UK-Entertainers http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog The UK directory of children's party entertainers Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:59:54 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Complete (Free) Easter Egg hunt guide for all ages http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2012/04/complete-free-easter-egg-hunt-guide/ http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2012/04/complete-free-easter-egg-hunt-guide/#comments Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:43:50 +0000 Jenn http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/?p=286 Complete (Free) Easter Egg hunt guide for all agesEaster Egg Hunts are a great way of starting your Easter morning. Just follow the easy instructions to create an egg hunt individual to your child. We have all the Easter Egg Hunt Clues written and ready to print, with advice on how to use them to make the Egg Hunt quicker or trickier! We’veContinue Reading

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]]> Complete (Free) Easter Egg hunt guide for all agesEaster Egg Hunts are a great way of starting your Easter morning. Just follow the easy instructions to create an egg hunt individual to your child. We have all the Easter Egg Hunt Clues written and ready to print, with advice on how to use them to make the Egg Hunt quicker or trickier! We’ve also provided the answers to the clues - strictly for adult use only! Whatever the age of your child(ren) we have Easter Egg Hunt clues tailored to them. UK-Entertainers has Easter Egg Hunts for toddlers, young children working with an adult, some for children who are learning about or who understand rhymes, ones for children who can read the clues themselves and the more advanced cryptic and puzzle clues for a hunt for older or more independent children.  We’ve done all the hard work for you; all you need are the eggs! To cater for all ages and abilities, we've produced 5 Easter Egg Hunts, just click on the one appropriate for your child. We've tried to make the clues are as generic as possible, just use the ones that are appropriate to your home and family. You may notice that some hiding places have multiple clues so you can choose the one that’s the best fit for you, depending how you name your rooms or hiding place. Mix and match the clues however you choose. UK-Entertainers hopes that you and your family have a fabulous time finding your Easter treats and the only rule is HAVE FUN!

Easter egg hunts for toddlers and small children

You will need:
  • Easter Bunny Cutouts on card, or paper pasted onto card
  • plastic or real eggs – enough to put at least one egg with each bunny
  • chocolate Easter egg or present
  • Easter basket to collect the eggs.
What to do: Print our our Easter Bunny Cutouts, decide where you would like the Easter Egg Hunt to take place and put Bunny cut outs around the house and / or garden (with an egg or two with or behind each bunny if you choose). Laundry pegs are ideal for attaching the bunnies to stop them blowing away or falling down. When all bunnies are in place, your child can walk / be carried around pointing when they see another Easter Bunny picture. Guide the child to collect the bunnies (and eggs) until you get to the last Easter Bunny who can be sitting next to their Easter Egg or gift.

Easter egg hunts for young children

This is an adult supported hunt, using our 'Easy Easter Egg Clues - Version 1'. You will need:
  • A print out of our Free ‘Easy Easter Egg Clues - Version 1'’
  • a collection of plastic or small chocolate eggs, enough to leave 2 with each clue
  • chocolate Easter Egg or present
  • a basket for collecting the eggs.
What to do: Prior to the egg hunt or preferably the evening before, select and cut out the clues that you wish to use. Use as many or as few as are appropriate for your home, family and child(ren). Decide on the order of your Easter Egg hunt. Do you want your child to find all the inside clues first and then the outdoor ones or a mixture of the two? Alternating the clues one inside, one outside or up and down stairs keeps the children busier for longer as they are scurrying all over the place! Keep one clue with the welcome note from the Easter Bunny to start the hunt off. Use this first clue to tell you where the next hiding place will be, go to it and hide 2 eggs with the next clue. Continue this until you get to the final clue, this should lead to the “See you next year” note from the Easter Bunny with perhaps a chocolate egg or Easter gift for the child. Keep the welcome note and first clue to start you off. When you are ready for the hunt to begin, explain that the Easter Bunny has visited and left a note! Read the welcome note aloud and discuss what a ‘pair’ is and talk about trying to listen for the rhymes in the clues. Read the first clue to your child . . . you are off. To make this Easter Egg Hunt more difficult use 'Easy Easter Egg Clues - Version 2'. Read the first clue to your child emphasising the word at the end of the first line (the rhyme), and then do not say the word in bold at the end of the second line. Help your child to work out the missing rhyming word to find out where they have to go next. ie “Look outside, search a lot, Somewhere near a flower ***.” (pot).

