Family | The CHESHIRE Magazine
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OUTSIDE
the Box Liz Taylor looks at what it takes to create the most memorable children’s parties
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hildren are more sophisticated and tech-savvy than ever before. A fact most parents are aware of! The influence of digital HD television, i-Pads, movies, music and the minefield (to most sane adults anyway) of virtual reality worlds, that challenge the skills of the most ardent computer gamer, is strong. There’s a tech revolution that has crept into all aspects of life; parties included. Young people’s expectations are grander now. The youthful naivety has (in many cases) gone. Ambitions are bold. And so, kids ideas and plans for milestone celebrations have naturally raised the creative and tech game for parents, and party planners. So how does a family manage to stay ahead of the curve? My advice - you don't. From Peppa Pig to Star Wars, Willy Wonka to Alice in Wonderland, families come to me with a dream party in mind and it’s my job to turn that fantasy into reality. It helps that my own young grandchildren have kept me on the radar of Paw Patrol and Ben 10. Sports, music and technology are always high on the list too. Entertainment choices often look to talent show bands, magicians, dancers as X-Factor and BGT has the youth audience entranced. A new era of popular talent. But surprisingly as those children get older, the parties become less routed in popular themes.
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They are more focused on bringing a bit of the ‘magic’ back: 18th and 21st celebrations that embrace fairy-tales, for example; the early adventures of Winnie the Pooh or The Wizard of Oz. The innocence of great stories brought alive once again. A simpler concept perhaps, but still filled with extremely detailed elements to celebrate your theme. The devil is always in the details!
Whether eight or 18 your child is an individual. Create a party around their passions. I said you shouldn’t try to keep up with trends. I meant it. Follow my lead on this. Whether eight or 18 and whatever the milestone is, your child is an individual. Create a party around their passions. 20 children in a village hall or 200 people in a luxury venue, keep the party centred around what they love in life – and not what you feel they should have. Walk your own path. (tlc-ltd.co.uk)
