41 r Av es :
14
recalls. 'And we always plan it when
our child is at her freshest." Because
many toddlers nap in the afternoon,
several parents agree that late-morning
parties work well because that's when
kids are in their most energetic and cel-
ebratory mood.
Picture this._
You 're enjoying a delicious
creative dish compliments of our
noted chef, Megan Harber. You 're
laughing with friends and
family, sipping your favorite cocktail. This is the life!
Short time
and lots
of help.
Hiring outside entertainment almost
always ensures rave reviews. But, say
experienced parents, be aware that
oftentimes toddlers would rather eat a
bowl of brussels sprouts than spend five
seconds with a huge purple animal or
big furry critter. "Those ideas can back-
fire," says one Bloomfield Township
mother who hired a Cookie Monster-
type actor to pay a surprise birthday-
party visit.
Murray, who has hosted two home
parties for her 2-year-old son, Samuel,
has learned from experience that when
you host parties at your own home for
kids under 3 or 4, it's nice to request
that parents attend as well. "It's impossi-
ble to try and manage several kids by
yourself," Murray says.
Sometimes when parents leave young
children at a party, kids show signs of
separation anxiety "Even at the age of
4, it's not uncommon to see parents
stay with their kids at parties," Murray
says. "That's when it's a good idea to
have a sandwich or deli-style tray on
hand ... for the adults."
But when the weather's not promis-
ing and you don't want your house and
gardens torn apart by high-energy tod-
dlers, there are plenty of metro area
party sites.
Consider bowling alleys (Langan's
Bowling Alley in Farmington Hills
throws two-hour bumper bowl bashes
for youngsters), water parks, nature cen-
ters (the new Madison Heights center is
receiving rave reviews), community cen-
ters and health clubs as site possibilities.
The success of a party also depends on
something as simple as the party's dura-
tion. "Two hours max," Murray con-
tends. 'After that, everyone goes hay-
wire." ❑
Want a one-of-a-kind Bar or
Bat Mitzvah, birthday party,
anniversary party or any
special occasion.
Brunch every Sat. & Sun. llam-Spm
248 686-1313
826 W. Fourth Street, Royal Oak
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
•
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
Open 7 days a week
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • •
think of
• • • • • • • •
• • • • • •
• • • •
Specializing in unique and unusual
gifts for every occasion.
• • •
Bridal Showers • Weddings • Anniversaries
Birthdays • Holidays • Graduations
•
• • • • • • •
• • • • •
• • •
• •
When
you think of
GIFTS
SHERWOOD!
GIFTS 30% OFF
(most mfrs)
Plus Complimentary Gift Wrapping
SHOP SHERWOOD... ITS ALWAYS WORTH IT!
6644 Orchard Lake Rd at Maple
West Bloomfield • 810 855-1600
Mon-Thur 10-9 Tue-Wed-Fri-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-5
• •
• • • •
• • • • •
• • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • •
• •
• • •
• • • • •
• • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • •
01- 1 t Six seri
•
• • •
• • • • •
• • • • •
• • • • •
• • • • •
• • • • •
• • • • •
.
•
3/20
. ..
110
'va s,
098
C29