Easter egg hunts for independent readers

For children that are independent readers, use the instructions and clues in young children section. If your child needs to read the entire rhyme use version 1, or if they will be able to work out the rhyming word, use version 2 where the rhyme is missing from the clue. Examples of the different versions are below. Follow the same instructions to print out and hide the clues. Easy Easter Egg Clues - Version 1'
Keep thinking hard, use your head, Next a strange place, check in your bed!
Easy Easter Egg Clues - Version 2
Keep thinking hard, use your head, Next a strange place, check in your ***!

Easter egg hunt with cryptic clues

For older children, this version is slightly trickier. Instead of working out the rhyming word, the child will need to solve a simple riddle. You will need:
  • A print out of our Easy Easter Egg Hunt Cryptic Clues (remember to snip off the answers before hiding them!!)
  • a collection of plastic or small chocolate eggs, enough to leave 2 with each clue (optional)
  • a basket for collecting the eggs
  • chocolate Easter Egg or present.
What to do: These clues are for independent readers who need more of a challenge. We have provided the answers too – strictly for adult eyes only! In case support is needed to decipher the clues. Hide the clues using the instructions in the Young Children section to hide the clues putting the starting note and first clue in an envelope addressed to your child and keep out of sight until you are ready for the hunt to begin. Although the cryptic clues are for older children you can still mix in some of the rhyming clues from Version 2 if you wish. When you are ready for the hunt to start, ‘find’ the envelope and hand it to your child to open. Have a basket ready as they could be off at speed! The clues do not give the child the answer, but make them think about the answer, so be on hand to support if necessary.

Easter egg hunt with puzzle clues

As the puzzle clues are solved, pieces of a jigsaw egg are found. One all the pieces have been collected and arranged, the final clue on the back of the egg will be revealed which guides the hunter to the main egg prize. You will need:
  • A print out of our Free ‘Easter Egg Hunt Puzzle Clues’ and the final clue in the ‘What to do section’
  • a marker pen & scissors
  • a collection of plastic or small chocolate eggs, enough to leave 2 with each clue (optional)
  • a basket for collecting the eggs
  • chocolate Easter Egg or present.
What to do: Print out the Easter Egg on thick paper or once printed, paste onto plain card. Cut around the outside curved edge of the egg. Turn the cut out egg shape over and turn 90-degrees (to a landscape position) on the back with a marker pen in large lettering write the following clue making sure that as much of the egg is filled with writing as possible so that each jigsaw piece will have something on the back of it.
At the end of the day when all is done, You’ve been really busy and had some fun, Go have a look, go take a peep, Check in the place where you go to sleep.
Turn the egg back over and cut along the straight lines to make the pieces of the jigsaw. Keep one piece as the first clue. Use this first clue to tell you where the next hiding place will be and hide 2 eggs with another jigsaw clue. Continue this until you have hidden the final clue. You can place the first clue in an envelope addressed to your child that they can open when you are ready for the hunt to start. Once your child has all the pieces they will need to complete the jigsaw and carefully turn each piece over to find the final clue leading them to where their Easter Egg or gift is hidden. When you hide the clues they can be obvious and easy to find, or really hidden carefully to make the hunt trickier for example in the fridge or freezer you can hide the clue under or behind items rather than place it in full view on a shelf. For adults only here are the answers to the Puzzle clues!!
  • Somewhere to learn, Somewhere to surf, Look on the keys To find me please. PC keyboard / Laptop
  • Sitting down having a rest, Where’s a comfy place that’s best? Sofa, settee, favourite chair
  • Pearly whites – keep them clean! Use this to make them gleam. Toothbrush / bathroom cabinet
  • You are clever, you're no fool, Look where we keep things cool. Fridge or freezer
  • I’ll get you clean by getting you wet, They’ll be something in there for you there I bet. Bath / shower
  • You put two arms in when you go out, To go to school or when hanging out. Coat / jacket
  • Think about looking near to your feet, When you are somewhere that you eat. Under a table / next to sofa
  • You may have many, you maybe one pair, Without them wet feet … urgh that’s not fair! Shoes / boots (could be a pair that are in a wardrobe, sports kit etc)
  • Keep looking to find some more, Quite close to a bedroom **** Door
  • When you want to relax, chill out and unwind, Moving pictures on here you will find. TV
We really hope that you'll find one of our Easter Egg hunts suitable for your child. Please send us your feedback if you use this guide and don't forget to tell your friends!]]> http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2012/04/complete-free-easter-egg-hunt-guide/feed/ 2 How to make an Octonauts Kwazii cake http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/octonauts-kwazii-cake/ http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/octonauts-kwazii-cake/#comments Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:08:39 +0000 Jon http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/?p=232 How to make an Octonauts Kwazii cakeUK-Entertainers is always looking for ways to help parents make their child(ren)’s party as simple as but as effective as possible. With The Octonauts being hugely popular, we decided to produce simple instructions on how to make your own Kwazii Cake. Just to prove that you can do it too, we have worked with anContinue Reading

