Sneak a preview of Annie's new CD, and learn about how it was produced! <<Back to Annie's Programs Anne Delaney-Hoelscher IS Find out why this amazing mom is such an amazing performer!

The following party tips are what I have used for my own children or observed at birthday parties that I have provided entertainment at for over 16 years (it will be 17 years on November 14, 2003.) I have tried them all and they sure do work! Thanks to all the Moms, Dads & kids for giving me such great ideas to share! 1. Depending on the child, there are two ways to find out how many children to invite to your child's birthday party. The Child's age = how many children to invite. Double that amount if you have a child who can handle a lot of hoopla. Please remember, children are happier when they have quality attention. Quantity is not as important and too many children can be overwhelming to young children. (i.e.) Age 4, invite 4 kids or double makes 8 kids. If you decide to have a bushel full of children (In some large families with lots of siblings, cousins and friends, having a small party is just not at all possible), never fear..."Annie theClown" is here!!! 2. Make the refreshments simple. Kids generally don't eat (much) at birthday parties. Serve finger or "grazing" foods, such as cereals, cut up fruit, and finger sandwiches. Sandwiches such as Peanut butter and Jelly, Banana and Peanut Butter & Apple Butter are tried and true favorites. Make them ahead of time, chill, then cut them into funny shapes with cookie cutters. For children, simple is better, but presentation is everything! Kids love silly...serve an ice cream cake and make "cake" cup cakes in ice cream cone cups. It's kind of backwards...that's why they love it so much! 3. Purchase a white paper or plastic table cloth (a plain colored one will also do) and crayons, enough for all the children. Place crayons next to each place setting (or just toss 'em in the middle of the table.) The kids can draw on the table cloth. This is great for fidgety fingers! Give each child a paper bag with their name on it. They can each decorate their very own Grab Bag. 4. Cheerios and Fruit Loops (or any other kind of O cereal) make fun and tasty necklaces. Place bowls of cereal on the table and let the kids make necklaces or bracelets with yarn, clean shoelaces, pipe cleaners, or licorice laces. Kids love to take them home to show them off! 5. Games for children should be simple yet silly! Play the "Silly Banana" Game. It's played just like hot potato, but you use a banana. A banana is easier for young children to hold and the kids find a squishy banana more interesting than a potato! A note about Prizes: No one likes to lose. So when you are having games at a children's party, announce at the beginning that the first rule is that there are no losers. The special prize for the winner is that he/she gets to pick a prize first. 6. Opening Presents Most children get bored when the birthday child opens his or her presents. Also, when a child opens up presents at a party, small pieces can get lost or scattered everywhere. If you choose not to open presents at the party, tell your child beforehand that you would like to set a special time for you and he/she to have a "present party". This can be done right after the party. If you still want to have your child open presents at his or her party, have a small wrapped present for every child at the party (gifts can be purchased for under a dollar.) They can pick numbers from a bowl or a hat and each time that the birthday child opens a gift, one of the guests opens a gift too! This great Party tip for opening presents just came from one of my customers. Helen lets her children open up their gifts as the guests arrive. This is so cool in my book, because each gift gets individual attention and each guest gets an individual "THANKS, I LOVE IT!!!" 7. If you plan on having "Annie the Clown" or another character at a very young child's birthday party, please remember to hold the child up at eye level. This way, the clown or character doesn't seem so big. (Please note: "Annie the Clown" is a non threatening female clown with kid friendly clown makeup.) 8. Last but not least...keep the kids busy! Entertainment with "Annie the Clown" and Party Palace Productions is one of the smartest party tips!! To book or plan a party or to request references or more info, please call: Office: (732) 415-8504 Cell: (908) 907-5904 Jackson, NJ ©Copyright 2002. Anne Delaney-Hoelscher. All Rights Reserved.