Birthday Party Planning Guide

ENTERTAINMENT... For the best in children's  entertainment, call Johnny Ould.  As "Jonathon T. Wizard", with his wide variety of magic fun, and the Birthday child as his main assistant, they will keep everyone "spellbound"!

WHERE TO HOLD THE PARTY?

• Jonathon can perform in any area of your home.  A family or playroom,  is the best place.  In summer, the lawn/patio is nice if it's not too hot. However, indoor areas are more comfortable with fewer distractions.

• The typical party of about 3 hours starts with A game the children can join in as they arrive; Entertainment; Another Game or two; Gift opening; Cake/Ice Cream (last if possible); getting ready for to go HOME.

• Invite at least another mother, relative or local teenager to help you with the Party. Supervision during refreshments, cake, ice cream and gift opening calls for help.

• Assign someone to take PICTURES! Check your camera, videotape, batteries and film supply a day or two before the Party. (If taking video, you need Jonathon's approval in advance)

• Add to the fun of the Party.  Streamers, balloons, cut-outs of animals, dinosaurs or theme characters all add to the "Happy Birthday" motif.  AVOID; noise makers, snacks & drinks etc. in children's hands prior to or during the show.

• Gifts can be a distraction to your other party activities. They are best opened AFTER the entertainment, near the end of the party.

• Have a professionally decorated cake made. If you're creative, make your own! A cake made from a mix can be decorated with gumdrops, animal crackers, small plastic toys, dolls, suckers ... Let your imagination gowild!

FUN GAME IDEAS
If you decide to extend the Party past the traditional magic show, refreshments, cake, ice cream and gifts, be prepared with some fun games ideas. Jonathon suggests the following fun and good time fillers!

BALL TOSS

• Line up several 'grocery' boxes, each about a foot ahead of the other. A child stands on the "foul line" and tosses the ball into each successive box, starting with nearest one. Each child gets a chance, but are 'out', the first time their ball fails to land in the box.  Can anyone get the ball into every box?

• A favourite for generations!  Arrange a circle of chairs, pillows, place mats, carpet tiles, or paper plates, etc.... placing one less than the number of children. When the music starts, everyone marches around the "seats".  Each time the music stops, all the children drop on to, or stand on, the nearest "seat".  Each time someone is eliminated, one "seat" is removed.  Play continues until only one child is left!

• Each child draws a picture on a piece of coloured paper. (This part could be done at the beginning of the Party while waiting for all guests to arrive.)  The finished drawings are then cut into a few pieces and piled in the centre of the table.  Who will be first to put  their puzzle together, by reaching into the pile and finding the right pieces to their own picture?  Put each child's picture into their "goodie bag" to take home, thus cleaning up any mess too!

• Everybody sits on the floor in a big circle and rolls a ball, the "hot potato", to each other as fast as they can. The idea is not to get caught, and eliminated, with the ball when the music stops or the whistle blows. TIP! Use a special gift package of flat type prizes, each being secreted between layers of wrapping paper. Each child gets to unwrap one layer, keep the exposed prize (as they get 'caught', controlled by you) to take home. This obviously could be an ideal finale to the party!

FUN FOOD IDEAS

Best served after the entertainment ...not before or during the magical fun show!

CUPCAKE CONES

• Use flat-bottomed ice cream cones; fill 3/4 full with cake batter and bake;  batter will rise to fill cone. Frost each cupcake cone, decorate as desired;  add candles and arrange on a plate.  They are easy to serve and there are no dishes to clean!

• One part Sprite to two parts Hawaiian Punch makes a fizzy, delicious taste treat!

• Carefully slit a hot dog from the bottom, about 2" to form legs. Cut a thin slice into each side, toward the top "Head" end, to form arms. When the hot dogs are boiled, the slits will open up to form arms and legs.  You can add faces, buttons, shoes, etc. using cheese spread, mustard and catsup from squeeze bottles!

MORE? You must check out "The Complete Children's Party Survival Guide" at  http://www.kidspartysurvivalguide.com This British Web Site in Windsor, Berkshire England, for party planners, is a GREAT resource!
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9... You can always count on Jonathon T. Wizard to take care of the entertainment for your child's party!   As easy as 1 2 3! he'll make the difference between a party and a CELEBRATION!

PLAN AHEAD.
BOOK YOUR CHILD'S BIRTHDAY PARTY DATE IN ADVANCE!
CONTACT Johnny Ould NOW -  Email me...
JOHNNY OULD - Magical Entertainer - (519) 944-9424
904 Lawrence Road, Windsor, N8Y-3Z8