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]]> How to make an Octonauts Kwazii cakeUK-Entertainers is always looking for ways to help parents make their child(ren)’s party as simple as but as effective as possible. With The Octonauts being hugely popular, we decided to produce simple instructions on how to make your own Kwazii Cake. Just to prove that you can do it too, we have worked with an “ordinary Mum” who has had no catering or cake decorating training to show you how easy it is to make this simple, yet stunning Kwazii Cake.
Our Mum had never designed or decorated an Octonaut cake before this project. With our simple instructions and a little time, you too can produce this wonderful cake, fit for any Octonaut party. To make this easy Kwazii Cake you will need two round victoria sponge cakes. These can be bought (and then follow the decoration instructions below), or made using the recipe below. Victoria Sponge Recipe 175g (6oz) softened butter / margarine 175g (6oz) (caster) sugar 3 beaten eggs 175g (6oz) self-raising flour (sieved) 1 tablespoon hot water Cake board approximately 5cm larger than the cake tins Jam to sandwich the two sponges together
  • Grease and line two 20cm (8”) round tins.  Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Gradually beat in the eggs.  Fold in the flour and add the hot water and mix until a smooth.  Divide between the two tins and spread evenly.
  • Bake in preheated oven at 180’C / 350’F / Gas 4 for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.  Remove from oven turn onto cooling rack until cool.  Spread jam on one cake and place second on top.

Decorations Required

  • Large ball of light blue sugar paste icing
  • Medium ball of sugar paste orange icing
  • Small balls of peach, black and dark blue sugar paste icing
  • Tiny ball of pink sugar paste icing
  • Icing sugar
  • A liquorice sweet with string liquorice wound around it
  • Apricot glaze
  • Black liquorice food pen
The amount of icing is dependent on the size of your cake, the smaller the sponges the less icing you will need. Similarly, if you are using an alternative family / favourite recipe and bake larger cakes, more icing will be needed. The photograph shows you the amount of icing required in proportion to the cake size. Your cake shop will advise you if you need any assistance. Many good quality cake shops have sugar paste icing in a range of shades that you can buy ready coloured. A good retailer will be able to sell you larger amounts (light blue) as well as smaller quantities (peach, black). The icing is usually sold by weight so a selection of colours should be relatively cheap to buy in the quantities you require. It is always worth asking the staff for advice if you need any help or additional information. The icing is relatively cheap and it is always better to have a little too much than not enough!

Covering the cakes

  • Roll the light blue sugar paste on a flat surface that has been lightly dusted with icing sugar until it is just less than 1cm thick. Apply apricot glaze (as per the instructions on the jar) to the sponge cakes sandwiched together with jam.
  • With the cakes on the cake board, lay the light blue rolled icing over the glazed cakes and gently smooth over the surface and around the edges. Trim (and save) the excess icing from around the base of the sponge. Smooth the edges at the base of the cake.

