean up. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-527-3693.

n Bean Head Toys beanheadtoysonline.com Not just “a” toy store, we are a destination!

Fun parties (Sandy Springs only) designed to challenge your child’s imagination and creativity. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs, 404-851-2980; 3497 Northside Pkwy.

NW, Buckhead, 404-841-0826. n The Bounce House thebouncehouseac.com The Bounce House is designed for kids to burn some energy while also getting great exercise! Laser tag, inflatables and video gaming parties available. 765 Ash Street, Canton. 770-345-5867.

atlantaparent.com

n Day Dream Party Boutique www.daydreamsga.com All inclusive theme parties for girls, boys and adults. Enjoy the moments and memories and let us worry about details. 2693 Hwy 42N, McDonough.

678-764-6053. n E-Motions Video Game Parties www.kidsbirthdaypartyatlanta.com We provide a private gaming room for up to 30 players and 200+ games for amazing fun. 6035 Peachtree Rd., A-201 Doraville. 404-913-4263. n Funopolis Family Fun Center funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com Located by Tanger Outlets - Play, Shop and Stay. Awesome birthday parties. Group Pricing Available.

40511 Hwy. 441 South, Commerce.

706-255-2868. n Georgia Aquarium georgiaaquarium.org Themed parties like Deepo Party, Island Party, Pirate Party or Ocean Party. Includes activities, decorations and a themed cake, admission to the aquarium. 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta.

404-581-4000. n Glow Galaxy glowgalaxy.com Glow Galaxy provides unique, memorable birthday parties and open play times (not during parties) in our glow-in-the-dark play area with six large glowing inflatables, a sports court with full size basketball hoops, soccer, and football, and glow mini-golf. 6527 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross. 770-368-3008.

North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm

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BIG BOOK of Parties

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Party Planner

Treetop Quest

n Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation gwinnettparks.com Various facilities available to rent for birthday parties, team celebrations, class parties, pools, gymnasiums, pavilions, community rooms. 770-822-8840. n Hippo Hop Indoor Playground hippohopp.com Atlanta’s Premier Green Indoor Playground. Best full-service parties and open play with 2 locations. 1936 Briarwood Ct. NE, Atlanta. 404-634-4964.

Atlanta’s Newest & Coolest Laser Tag Arena Party Packages Available for All Youth & Church Group Discounts

n Interactive Neighborhood for Kids inkfun.org Parties include admission to the museum for 16 kids, 90 minutes in the party room and a t-shirt for the birthday child. 999 Chestnut Street, Gainesville. 770-536-1900. n Jumpin’ Kritters jumpinkritters.com Read, dance, and play at Jumpin’ Kritters, a no shoe-zone for ages 1-11. 3333 Buford Drive, Buford. 678-546-5015. n LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ atlanta Celebrate with a LEGO® Birthday party at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta, and have a fun-filled adventure to remember!

3500 Peachtree Rd., Suite G-1, Atlanta.

404-848-9252. ®

Enjoy 2 stories of Submarine Adventure!

Arcades, inflatables, obstacle course & the ONLY place in Georgia with LAZER FRENZYTM 2 Level State of-the-Art Laser Tag Arena PARTIES INCLUDE: Unlimited Kids Play, 2 games of laser tag or both

404-843-1121 www.SSFunHouse.com 26

BIG BOOK of Parties

n Malibu Grand Prix malibugrandprix.com/site/norcross Fun birthday parties for everyone.

Go-Karts, games and golf. I-85 at Indian Trail, Norcross. 770-416-7630. n Monster Mini Golf monsterminigolf.com 18 hole indoor Glow in the Dark Mini Golf, Party Rooms, Arcade Games and More!

2505 Chastain Meadow Pkwy., Marietta.

770-423-2212.

n Mountasia Family Fun Center mountasia.com/site/marietta Games, golf and more will make your party fun for everyone. 175 Barrett Pkwy. NW, Marietta.

770-422-7227. n North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm myfavoritezoo.com Party at the Zoo! Many Options! 2912 Paradise Valley Rd.,Cleveland. 706-348-7279. n Pink Pastry Parlor pinkpastryparlor.com We specialize in cupcakes, all-inclusive parties, and overnight pajama fun! From divas and princess spa parties to Cupcake baking parties, there’s a celebration for girls of ALL ages!

