I'm in party planning mode, too, for my 10 year old DD. I've got a "who to invite" thread going on the community board. We've never done an at-home party for her before. I'm not too keen on doing it this year, but we have no Build-a-Bear, Libby Lu, etc. There is a privately owned place that does the Libby Lu rock and roll lip synch type party, but they charge $27.50 per kid w/a 6 kid minimum and all they get to take home is a blow-up guitar. They do provide pizza and drinks. I just can't justify that price.
We're doing our own version at home w/our karaoke machine. I've got make your own lipgloss kits as craft. I'm asking the kids to bring their own dress up stuff if they have it (I've got a few things on hand for those who forget.) I bought blow up guitars at Target after Halloween for 90 percent off. Depending on how many girls we end up having, they may get to keep them as a party favor...I only found 7. I've got colored and glitter hairspray and makeup for them to do each other. Then they can work out their routines and perform. I'm going to video the performance...I may burn it onto DVD to mail w/the thank you notes. Gotta think about that. We'll watch the video while they eat cake. I also have glitter wrist tatoos, bamboo flutes, and high heel shoe pencil sharpeners to put in purse goodie bags from Oriental Trading. I'm not sure if I'm up for a slumber party. Jury is still out on that one.
To the poster w/the salon: A salon in our area started doing Princess for a Day parties. They are all the rage here w/the 4-8 age group. My younger dd had her party there in November. We live in a lower-income, sort of rural area. Prices would probably be higher in a big city. This place charges $125 for up to 8 kids. Then it was only $10 extra per girl. You paid a $20 deposit and the balance was due at the party. First, they have lots of princess dresses for the girls to choose as they arrive. Then they rotate through stations....foot soak, manicure/pedicure, hair in an up-do, and create a foam picture frame. Afterwards, they gather in a party room that is decorated all in pink w/castles and fairies painted on the wall. Everyone gets to wear a crown and wand. They take a group digital photo and print it during the cake/gift opening. The girls get to take that home in their frame as a party favor. The birthday girl keeps her crown and also gets a "I had a Princess Party" t shirt. They provided the paper products and juice boxes. I provided cake and any other refreshments I wanted. Well worth it not to have to deal w/it at my house.
that was the best!!!!
Thats how I found this board-planning our Disney Cruise last May. We are rebooked for 8-06 but are waiting for the rest of 2007 dates to be released to switch dates. I'm having vacation planning withdrawal so bring on the glamour birthday party 
I'm going to head out to Target later and try to snag a few beauty bargains. Sleep overs are her and her friends favorite. She was at a home Spa party Friday night and it was a hit. A few weeks ago she went to an "Amazing Race" sleep-over- also a huge hit. My DD would say that the majority of home parties are more fun than "packaged parties".
