Your child’s next birthday party can be a beautiful bash or a boring bust — depending on how well you plan the details.
To ensure miles of smiles, Captain Cartoon gathered expert advice on how to make that special occasion a day to remember.

•Party planners agree that the first step is to discuss with your child the type of party he or she desires — the number of friends, the theme, the type of food, etc. It’s always a good thing to try to follow your child’s wishes.

•Always put safety first. Carefully consider the place for the party — your own home or an establishment that has a track record of hosting children’s parties. The Pete Rose Ballpark Cafe (in Boynton Beach), Superplay USA (in Port St. Lucie), and other places provide great party rooms and accessories.

•Remember, a dozen or more young ones — armed with balloons, noisemakers and other party gear — can quickly get out of control. So consider bringing a helper to help you keep track of where the youngsters are at all times.

•Nothing kills the fun quicker than boredom, so experts advise you keep the party time to about two hours — and have several good activities planned.

•Some of the biggest hits are face painters, DJs, magicians, clowns, balloon twisters and caricature artists -- who provide the guests with wonderful souvenirs to take home. Caricaturist Captain Cartoon not only creates caricatures, he can also produce coloring book pages kids can color -- or even turn the party into a fun-filled learn to draw session. At one party the kids drew caricatures of each other -- and that was a blast!

•Kids vary a lot in their individual food tastes and sometimes are very picky about what they eat. Your menu may include pizza, ice cream and cake, but always include a backup item because, believe it or not, all kids do not love pizza.

•The best standby is an inexpensive one — peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Parents will also appreciate it if you remind them on the party invitation to let you know if their children have any food allergies. It’s best to hold children’s parties on weekends — when “drop-and-run” parents are more apt to hang around and help provide “crowd control.”

•Don’t assume parents can find the venue. Include a Xeroxed map, or clear directions, with the invitation.

•Get your digital camera ready, or stock up on film in advance, so you don’t miss any precious moments. But remember, younger children can get scared or upset by flashes.

•Parents often tote along younger siblings, so be sure to have kiddie toys available for those toddlers to enjoy. As a courtesy, also have some snacks and beverages available for the parents, who usually develop their own party-hearty appetites during the festivities.

Follow these simple rules, and your child — and your guests — will have a party they’ll treasure forever!

Check out our Entertainers Page for some great party performers!