Consider the following when planning your kid's birthday:

Plan your child's birthday party at least one month ahead of time. This way you can reserve party facilities and entertainment and send invitations out well ahead of the party.

Remember to include the following information in the party invitations:

· party occasion
· day and date of party
· party location and address
· start and end time of party
· RSVP deadline, your phone number and e-mail address

It's a good idea to ask guests in the invitation to confirm their attendance to the party. This way you can purchase the partyware and favors for the number of guests that are actually coming.

Select a date for the party when most of your kid's friends can attend.

It's best to plan the birthday celebration for the weekend closest to your child's birthday.

A morning party is a good idea for young children. Make sure to end the party well before the pre-nap-time-fussies begin!

If you don't want to provide a full meal, you can throw a party between standard meal times and offer snacks.