Kwazii Decorations

  • For the Kwazii sugar paste decorations, roll the icing until it is 3-5mm thick.
  • Roll out the orange icing and using a small plate or saucer as a template, with a sharp knife cut a circle for Kwazii’s face and two triangles for his ears.
  • Roll out the black icing and using circular cutters cut a small circle for one eye and a larger circle for an eye patch. Cut the larger ‘eye patch’ circle into two just above the half way line up to make a flat top edge to the patch.
  • Roll the peach icing and cut two small circles for his nose and two small triangles (that will fit onto the orange triangles) to complete his ears.
  • Roll a tiny ball of pink icing in the palm of your hand for the tip of his nose. Unroll a length of liquorice and cut so that it fits exactly across Kwazii’s face.
  • Roll the dark blue icing and with a sharp knife cut a hat shape. With some of the trimmed light blue sugar paste cut a small circle for the hat badge.
  • Warm water acts as a glue to fix the sugar paste shapes to the cake – but use sparingly to avoid colour running.
  • Use a pastry brush to apply a little warm water onto the back of the large orange circle and position just below the centre of the cake. Add the orange ear triangles and dark blue hat with water too.
  • Stick the peach triangles onto the ears using a small amount of water and also a length of liquorice across the top third of Kwazii’s face.
  • Attach the light blue circle for a hat badge, the small black circle for his eye and the larger piece of the cut black circle for his eye patch.
  • Next use the two small peach circles and a tiny rolled ball of pink icing to make his nose. Using the black food pen add three whisker spots on each cheek, a mouth under the nose and the Octonaut logo on the hat badge.
  • Add a tiny ball of white icing (made from icing sugar and a drop of water) to the eye to add the glint and you have a complete Kwazii Cake. Ideally leave in a cool place out of sunlight to allow the icing to firm up and all pieces to stick together before serving.
This was the first time our ordinary Mum had decorated a Kwazii cake. UK-Entertainers hope that this article has given you confidence to decorate your own Kwazii cake using our step-by-step instructions. We hope you agree that this cake is simple, yet effective and will capture the imagination of any Octonaut fan.]]> http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/octonauts-kwazii-cake/feed/ 2 The Octonauts: An essential parents guide http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/octonauts-essential-parents-guide/ http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/octonauts-essential-parents-guide/#comments Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:39:01 +0000 Jon http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/?p=177 The Octonauts: An essential parents guideThe Octonauts is one of the most popular pre-school television progam in the UK. Parents like the under the sea dwelling heroes as they provide educational information and facts about different sea creatures, their habits and rituals. Children are absorbed as the Octonauts bravely go about their missions to “Explore, Rescue and Protect” sea lifeContinue Reading

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]]> The Octonauts: An essential parents guide

The Octonauts is one of the most popular pre-school television progam in the UK. Parents like the under the sea dwelling heroes as they provide educational information and facts about different sea creatures, their habits and rituals. Children are absorbed as the Octonauts bravely go about their missions to “Explore, Rescue and Protect” sea life beneath the ocean.

As a parent or carer for a young child, it is always good to be able to talk to your child(ren) about their favourite programmes. UK-Entertainers has put together a guide to all things Octonaut! You can find out all about the characters and the parts they play in the Octonaut’s team. If you're considering an Octonaut Themed party for your child you may find our other Octonaut articles useful, Octonauts themed party and Octonaut Cakes (coming soon). The Octonauts live in the Octopod. The Octopod is a multi-limbed under water pod whose rooms include the Library, Octopod Headquarters (HQ), the sick bay, kitchen and garden, the laboratory and not forgetting the Launch Bay. The Octonauts are called to the Launch Bay whenever the Octo-Alert (a whooping siren) is sounded, to signal a new adventure. The Octonauts have a range of marine vehicles called GUPs, from the GUP-A to GUP-E. Each GUP has different functions and is selected for a specific task on a mission. There are eight main Octonaut characters that each play important roles in helping the Octonaut team carry out their daring missions, whilst keeping all members and other creatures safe from harm.

Captain BarnaclesCaptain Barnacles

Captain Barnacles is the leader of the Octonauts. He is a polar bear who is extremely brave and notes happenings in his captain’s log. He loves planning new missions and announcing “Sound the Octo-Alert!”

Kwazii CatLieutenant Kwazii Cat

Lieutenant Kwazii Cat is a fearless pirate like kitten who always wears his trusty eye patch and carries his spy glass (telescope). Kwazii loves a new adventure and can be heard exclaiming “Yeow!” at a new discovery.

Peso PenguinPeso Penguin

Peso is the Octonaut’s medic. He is a kind and gentle penguin whose mission it is to help any creature that is sick, hurt or in danger, no matter how scary they may be. Peso can usually be found carrying his medical kit and can be heard saying “Flappity Flippers!”

ShellingtonShellington

Shellington the sea otter is the Octonauts resident scientist who loves to study large and small sea creatures out in their habitat or in the Octopod’s lab. He can usually be seen with his magnifying glass ready to investigate and increase his knowledge about sea life. When he finds something new or exciting, he calls “Jumpin’ Jellyfish!”

Professor InklingProfessor Inkling

Professor Inkling, an octopus, works in the Octopod library, where he reads using his monocle and finds research “Fascinating”. Professor Inkling with his eight tentacle arms can do many things at once. He directs the Octonauts on their missions, provides information helping the team preserve and research their underwater kingdom.

