Manners & Responsibility: Kids at Parties

Kids love their birthday even before they quite know what it is. And what's not to love about cake, presents, friends, and family? Some parents thrive on the planning, decorating, and hosting; others want to make the event as fuss-free as possible. No matter what your party profile, here are plenty of ideas to help you get started on a celebration your child will love.

Making the Most of Baby's First

Your baby's first year -- and yours as his parent -- is a milestone worthy of a party. But this may not be the year for a big blowout. Your newly minted 1-year-old may be overwhelmed by a large crowd.

1. One way to keep your event simple yet celebratory is to host an open house, particularly ideal if some of your guests are driving an hour or two to get there, or have their own kids with their own schedules and needs. Have your party from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and allow people to come and go as they please. That way, there's no pressure for your child to be "on" at a certain time, and you're not attempting to plan your event around naps, meals, or moods.

For bigger parties, which are especially ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, here are real-life tips that will make your day fun and festive.

Read more at source: 40 Tips and Ideas for Food, Location, Favors, Gifts, and Games