8465 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Suite 1000, Alpharetta.

770-650-7465. n Polo Club of Atlanta poloclubofatlanta.com Pony parties including petting zoo, pony rides, dressing up minature horse and donkey, play and picnic area. 5890 Polo Drive, Cumming. 770-317-7546. n RY Robotics Explorers www.ryre.org Boys and girls create their own adventure during our LEGO birthday parties. Master Builder and Robotics packages available. 715 Hembree Place, Suite A, Roswell. 770-772-6622. n Sandy Springs Fun House ssfunhouse.com The best parties happen at the Funhouse! The kids have a blast and you won’t have to lift a finger! 6650B Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-843-1121. n SkyZone skyZoneAtlanta.com SkyZone is an indoor trampoline park and family recreation facility located in north metro-Atlanta.

From toddlers to seniors, there is something unique for everyone - from 3-D dodgeball, a huge foam pit, dunk court, and the massive Open Jump, the sky’s the limit for family fun! 560 Old Peachtree Rd. NW, Suwanee. 678-745-9900.

atlantaparent.com

n Southeastern Railway Museum southeasternrailwaymuseum.org Parties in two restored rail cars and outdoor pavillion. Includes admission for up to 20 guests, goodie bags, t-shirt for honored guest and train rides. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth.

770-476-2013.

Rentals

n Stars and Strikes starsandstrikes.com Bowling, Arcade and Extreme Party Packages for kids & teens. Party Host, pizza/soda, invitations included. All new theme parties!

133 Merchant Square, Cumming; 1700 Winder Highway NE, Building 100, Dacula; 2400 Hiram/ Acworth Highway, Dallas; 1741 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain. 678-965-5707.

n Better Moonwalks of Georgia bettermoonwalks.com Bouncers, Slides, Obstacles, Combos. Wet and dry inflatables. Concessions, games and entertainers. Ponies to Petting Zoos. Tents, tables, chairs. Service with a smile and a bounce since 1993! 770-844-9978.

n Treetop Quest-An Exhibit at the Gwinnett Environment Center treetopquest.com Treetop Obstacle Course & Ziplines in Buford.

Birthday kid FREE, ages 4-8 years old. 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford. 770-904-3500. n Young Chefs Academy YoungChefsAcademy.com/northdruidhills YoungChefsAcademy.com/sandysprings Cooking birthday parties for ages 3-18. 2903 N. Druid Hills Rd., Atlanta. 404-633-2633; or 230 Hammond Dr., Sandy Springs. 404-255-9263.

atlantaparent.com

n All Thingz Inflatable www.AllThingzInflatable.com Great Moonwalks, Inflatables, Backyard Movie Screens and Games. Prices start at $150.

Serving metro Atlanta. 404-563-6497.

n Suburban Rental suburbanrental.net Those guys rent everything! 30+ years serving Atlanta. Check out our wide variety of equipment.

678-569-1271.

n Balloonacy balloonacyatlanta.com For balloon and floral décor, call on Balloonacy to add some POP to your party! 404-351-0538. n Fun-Fare fun-fare.com Atlanta’s premier event company with over 50 inflatables, quad jump, 24 ft. rock wall and trackless train. 770-425-3033. n Nothing Bundt Cakes www.NothingBundtCakes.com We’ve got a flavor for every occasion.

Call us and let the celebration begin.

5975 Roswell Road, Ste. A-103, Sandy Springs. 404-236-2114.

Sweets and Sundries

n Promo Photo Booths promo-photo.com Brand new photo booths for your next party! Fun for all ages. Reasonable prices. 3600 Dallas Hwy., Suite 230-281, Marietta. 404-388-6975.

n Atlanta Candy Girls atlantacandygirls.com Custom designed candy buffets by Atlanta Candy Girls. Looking for something extra special for your event? How about treating your guests to a candy buffet by Atlanta Candy Girls?

678-691-7025.

n Scoop-itz www.Scoop-itz.com Games, Ice Cream, Face Painting, Crafts, Music, & More. Anytime.

Anywhere. We come to you with unique Parties, Special Events and Fundraisers.

770-309-4429.