Dashi DogDashi Dog

Dashi Dog is the Octonaut’s resident photographer. She records new and interesting finds when she is out in the ocean with her camera ‘Say Seaweed!’ She adds her pictures to the Ocotopod data base back in the Ocotopod HQ. Dashi is in charge of supervising headquarters, the launch bay and monitoring events on her computer.

Tweak BunnyTweak

Tweak the bunny is the Octonaut’s engineer who takes care of the GUPs and the Ocotopod. She makes sure everything works properly and enjoys working in the launch bay with her tool belt on. Tweak maintains all the GUPs from GUP-A to GUP-E but sometimes they don’t always work the way she expects them to!

TunipTunip

Tunip is one of the many Vegimals that help with all the jobs in the Octopod. The Vegimals are part aminal and part vegetable and have their own language – which sometimes Shellington can understand! Vegimals love to be helpful. They are great at gardening and cooking Kelp cakes and other tasty treats for the Octonauts. Now you know all about the Octonauts, how about planning an Octonaut Themed Party for your child? Use the UK-Entertainers easy guide to Octonaut Party food and Octonaut cakes to help you on your way to providing a colourful and enjoyable Octonaut party (coming soon). For more information, head over to the official Octonauts web site.]]> http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/octonauts-essential-parents-guide/feed/ 1 Tips for a successful first birthday party http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/tips-successful-birthday-party/ http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/tips-successful-birthday-party/#comments Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:22:01 +0000 Jon http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/?p=162 The success of a first birthday party is not just how much the birthday child gets from the event, but also how much the parents enjoy it. Although your baby won't remember his or her 1st birthday, the memories for you, the parent are very special. Success is in the planning and the more planningContinue Reading

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]]> The success of a first birthday party is not just how much the birthday child gets from the event, but also how much the parents enjoy it. Although your baby won't remember his or her 1st birthday, the memories for you, the parent are very special. Success is in the planning and the more planning and preparation you can do beforehand, the more you will enjoy the party.
UK-Entertainers has compiled a list of tips to help you get organised, so that you can make the most of your child's special day.
  • Make sure you have all you need prepared before your guests arrive, food is made, plated, covered and in the fridge ready to pull out.
  • Have the birthday cake (out of reach) with candle and lighter easily accessible to you.
  • Have a willing volunteer to takes photographs and video the occasion as you will probably have your hands full!
  • Invite the parents as well as your child’s friends – that way you have many pairs of hands and eyes to help throughout the party.
  • Check the party room / venue for hazards such as small objects, stairs or doorways that need baby gates and use fireguards appropriately.
  • Remove any valuable or sentimental breakables or ornaments from the party area.
  • Keep pets out of the party room.
  • Provide an area for nappy changing, perhaps with nappies, cream and wipes.
  • If you have mums who are breastfeeding, designate a quiet room for them to use, should they wish to.
  • Provide a good supply and range of age appropriate toys, all put-out in a safe play area, as very young children play in parallel – i.e. along side one another rather than with each other. These toys will allow the other adults to play with their chid so that you can play with yours.
  • If you are providing finger food or nibbles, check with the other parents for allergies or intolerances before the day. Most parents are willing to bring appropriate snacks for their child if they have an allergy or intolerance.
  • If you are serving alcohol – make sure that it is just the adults that have access to it!
  • BE FLEXIBLE! Young children can be very unpredictable and something that may be perfect at one minute can cause a child to dissolve into tears the next. Try not to get stressed about a spilt drink or bumped knee, as most parents know these events soon pass.
Above all remember that the day is to celebrate the birth of child. After all the guests have gone, food is cleared away and the house is calm again, make sure you have some special quiet time with your one-year-old to relax and enjoy your time together before bed. UK-Entertainers also have a range of articles that may be useful including Organising a First Birthday Party, First Birthday Party Themes, First Birthday Party Games and First Birthday Party Food.]]> http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/tips-successful-birthday-party/feed/ 1 Organising a first birthday party http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/organising-birthday-party/ http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/organising-birthday-party/#comments Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:10:47 +0000 Jon http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/?p=171 Your baby’s first birthday is definitely a reason for a celebration. A first birthday party is an important milestone for any parent and whilst your child will play whatever the day, the key is to make it a memorable occasion for you and any other significant adults in your child’s life, such as Grandparents, auntsContinue Reading

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]]> Your baby’s first birthday is definitely a reason for a celebration. A first birthday party is an important milestone for any parent and whilst your child will play whatever the day, the key is to make it a memorable occasion for you and any other significant adults in your child’s life, such as Grandparents, aunts and uncles.
As a parent where do you start in organising a party for a one year old? UK-Entertainers has compiled a series of helpful hints to get you started. After reading this article and you have your party organised you may find it useful to check Tips for a Successful First Birthday Party.

