If the Bay Area party is to be a surprise, it is important to have a private phone number where caterers and DJs can call to confirm times, locations, etc.

It is a great idea to have a theme to your party. This will help guests in gift selection and attire for the party. Here are some ideas: Pirates, 70's Disco, Roaring 20's, Mexican Fiesta, Tropical Island or Hawaiian, 50's-60's Sock Hop, 80's New Wave, 60's Psychedelic, etc. (See even more themes and hints, here)

If you decide on a theme party, let the DJ know so he can bring the appropriate music. Also be sure that the decorations match the theme. Most places in Silicon Valley that you can rent for a party will let you put up your own decorations. You can find decorations at your local Bay Area party supply store or, even easier, try this place on the internet: Party Decorations They'll even deliver to San Jose.

When sending invitations, allow 3-4 weeks in advance. Be sure to have the invite talk about attire and theme, food you'll serve, time to arrive, whether gifts are appropriate, a R.S.V.P. number, directions (or map) to party and, for kids parties, pick-up times.

For informal party invitations consider using an online invitation planner such as evite. In San Jose and the Bay Area it's quite common to be invited online, especially for the more informal or even corporate events.

When deciding on a Bay Area location for your party consider: your parking needs, a large enough area to accommodate your guests, a dance floor (these can be rented), noise codes or statutes, handicap access, clean-up times and any other needs of your vendors (cooking facilities and electricity).

Let your guests know if gifts are appropriate, limited to a dollar amount, and whether they must be tied to the party theme. Especially with kids parties, correct sizes and personal tastes, (ie: Barbie or Pokemon cards) can be very helpful.

If your party will consist of many or all under-age guests, adult supervision is a MUST. Make sure your chaperones know what their responsibilities are and are available at all times. Your catering staff and entertainers will be busy doing their functions, so it is important for them to know who your chaperones are and where to find them. It is best that no alcohol be available, because your liability can be questioned, even after your guests have left your party.

When deciding on times for your party, don't let the party go on too long. It's better to have everyone in good energy at the end rather than having your guests dwindle down to a few at the end. Here's the rule of thumb based on age groups:

• 12 and under - 90 minutes to 2 hours
• 13 to 18 - 2 hours to 3 hours
• 18 to 21 - 3 hours
• 21 and over - 3 to 4 hours

If you're serving food, adjust these numbers up a little. Also, be sure you tailor the activities you'll have during the party, (ie: games and contests, costume characters, gift un-wrapping, roasts, adult entertainment, etc.) to your guest's ages.

Entertainment will be a key component of your party. When considering your entertainment keep in mind the theme, the Guest of Honor, and especially your invited guests. Though the Guest Of Honor may love opera, having a operetta performed for entertainment may find many guests leaving early with "pressing commitments." The same could be true at an 18th birthday where "oldies" are played, or a 5 year old's party and the DJ plays Top 40 music. Tailor the entertainment to your guests!

Be sure to let all your vendors know what you expect of them and what they can expect of your guests and the party. Disappointments come when communication is poor. Use planners and give copies to all of them.

Be sure to send out Thank You Cards. Make it easy on yourself and automate the process. It can be done leaving you more time to recuperate.