BIG BOOK of Parties

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Double Up on Birthday Fun: Pair Parties for More Fun and Less Work

by Malia Jacobson

For a double-scoop of fun at your child’s next birthday, why not host a dual party? Combined parties for siblings, cousins or friends with close birthdays are a growing trend, says Marnie Ann Pacino, author and illustrator of Cool Party, Mom! The Other Three Words Every Mother Loves to Hear. With kids’ parties becoming bigger, grander affairs, double parties let moms share the workload and the expense of birthday festivities.

Birthday parties are a much bigger deal than they used to be, says Pacino.

“Between decorations, invites, favors, activities and food, it can be exhausting and expensive. Who wouldn’t love some help running errands, cleaning up and footing the bill?”

And double parties don’t just benefit parents. For kids, a combined party often means a bigger party with more guests. “A potato sack race with 20 kids is bound to produce more giggles than the same race with 10 kids!” notes Pacino.

Shared parties are also convenient for invitees’ parents. Kathleen Yarbro combined birthday parties for Lilly, 3, and Chloe, 1, into one celebration because the girls’ birthdays are 10 days apart – one party was less hassle for everyone involved. “Most of the families we’d invite were the same for both girls,” she says. “It made more sense to invite them all at once, instead of asking them to come over two weekends in a row.”

Think a double-decker party might work for your family? Here’s how to host a sweet soiree that your child (or children) will cherish for years. n Get Input The first step to a successful double party: Ask the kids involved if it’s what they want. (If kids are too young to ask, it’s probably a safe bet that they don’t mind sharing the spotlight.) Parents shouldn’t assume that all kids necessarily want a combined party. And some children with

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BIG BOOK of Parties

very different temperaments – one who’s high strung and another who’s more retiring, for example – may not make compatible party-mates. If the guests of honor are on board, give both kids equal say in planning decisions.

n Theme Scheme If the birthday kids can’t agree on a theme, don’t choose – let each child pick a theme and use both. When Christy Ramersrus hosted a double party for her two children, Joslyn, 7, chose a pony theme,

Even at a combined party, kids should still feel special at their birthday shindig. Two birthday cakes are a must, as well as taking turns being first during games and activities. atlantaparent.com

Double the fun with these joint party themes: n Thing 1 and Thing 2 n Dora and Diego n Noah’s Ark n Princess and Knight n Cowboy and Cowgirl n Peter Pan and Tinkerbell n Max and Ruby n Humpty Dumpty and Little Miss Muffet n Spider-Man and Batman n Sugar and Spice Source: Marnie Ann Pacino, author and illustrator of Cool Party, Mom! The Other Three Words Every Mother Loves to Hear

while Carson, 4, picked Thomas the Tank Engine. Instead of deciding between the two themes, the family had separate decorations and a cake for each child in different rooms of the house. The theme combination was eclectic, Ramersrus admits, but the arrangement kept her kids happy and their guests entertained. n Gift Guidelines Buying double the birthday gifts can cause sticker shock for some guests.

To ensure that people aren’t disinclined from attending because of the burden of purchasing two gifts, consider specifying simple gifts or setting a no-gift policy. Book exchanges, where each guest brings a book to exchange in lieu of a gift, are a popular way to skirt the gift issue. n Solo Spotlight Even at a combined party, kids should still feel special at their birthday shindig. Two birthday cakes are a must, as well as taking turns being first during games and activities.

At the Yarbro party, each girl got her own rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song and sat in a seat of honor to open gifts.

Double parties can be a blast, but they’re not for everyone, Pacino notes. Sibling rivalry can be intense during certain times in a child’s development – do parents want to put up with more sibling bickering during what’s supposed to be a fun event? Solo birthday parties also give kids in large families a rare chance to be the center of attention.

But for many kids, double parties mean double the fun. So set a budget, set realistic expectations, get both birthday kids involved in the planning, and get ready for a doubledose of frosting-fueled birthday memories. atlantaparent.com

HOW DO YOU PLAY? Let Ashley carefully craft a party to entertain & enrich your little ones!

