Making the season bright for children

Agonizing over the color of those custom invitations? Deciding whether or not to serve gourmet appetizers? Stop right there! When it comes to great children's holiday parties, kids remember the exciting activities--not the green and red plates or fancy napkins, advises event planner Brenda Dronkers, CEO of Pump It Up, LLC, Pleasanton, Calif.

"Getting children involved in fun, physical play makes for a great, memorable party, especially during the holidays when they have plenty of energy and their excitement levels are running high," notes Dronkers, offering the following tips to ensure a get-together's success:

Make it active. For kids of all ages, provide plenty of opportunity for climbing, bouncing, tumbling, or participating in some type of physical activity. "Even if you have some type of holiday craft planned, combine it with some active time. Most children won't be able to sit still for more than 10 minutes at a time."

Keep it well supervised. Have plenty of adult supervision to ensure the youngsters' safety and security. "If you are entertaining small children, be sure to 'child proof' your party environment."

Make it fun. In addition to plenty of activities, have lots of festive food and drinks on hand, as well as age-appropriate holiday music and entertainment. "It's smart to get your child involved in the planning and preparation," concludes Dronkers. "Allow them to have a say in the location, the games, the guests--and ask for their ideas on ways to fully celebrate the holiday."

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