Who do we invite?

A child as young as one has very definite views about who they know and who they don’t know. Young children can easily get distressed with large numbers of unfamiliar adults around them. Keep guests to a minimum of close family (siblings, grandparents, uncles and aunts). If you are confident that your child will cope with additional visitors, then a few close friends and their children from your antenatal or toddler group can be included. Invitations are a special way to mark the event. If guest numbers are small then you could purchase special invitations (remembering to keep a copy for your child’s keepsake / memory box). Invitations should be sent out at least two weeks in advance of the date to allow guests to reply. You may like to consider sending them earlier if the party is at a particularly busy time of year.

How long should the party be?

At the age of one, your child may be having one or two daytime naps. Try and plan the party for after a nap to get the best from your child. If you are inviting parents with other children of similar ages, check their nap times too. A party can change from all smiles to tears if the children are tired! Keep the party short. An hour to an hour and a half is sufficient for a one year-old.

Where should the party be?

Choosing a venue for a first birthday party is crucial to the happiness of your child. It needs to be familiar place e.g. your home or a grand-parents house. For a larger space, a local hall where your child goes to a toddler group. Unfamiliar large spaces can unnerve children, so somewhere well-known to them is best.

What food shall I serve?

This is dependent on the time of day you have your party and also how many children and adults are invited. UK-Entertainers has an article specifically detailing ideas for First Birthday Party Food that you may find helpful.

Do I need party bags?

Party bags at the age of one are not essential. If you would like your guests to leave with something then slices of birthday cake are sufficient, and perhaps choose a cloth / board book or a bath toy. Avoid small party bag goodies and trinkets as they can be a choking hazard for small children. Whatever you decide to do to celebrate your child’s first birthday, we suggest that you make sure that whoever is organising the party makes time to enjoy it too. It is a special occasion and as a parent or someone close to the child you need to make time to make your own memories too.]]> http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/04/organising-birthday-party/feed/ 0 First birthday party themes http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/03/birthday-party-themes/ http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/03/birthday-party-themes/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:39:35 +0000 Jon http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/?p=166 To mark the first year of your baby is a proud day. Many parents can feel a little bewildered about where to start when planning a first birthday party. A theme is a great way to structure a party and can help you to organise your thoughts. Many large supermarkets now carry complete ranges ofContinue Reading

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]]> To mark the first year of your baby is a proud day. Many parents can feel a little bewildered about where to start when planning a first birthday party. A theme is a great way to structure a party and can help you to organise your thoughts.
Many large supermarkets now carry complete ranges of themed tableware to co-ordinating invitations and decorations; your job is to choose the most appropriate for your child and pocket! UK-Entertainers are here to guide you through some options.

Teddy Bears Picnic Party

Ask each child to bring their Teddy Bear and use a plastic tea set and flat sheet to make a picnic (in or outdoors depending on the weather). Guests (and their teddies) could have small sandwiches, biscuits and water or juice served from the (cleaned) teapot.

Nursery Rhyme Party

Choose a nursery rhyme to base your party and food on. Keep everything as simple as you can use cookie cutters to make sandwiches into appropriate shapes to match the nursery rhyme.
  • The Queen of Hearts - heart shaped sandwiches (cut with a cookie cutter), jam tarts, and everyone could have a crown party hat.
  • Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - Star sandwiches, biscuits and nursery rhyme board book each child.
  • Mary Mary Quite Contrary - Flower sandwiches and biscuits and a plastic watering can for each child.
Remember of course to sing the rhyme you have chosen as your theme during the party and perhaps a few others too. There are many CD’s available to help you or provide background music to your party.

Colour Party

Choose a colour and ask your guests to dress in that colour. Food can be co-ordinated by icing small cup cakes in the theme colour and decorations can be as simple as balloon sin your chosen colour to streamers and hats that all match.

A Farm Party

If you have a children’s farm nearby take a small group of children and a picnic to see the animals. Children’s farms often have petting / feeding sessions when the children can get close to and stroke the animals. Remember to make sure all adults and children in your party wash their hands frequently as especially before eating any snacks or food.