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www.myplaywithashley.com RY Robotics Explorers Birthday Parties Up to 10 children (including birthday child)

$75.00 Additional children up to 12: $8/each

ALL PARTIES INCLUDE: - Foyer area to welcome guests - Party space provided for cake, snacks, gifts - Lab space provided for LEGO party activity - Experienced instructors - Two hours of celebration and fun LEGO Master Builder Parties for 4-8 year olds Parties feature: a party theme to match the birthday child’s interests LEGO Robotics Parties for 6-12 year olds Parties feature: the use of one robot per party guest, building and computer programming LEGO is the registered trademark of the LEGO Group

www.RYRE.org BIG BOOK of Parties

29

Birthday Party Invitations, The Latest and Greatest

tinyprints.com

by Carolyn Williams

The ways we invite our children’s friends to birthday parties are constantly evolving. The choices are endless and there is never a dull moment! The invitation is the first hint that a great party is on the horizon. Here are some of the latest creative and fun ways to show your invitees that this party is going to be a highlight of the year:

n Custom-made invitations A number of websites allow you to create and customize your own party invitations. Most sites include customer reviews along with details about each card template so that you can make the best decision for your child’s invites. Pictures, clip art, information and other fun tidbits of information can be added to your designs, which will be printed and sent directly to your home. This method of creating invitations is fast and convenient. You may be surprised at what beautiful, awe-inspiring invitations you can help create in this manner.

Just some of the sites to get you going: etsy. com (search “invitations”), tinyprints.com, minted.com, and uprintinvitations.com. n Printable invitations Sure, you can still find store-bought invites, but you can also make them yourself. If you don’t have time to run to the store, you can always create invites on your computer. Start from scratch and create your own invitation on a Microsoft Word document, or use a website such as greetingsisland.com to customize a ready-to-roll invitation template. With these, you can do whatever you want and whip up an invite that is personalized, creative and fits your party’s theme perfectly.

Awesome Birthday Parties!!

Great fun for Daycare, Camp, Church, School, Mommy Morning Out and groups too!

Glow-In-The-Dark Play Area Features: • Minigolf • Football • Soccer • Basketball • Air cannons • Glow-in-the-dark inflatables • Lighted interactive game floor

770-368-3008

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BIG BOOK of Parties

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can spruce this simple invite up by inserting funny pictures or other small things to reveal the party’s theme and maybe add a poem to describe what will happen at the event. n Party favor as the invitation Guests look forward to their party favors!

Have you ever thought of turning the invitation into a party favor? For a beachthemed party, write the invite on a beach ball, deflate it, then send it in the mail or drop it off to nearby party guests. For a “superhero” party, include a superhero mask or comic book as part of the invitation. greetingsisland.com

n Evite invitations Email is always one of the fastest ways to spread word about a party. Using sites such as the popular evite.com, you can create a great party invitation that will make a colorful splash into the inbox of each of your invitees.

Some evites come in the form of cartoons or have other interactive elements (some even sing, some bark!) for an extra surprise. With the invitation templates, all you do is insert the information for your party and add a photo if desired, then you’re off and rolling!

Within minutes, all of your friends will know about your child’s upcoming party. n Facebook invitations Now that social media is all the rage, Facebook is another easy avenue for letting people know about your child’s party. Create an event page that includes all of the details of your party and insert a cute picture of your child for the event page’s profile picture. You

770-844-9978

n Puzzle invitations Putting puzzles together is always fun for kids, especially when there is a message waiting to be discovered once the puzzle is complete. Many stores, such as Target, have packages of pre-cut, blank puzzles that you can write the invitation on and decorate. After you are finished with the crafty part, break the puzzle apart and mail one to each of your invitees. n Themed invitations The ever-popular and always classic choice for a birthday invitation is the themed invitation. After deciding the theme of your child’s party, visit the local hobby or grocery store and look for invitations that match your decision, or for trinkets and decorations that suit your theme so you can add them to homemade invitations. Party City carries a wide variety of specialized birthday invitations.

Almost always, you can find decorations and party favors here that coordinate directly with the birthday party theme.

Cook Up Some Birthday Fun! Jump into our kitchens for a hands-on culinary adventure!

Summer Camps!

Cooking Classes!

Birth da Parti y es!

North Druid Hills/Emory - 404.633.2633 www.YoungChefsAcademy.com/northdruidhills Sandy Springs - 404.255.9263 www.YoungChefsAcademy.com/sandysprings

Reserve Promo-Photo’s state-of-the-art photo booth TODAY! Comes with props and a photo CD with all the photos

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Bubble Celebrations

One-Hour Entertainment Fun, Age-Appropriate Music Dancing and Party Games and an amazing

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W W W . B U B B L E C E L E B R AT I O N S . C O M

atlantaparent.com

BIG BOOK of Parties

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Look-Alikes and Characters Entertainment

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber Katy Perry Shake Up Dancers Victoria Justice and more..

