Children’s Parties.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9, 4 March 1905, Page 56

Children’s Parties.

It is not everyone who can give a children's party that results in pleasure and enjoyment to all; and now that the children’s party season is in full swing, a few words as to the management of these may not be misplaced. The mother often finds that these parties are a great deal more trying and take quite as much preparation as it does when she is entertaining her own friends. A children’s party, to be a success, should be superintended by one who thoroughly understands the little ones, and a few grown-ups are required to join in the games and froilc, and make them go with a will.

When issuing the invitations, see that not too many are invited, as in this case it is very awkward to arrange games that all ean join in, and some shy little people may be left out in the cold. Send the invitations out on pretty cards, specially sold for children, as the young folk like these better than the stiff, grown-up ones.

For girls and boys from about thirteen to sixteen, perhaps nothing is more successful than a “progressive games” party. This is conducted on similar lines to "progressive whist.” The boys and girls are provided with little cards and pencils, blue for the former and pink, for the latter. Have as many small tables placed round the room as you will require for the number invited, and put one game on each table. Board games that can be played by four persons answer the purpose beat, and race games being general favourites, these should be included; and tiddlewinks also answers the purpose. Pair th children off to start, and arrange four at each table. The winner of

the game gains one mark, and proceeds to the next table and so on. This causes a lot of amusement, and there is no pausing to wonder what games shall be played next. Prizes should be presented to the boy and girl winners and also “booby” prizes to the two who have the lowest number of marks.

If you give a party on these lines refreshments should be passed round while the games are in progress and a nice supper be ready when they are all over. Do not arrange for the number the winners have to reach to be too high, or the games will take up too much time, and some may have to go home supperless. It is not very difficult to think of games that will interest children of younger ages, and for a good romping game, blind man's buff is a general favourite, and hard to beat. Hunt the thimble is usually liked by all. and may be varied a little if the hostess beforehand hides little presents all round the room, and sets the children at work to find them.

For a young children’s party, try and arrange that they sit down to the table to supper, and a great many accidents will be avoided. See that the little girls are provided with largo serviettes, so that their pretty dresses may not be spoilt, or the enjoyment marred by wondering what mother will say when she finds the party dress all stained with lemonade or coffee.

When preparing supper for the children, remember that they like pretty dishes as well as grown-up people; and simple, wholesome dainties may be made to look very tempting without using a lot of rich ingredients. For instance, if custard is used with trifles, they look just as well as when covered with cream, and sponge cake and custard can do no harm to the most delicate child; and there are several other dishes which can be treated in a similar way.