Planning first ever birthday party - help!

[samanthajonespr]

Eldest is turning 4 in a few weeks, he's at nursery so he's asked 15 friends and family children to an animal handling party at a local function room. Animal part takes up 1 hour, then buffet but what else? This is my first child and I didn't have a party when I was growing up so I'm really keen for him to have a happy day and his friends too. I would love some tips as I'm feeling pretty useless!

Pass the parcel, (wrap up three with 5 layers each) and then you are done. Food then cake will take about 30 mins

Make name tags for the children. They might be able to decorate their own as they arrive.
Ask parents about food allergies; it pays to be safe.
Get some of those cardboard lunchboxes and pre fill them with a sandwich, drink, crisps, fruit, whatever you think will do well. Name them for each child so there’s no confusion, especially if there are any allergies. For some fun during the meal give them some stickers to put on their box. Also, less washing up.
If the children are too excited to eat, have them eat their food on a picnic rug and read a story to them. They can munch while they listen. Pick an animal book to match the theme. A story is a good idea at the end of the party as well as it calms them down. This works best with two adults - one to read the story to the children, and another to stand on the door and get the children one by one as and when their parents turn up.
Create a list of parents' phone numbers.
Parents often wonder if they should stay at a party or drop off their child. Ideally, that would be clear from the invitation, but if there is any uncertainty, it is best to ask what they intend to do so you know how many adults to cater for.
If a child isn’t joining in, ask if they want to be your ‘special helper' so they feel a part of the party but in a way that works for them.
If you want to do facepainting at your party, but don’t have an artistic bone in your body, do facestamping! You can buy foam stamps in a variety of shapes, dip them in the paint (or apply paint onto the stamp with a brush) and press on the face.

Thank you both for excellent ideas! It's very daunting and I was worried that people would just be standing around awkwardly with nothing to do! I have been asking about allergies and personalised boxes is a fab idea

Sometimes kids just want to play! They are structured all day at school and dint need entertaining.

I’d get some balloons, some music and let them run riot for a bit.

@Ricekrispie22
You sound like a great kids party planner please can I come to your next one I will be 45

At that age things like the Hokey Cokey still go down well.
Definitely named food boxes and don't make the party more than 1.5/2 hours.
Have fun - you sound lovely!