Hosting a children's party in Victorian days was clearly no minor matter. As these articles indicate, a children's party might be as carefully planned and orchestrated as an adult event. Some writers are careful to point out that adults need to remember that a children's party should be designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of the children, rather than as an event to impress other parents. Planning such a party included choosing appropriate entertainments, selecting a menu, and more. Children also had their own versions of adult parties, such as costume parties and "calico balls."

An Old-Fashioned Party, by Mrs. M.A. Denison (Peterson's, 1856)

A look back at "old-fashioned" children's parties, "when children were children, and wore short frocks and pantalettes, and called each other by their Christian names!"

A Child's Hop (Harper's Monthly, 1873A)

An editorial look at unfortunate extravagances in children's parties.

How to Give a Children's Party, by Phillis Brown (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1876)

Tips on ensuring that a children's holiday party is "well-conducted," not wearisome to its participants, and designed to give pleasure to the children invited.

Children's Calico Balls (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1879)

Children's Christmas costume parties.

Catering for Children's Parties, by A.G. Payne (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1880)

This article opens with an intriguing discussion of how children have changed in "recent years," and notes that today, in the question of coffee vs. tea, most children prefer to drink coffee...

Ruin to the Children (Demorest, 1880)

A diatribe against the damaging effects of "children's carnivals" and certain types of children's parties, in which young children are taught to perform.

Sunday School Treats (Girl's Own Paper, 1880, 1881)

How to arrange a Sunday School picnic in the country.

Bill of Fare for a Children's Party for Between 30 and 40 Persons (Young Ladies' Journal, 1882)

How to Provide for a Children's Party, by Phillis Browne (Girl's Own Paper, 1882)

Children's Fancy Dress for Christmas Parties (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1883)

"Fancy costumes are particularly well adapted to little folks, a fact which of late years has come to be recognized, and at many juvenile parties character costumes are de rigeur."

Red Letter Days (Girl's Own Paper, 1890)

A three-day "Christmas party" set up by the London school board to entertain children during the Christmas holidays.

Children's Parties, Fetes and Frolics, by Mrs. A.G. Lewis (Ladies' Home Journal, 1892)

A variety of children's party ideas, including a Fairy Folk Frolic, a Halloween party, Rainy Day Diversions and more.

See also

• Games & Entertainments

• Christmas Games & Entertainments