Bubble Party

Small children (and large) have a fascination with bubbles. Some leading children’s toys outlets have bubble machines powered by battery. If you have good weather you can have an outdoor bubble popping game. If you are feeling adventurous, have enough adults and a warm day baby bubble bath in a paddling pool is another excellent way for young children to enjoy bubbles. If you decide that you would like to try and incorporate some very simple games into your them, then our article First Birthday Party Games may be of use. The party theme can reflect your child’s interest or favourite book or TV character or you could go for a more subtle colour theme to co-ordinate the day. Whatever you decide 'more is less' for the one year old. One large character banner or picture is sufficient to make an impact for them. Try not to overload the children’s senses by covering all available surfaces in banners and decorations. Once the party guests have arrived, make sure that you make time for yourself to enjoy the occasion too. UK-Entertainers hope that whatever your theme you have a wonderful First Birthday Party]]> http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/03/birthday-party-themes/feed/ 0 FREE printable birthday invitations http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/03/free-printable-birthday-invitations/ http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/03/free-printable-birthday-invitations/#comments Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:59:52 +0000 Jon http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/?p=106 FREE printable birthday invitationsAll of our free birthday invitations are available in two versions - a high colour version for colour laserjet users and a low colour version for inkjet users. You'll need Adobe Reader (free download) installed on your system to view and print our invites. Our PDF party invites print out on A4 paper (2 perContinue Reading

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]]> FREE printable birthday invitations

All of our free birthday invitations are available in two versions - a high colour version for colour laserjet users and a low colour version for inkjet users.

You'll need Adobe Reader (free download) installed on your system to view and print our invites. Our PDF party invites print out on A4 paper (2 per page). Simply choose your favourite design, print out the required number of copies, fold and cut the pages in half.

Pirate party invitations

Children's party invitations

Magic party invitations

Princess party invitations

Fairy princess party invitations

Football party invitations

]]> http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/03/free-printable-birthday-invitations/feed/ 30 Making sure your entertainer is CRB checked http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/03/making-sure-your-entertainers-is-crb-checked/ http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/03/making-sure-your-entertainers-is-crb-checked/#comments Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:21:33 +0000 Jon http://uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/?p=8 UK-Entertainers now highlights the entertainers within our directory that have supplied satisfactory evidence of an up-to-date Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. These days, anyone who has regular contact with children (teachers, classroom assistants etc.) must have a CRB (or Disclosure Scotland) check. This is used to help identify if the individual is unsuitable to workContinue Reading

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]]> UK-Entertainers now highlights the entertainers within our directory that have supplied satisfactory evidence of an up-to-date Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
These days, anyone who has regular contact with children (teachers, classroom assistants etc.) must have a CRB (or Disclosure Scotland) check. This is used to help identify if the individual is unsuitable to work with children or other vulnerable members of society. Although a CRB check is not a compulsory requirement for a self employed entertainer, most local authorities and schools now insist entertainers supply the relevant documentation before they are hired. UK-Entertainers is committed to helping you make an informed decision about the Children's Entertainer you book and now offers advertisers within our directory the opportunity to supply the evidence of their CRB checks. When using our directory, look out for the CRB icon next to individual listings - this means that we've seen recent, satisfactory evidence of their check. Whilst we offer this service as a guide, we would always recommend you ask any entertainer to supply proof of their CRB check in the form of the original documentation. ]]> http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2011/03/making-sure-your-entertainers-is-crb-checked/feed/ 0 1st birthday party games http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2010/03/1st-birthday-party-games/ http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2010/03/1st-birthday-party-games/#comments Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:40:30 +0000 Jon http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/?p=66 A 1st Birthday Party is a milestone for any family. When planning a party for your one year old and their friends the key to party games is to keep them short and simple. Young children are able to concentrate for a limited amount of time, so don't presume that you will start at theContinue Reading

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]]> A 1st Birthday Party is a milestone for any family. When planning a party for your one year old and their friends the key to party games is to keep them short and simple. Young children are able to concentrate for a limited amount of time, so don't presume that you will start at the top of your list of games and work your way methodically down to the bottom! UK-Entertainers has compiled a selection of games that you might like to use at a 1st birthday party, but be prepared for anything to catch or divert the children's attention!

Bubble popping

Use a bubble machine (or a couple of adults with bubble mixture pots) to blow bubbles over the children. Young children have a fascination with bubbles and can either watch them or try and pop them.

Scrunch the wrapping paper

After opening presents, young children are usually more interested in the paper than the present itself. See how many sounds you can make with the paper and use words like ‘scrunch, crunch, rustle and crinkle' with the children and encourage them to make those sounds too.

