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Plan a soiree where people of all ages will be comfortable, safe and entertained. People will usually ask if they can bring kids or extended family. This is a good opportunity to find out how many kids and their ages and whether guests have special needs.
Kid-Friendly Affairs
Most adult parties are boring for kids. No clowns. No balloons. They just don’t get it. To keep kids from running wild at your social, take the following precautions:
- Fire safety: Do not leave lighted candles unattended in bathrooms or anywhere little hands might reach.
- Protect the pooch: Put all pets away for the evening. Yeah, they’re cute, but dogs and cats can get nippy when mauled by 2-year-olds. And more fragile animals like hamsters or birds could be injured. You also lessen the risk of someone accidentally letting them out.
- Create a kid haven: Set aside a study or den as a play area. Equip it with a few toys, videos, computer games, coloring books and crayons. The kids don’t have to stay there — that would be unsociable. But at least you’ve provided a kid-friendly environment where they can amuse themselves.
- Kids’ menu: Make a few kid-friendly foods: cheese, Goldfish, pretzels, popcorn, carrots, peppers. If you’re having a dinner party, a good bet for the kids would be mac and cheese or cheese pizza. Make some mulled cider or buy some “kid champagne” – the sparkling cider. Make sure they have a kid table where they can reach their special snacks. And this way, they won’t be dripping dip all over the adult version.
Older Adults
What about a family member who comes with a walker?
- Safe entry: Make sure the entry is well lit.
- Clear walkways: Clear sidewalks and porch of kids’ toys or anything someone might trip over. Inside, make sure there is a wide walkway that someone with a wheelchair or walker could safely navigate. Take up slippery area rugs. Make sure any changes in floor level are well marked with plants or furniture.
- Seating: Even if you’re planning a stand-up cocktail party, you should always have a few seats arranged in small cozy groups. This additionally makes conversation easy and audible.
- Tables: Position small tables near some of the seating so guests can put their drinks or food down.
- Food: Prepare some plain low-fat foods that have little or no salt.
Got Guests of All Ages?: Created on December 5th, 2006. Last Modified on December 5th, 2006
