Make a Statement With Character Parties

So your child's birthday is coming up, and you're busy rounding up the guest list and planning the menu. But chances are you haven't thought of a theme for the party. Many parents-and party planners in general-go straight into the planning without settling on a theme. While it's not exactly a necessity, choosing a theme helps you plan more efficiently and make more organized choices. These days, one of the most popular children's themes is a character party.

It's a proven fact that kids love character-based entertainment. That's why Mickey Mouse, Elmo and Spongebob have long been staples in TV and games. At parties, they add a friendly face to the event that most guests, adults and kids alike, can relate to. And since there are always new characters on the market, they never get old-it's just matter of knowing which ones your child will like best.

You don't have to have expensive mascots at the party, although you can if you have the budget and room for it. Most of the time, though, there are simpler ways to incorporate the theme. For starters, look for paper plates and cups that feature your child's favorite character or TV show. Since it's a children's party, you don't have to use your best china anyway. You can even get reusable plastic dishes so you can keep them afterwards.

Of course, no birthday party is complete without a birthday cake. Many places offer custom character cakes, but they can be pretty expensive. One good alternative is character cupcakes. Cupcakes are a lot cheaper and easier to make, and you can personalize them to suit the theme. Use colored frosting and candy toppings to create the character designs, and arrange them on a cupcake platter or cake board to make a nice centerpiece.

Finally, complete the mood with some festive music. The obvious choice would be the character's theme song if they have one. You can also make a mix of party songs to go with it, so you'd have something to play for the meal itself, the games, and the blowing of the candle. No matter which character you choose, a bit of creativity certainly goes a long way in making your child's birthday a memorable one.