Make your Party special & unique with our Kids favorite performing Popstars, Movie, & TV star Celebrity Look-alikes http://www.partypop.com/Vendors/4268021.htm

770-713-4303

YOUR PRIVATE VIDEO GAME PLAYGROUND

Private video game parties Dedicated group space 30 guests play at once on 9 flat screens and hundreds of games & gadgets

WHERE KIDS JUMP OFF OUR WALLS...

NOT YOURS!  Summer Camps  8000 sq/ft Facility  8 Inflatables  Toddler Area

 Laser Tag  Parents Night Out  Overnight Lock-Ins  Xbox, Wii, & Rock Band  Private Party Rooms video games

Wii, Xbox 360 w/ Kinect, PS3, retro games, movies, karaoke machine, Internet, and more!

Birthday packages for age 5 to adult New location in the Doraville BrandsMart & Super H Mart Shopping Plaza

770-345-JUMP

765 Ash Street, Canton, 30115

404-913-GAME (4263) www.EMOTIONSATL.com

www.thebouncehouseac.com

Jumpin’ Kritters

A FUN FACTORY FOR KIDS AGES 1-11.

Join us for story-time or party-time!

Birthday Parties!

Show Reality TV Featured N network on the OW

Baby Zumba Classes on Saturdays! $10, Dance, Read, & Play All Day Afterschool programs

678-546-5015

www.JumpinKritters.com

Parties Include: Pedicures, Manicures , Costumes, Decorating Craft , Food Buffet, Balloons, Cake, Goody Bags, and more!

Don’t Miss Atlanta’s

Sat. October 13

Mall of GA, 3333 Buford Dr., Buford GA 30519

BEST

Block Party!

Mercer University Atlanta Campus

10 am - 4 pm

To exhibit or sponsor contact Kaitlyn Morris 678-222-1911 or e-mail kmorris@atlantaparent.com 32

BIG BOOK of Parties

atlantaparent.com

BBP12-DayDreamsGA-9thSpot.pdf

1

From Princesses to Events

by Noelle kidz Pirates........

We'll customize DreamFree!

Unique!

Creative!aStress Budget Friendly Themed Parties Party for You! for Ages 3 to 18 in your home or preferred venue!

*Party Hostess *Themed *Spajama *Game Trucks Activities *Science *Rock/Rap Star www.daydreamsga.com * Glam and Princess Parties *Arty Party * Customized Themed Extravaganzas 678-764-6053 Partiesbeautiful include: interactive stations, food, Our party tablescapes, bags, and soat much more! facility goodie is located

404-234-5675 2693 Hwy 42N McDonough 30253 www.ebnkidz.com

From Princesses to Pirates........

We'll customize a Dream Party for You! *Party Hostess *Themed Activities

678-764-6053 www.daydreamsga.com Our beautiful party facility is located at 2693 Hwy 42N McDonough 30253

6/12/2012

2:06:21 PM

BEST Art !

Parties

❉ Pottery ❉ Tie - Dye ❉ Flower Pots ❉ Canvas painting ❉ Jewelry

[404] 303-9959

❉ Sandy Springs ❉ ArtandSoulPotteryStudio.com

The Ar tistic Place 404-438-8261 AGES 5 TO 13

We Bring the ARTistic Themed Parties to You! 1 1/2 to 2 hour events Customized to your child's favorite theme

DECORATIONS, INVITES, ART & CRAFT ACTIVITIES *BUDGET FRIENDLY PACKAGES*

*Ask about our Afterschool, Camps, Classes, and hourly Babysitting

www.TheARTisticPlace.com 3275-C Snapfinger Rd. Decatur 30038

5 Acres of Fun for All Ages

•Arcade Games •Laser Tag •Mini Golf •Go Karts •Rock Wall •Spider Zone •Inflatables Check out our Water Attractions:

•Bumper Boats •Water Slide •Water Wars Upgraded Themed Parties have matching character visit.