Make a tent

Use an old large flat sheet and four chairs. Stretch the sheet across the chairs and get an adult to sit on the corner of the sheet on each chair seat to stop the chairs being pulled down. The children can take a toy into the tent and the adults are ideally placed to monitor the play inside.

Actions rhymes

Organise a good old sing song and if the songs have actions or noises even better. Try ‘The Wheels on the Bus', ‘Old MacDonald had a Farm', ‘Row your boat', ‘Ring a Ring a Roses' or ‘The Grand Old Duke of York' and get everyone marching around the room.

Roll the ball

An adult stands with legs apart and a child is encouraged to roll a ball through the adults legs. If the ball is returned by someone the other side this game can escalate into crawling through and around legs. The game is particularly funny to a child if an adult is willing to get down and try too!

Bean bag balancing

Demonstrate how to balance a bean bag on your head, shoulder, arm and encourage the children to join in. This is not only a simple game but great for developing the children's coordination too!

Posting game

Use a cardboard box with a sealed down lid and cut a hole in the top. Collect together bean bags, balls, toys or even socks and let the children post them into the box. Children who are one love to empty and refill containers. This can be developed by an adult feigning horror “Oh no!” when the contents are once again tipped up and emptied out.

Memory book

Ask your guests to write their thoughts and memories of your baby's first year in a book. This can include your child's friends too. With adult help they will be able to use a pencil or pen to make marks on a page. The book can be added to by later including photographs taken at the party. A very special way for your child to see what happened at their first birthday party when they are older. If you have much older children at the party they may be able to help organise and care for your guests. If they are not old enough to take on this role a trip to the £1 / Dollar store provides a cheap way to keep them occupied with stickers, crayons and paper – but keep small objects out of reach of your younger guests. You may find our article Organising a First Birthday Party helpful when planning your day. UK-Entertainers hopes that whatever you decide to do for your 1st birthday party, and whichever games you decide to play, you all have a wonderful time together and enjoy the special. We recommend our article on Organising a First Birthday Party to help your day run smoothly.]]> http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2010/03/1st-birthday-party-games/feed/ 1 First birthday party food http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2010/03/first-birthday-party-food/ http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2010/03/first-birthday-party-food/#comments Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:35:23 +0000 Jon http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/?p=61 Hosting a first birthday party is an exciting time and deciding on party food can be a tricky task. Do I feed the adults and children, just the children or just the adults? UK-Entertainers has produced this easy to follow guide to first birthday party food, to help you plan your party. The timing ofContinue Reading

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]]> Hosting a first birthday party is an exciting time and deciding on party food can be a tricky task. Do I feed the adults and children, just the children or just the adults? UK-Entertainers has produced this easy to follow guide to first birthday party food, to help you plan your party.
The timing of your party will determine the amount of food required. If you have a party at 12 noon then your guests may expect lunch and likewise around 4.30pm, some people may think that a meal could be involved. If these timings suit your family then you could provide a meal for the adults and the children. In this case it is probably best to specify what your catering intentions are on the invitations. A mid morning or mid afternoon party (after a nap time) will allow you to provide snacks for all your guests. Finger food is best as it can be grabbed by the adults whilst monitoring their children and also for the children as it is easy to hold and eat. It would be advisable to check with parents to see if their child has a food allergy or intolerance, and ask parents to bring their own child's beaker or cup to the party, along with a booster seat if you would prefer the children to all be sitting down to eat.

Savoury Finger Foods for Children

  • Bread sticks
  • Cheese cubes
  • Rice cakes
  • Small sandwiches
  • Plain pizza fingers

Sweet Finger Foods for Children

  • Melon fingers
  • Plain biscuits (chocolate if you have wipes to hand)
  • Small baby yoghurts

Drinks

Have plenty of water and milk available with diluted weak fruit juice as an option too.

Birthday Cake

A slice of birthday cake either to eat at the party or take home will be appreciated by both adults and children. For the adults a plate of vegetable sticks, crisps and a selection of dips will be sufficient to snack on as they play with their child(ren). Keep adult snacks out of reach of the children to avoid any choking hazards. Choosing the time of the party will help you decide on whether a full meal is required for all guests. If you are trying to plan a part on a budget then you may find our article First Birthday Party on a Budget helpful. UK-Entertainers hope that whether you have snacks or a full sit down meal that your first birthday party is a great success and a memorable day.]]> http://www.uk-entertainers.co.uk/blog/2010/03/first-birthday-party-food/feed/ 0