Balloons and crepe paper streamers make colorful inexpensive decorations. Party napkins, plates, glasses, place mats and tablecloths are nice but not required. Check discount bins and buy in advance to take advantage of sales. A large white sheet of paper to cover the table and markers or crayons can double as a warm up activity for early arrivers and a tablecloth. Put a layer of newsprint under the paper to protect the table.
Activities can include games, craft projects or any activity which allows for maximum participation.
Limit group activities to 2 or 3 well planned ones. Choose activities that do not emphasize winners or losers. Giving prizes is unnecessary. A fun way to end the activity session is to have a party favor scramble. Give each child a bag and throw handfuls of individually wrapped candies, gum, pennies and inexpensive items such as bookmarks, pencils, erasers and stickers.