70 6 - 3 3 5 - F UNN

40155 Hwy 441,Commerce, GA • I-85@Exit 149-Banks Crossing

WWW.FUNOPOLISFAMILYFUNCENTER.COM atlantaparent.com

BIG BOOK of Parties

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BIG BOOK of Parties Advertiser Index 300 Atlanta.................................................................. 6

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids............................... 4

A Zoo To You............................................................. 14

Jason’s Music Party................................................... 33

Adventure Kids.......................................................... 21

Jumpin Kritters.......................................................... 32

Art & Soul Pottery Studio........................................... 33

Jumptastic Moonwalks.............................................. 23

The Artistic Place...................................................... 33

Legoland® Discovery Center Atlanta.......................... 35

Atlanta Candy Girls.................................................... 26

Little Beat Music....................................................... 23

Auntie Renee Storyteller............................................ 20

Look-Alikes and Characters Entertainment................ 32

Balloonacy................................................................. 12

Malibu Grand Prix...................................................... 31

Bean Head Toys........................................................ 18 Better Moonwalks of Georgia.................................... 31 Big Thinkers Science Exploration............................... 14 The Bounce House.................................................... 32 Brunswick Bowl Zone XL-Kennesaw.......................... 27 Bubble Celebration.................................................... 31 Center for Puppetry Arts............................................ 11 Chattahoochee Nature Center................................... 22 The Children’s Museum of Atlanta............................. 23 Copy Cats for Kids.................................................... 12 Day Dream Party Boutique........................................ 33 Dream Friends Entertainment................................... 17 E Motions Video Game Parties.................................. 32 Events by Noelle Kidz................................................ 33

Miss Gail and The Jumpin’ Jam Band........................ 22 Monster Mini Golf...................................................... 33 Mountasia Family Fun Center.................................... 31 My Play with Ashley................................................... 29 North Georgia Zoo & Petting Farm............................. 14 Nothing Bundt Cakes................................................. 35 Party on a Platter....................................................... 18 Pink Pastry Parlor...................................................... 32 Platinum Media Group . ............................................ 33 Polo Club of Atlanta................................................... 23 Promo Photo Booths................................................. 31 RY Robotics Explorers............................................... 29 Red Hot Fire Truck Events......................................... 22

Fun-Fare.................................................................... 11

Sandy Springs Funhouse........................................... 26

Fun-O-Rama Parties................................................... 7

Scoop-itz................................................................... 35

Funopolis Family Fun Center..................................... 33

Sky Zone...................................................... back cover

Game Truck Party........................................................ 2

Southeastern Railway Museum................................... 4

Georgia Aquarium..................................................... 19

Stars and Strikes Getaway and Play............................ 3

Glow Galaxy.............................................................. 30

Suburban Rental........................................................ 14

Gwinnett County Parks & Rec. Dept............................ 6

Treetop Quest........................................................... 33

Hippo Hopp Indoor Playground.................................. 14

Young Chefs Academy.............................................. 31

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BIG BOOK of Parties

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Make today a

celebration.

Call it Just Because Day. Call it I Deserve It Day. Call it I’m Surrounded With People Who Love Me Day. Call it whatever you want.

Then call us to make it a celebration.

FREE Bundtlet when you bring in this ad

(404) 236-2114 5975 Roswell Road, Suite A-103 Sandy Springs

Limit one coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Redeemable only at the bakery listed. Must be claimed in-store during normal business hours. No cash value. Expires 5/31/13

It’s time to P-A-R-T-Y! Party includes admission to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center! and much more!

• Free admission for birthday child workshop for your party with • Private Model Builder • Birthday cake and party meal Private LEGO themed party room for • your guest Just $35 per child! for more information visit www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com or call 404-848-9252

®

INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK

theULTIMATE

PLAY experience!

3-D Dodgeball I SkyRobics™ Fitness Classes I Open Jump Corporate & Group Events I Birthday Parties I Foam Zone Join us for

SkyRobics™ Fitness Classes Classes available Monday-Saturday

Fitness Bootcamp Fitness Aerobics

Join us for SkyCamp (Kids 6-12) May 29-June 1 • June 18-22 • July 16-20

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park 560 Old Peachtree Rd NW Suwanee, GA 30024

www.skyzoneatlanta.com follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/skyzoneatlanta