Send party invitations at least two weeks ahead of the big date, three weeks before if the date falls on or around a holiday or long weekend. If most of the people invited have an email address, by all means send those invitations by email. A very fun idea for jazzing up birthday invitations and cards is to include a sprinkle of birthday confetti inside the envelope. Also, birthday invitation stickers are especially cool - Kids will love to help decorate the envelopes with these. These are also perfect to add to the thank you notes.

When doing a party at home, keep the numbers small. Three to four children per a two year old child are enough, add one or two more children per each year older to a maximum of 12. If you invite more than 12 find a venue for the party or put a tent outside the house.

Keep the menu simple. Do not panic trying to make elaborated appetizers. Offer healthy snacks like wheat crackers, cheese sticks, grapes, etc. The mini quesadillas are a good alternative to pizza.

Limit sweets. Sweet treats will only turn children wild. Cake and soft drinks already contain lots of sugar. Leave aside sodas and chocolate cake unless you are planning a party away from home. Your carpet will thank you.

Organize a party for 90 minutes. Anything longer that that is too difficult. Here is the basic countdown.

20 minutes: Free game to break the ice. Try displaying a large sheet of paper on the floor and supply lots of crayons and markers (washable). Here's an idea: make each guest lie on the roll of paper and trace around them. Let the children have fun with colors.

40 minutes: Main activity. Could your husband or a hired clown do magic tricks? Older kids love tie-dye or a party with rock band. Do not wait to get their attention for a long time.

15 minutes: Birthday cake and snacks.

15 minutes: Free game (to lower the sugar). Simply put dance music and throw some balloons to the floor for children to play.

Move all the furniture to the walls of the room to make more room and have fun.

Keep away all objects easy to break.

Balloons make it more fun.

Place a large trash can close to the party room. Kids can throw cups and plates and you will not have to carry food to the kitchen.

Designate a photographer (Either Uncle Joe - 20 years old and without children) because you just cannot make good pictures and coordinate the party.

Relax and enjoy the party. Do not worry about little things. The most important thing is that your child will remember having fun in the celebration and breaking the piñata more than the decorations placed perfectly.