As any party host knows, half the fun of having a party is in the anticipation and planning. Don't be afraid to involve your child and to let her make some small choices and decisions about her special day. Encourage her to participate in the preparation.

Napkin-Holder Place Cards

Here is a creative way to involve your toddler in the party preparations.

• For each napkin holder, cut a piece of wrapping paper or tissue paper to fit around the tube.

• Help your toddler glue the paper onto the outside of the tube.

• Let her attach decorative stickers on each tube.

• Write the guest's name on the address label and affix it to the tube.

• Roll and insert a colorful napkin.

Table Centerpiece

Your child will enjoy creating this festive and decorative centerpiece craft.

• Help your child roll the sheets of construction paper to cover the outside of the coffee can. Let her glue the paper on.

• Trim off any extra paper.

• Let your child rip the tissue paper into tiny squares.

• Show your child how to crumple up each square to create a tiny ball or blossom.

• Have your child dip each tissue wad into the glue and stick it onto the can.

• When your child is done decorating the can in this fashion, let it dry.

• Use the container to hold flowers or balloons.

Party Photo Frames

What better party favor than a reminder of all the fun times!

• For each frame, cut a square of poster board 2 inches larger than the diameter of the picture you will be using.

• Cut out a square from the center of the poster board, leaving a 1-½-inch frame.

• Use the marker to write a title on the top of the frame, such as “Tony's 2nd Birthday Party.”

• Let each child decorate her own frame with the confetti and glitter.

• Take the pictures while the frames are drying. If you cannot make reproductions of one picture, go ahead and snap similar poses for each picture — they don't have to be identical. Pose the children in a group. Don't push for perfect smiles. Let them be a little silly and capture the true fun they are having.

• Attach a photo behind each frame with a small dab of glue or rubber cement.