Dawn Del Rossi is proof that throwing a creative, long-remembered birthday party doesn’t have to be nightmare.

Del Rossi, a Chapin mom of five children ages 2 to 11, has a lengthy track record for low-stress events that please adults and children alike.

With some advance planning and a little perspective, children’s birthday parties can be enjoyable for everyone — even the parents. In fact, it isn’t unusual for parties at Del Rossi’s house to include the entire family.

“We are members of several groups, so I usually open it up and say come on out,” she said. “It’s a family affair. I have some food here and I tell people to bring a dish and maybe something to grill. It doesn’t have to be elaborate — chips and salsa, watermelon, brownies. We usually have a starting time and it goes until people feel like leaving.”

But providing creative themes really sets Del Rossi’s parties apart. She usually provides a variety of themed activities, allowing children to participate in as many as they want. For a “messy” party, Del Rossi didn’t hold back on the goop potential.

“It is exactly what it sounds like,” she said.

Activities at the outdoor party included a pasta pit (a tarp covered with several pounds of cooked spaghetti), another tarp covered with flour and a variety of sifting and scooping tools, as well as a station that allowed children to create works of art on cookie sheets using finger paints and shaving cream.

The key, said Del Rossi, is to make the party fun for everyone, including herself.

“It’s all about just putting the stuff out, taking pictures and laughing,” she said.

Penny Warner, California-based author of more than 50 books, including “Birthday Parties for Kids,” “Kids’ Party Cookbook” and “The Kids’ Pick-a-Party Book” said parents can keep party planning in check and still host a spectacular event.

“Plan in plenty of time,” Warner said. “Ask your child to help plan, too. Your child may want something simple. Be sure you stress what time the party starts and especially what time it ends.”

Warner said a trusted baby sitter, hired for a period of time before, during and after the party, can help the day run smoothly.

“Get her to do the activities and pass out snacks or whatever you need,” Warner said.

If planned activities stall, don’t panic, but do have alternative activities available — just in case.

“Roll with it,” Warner said. “If you plan something and they just aren’t into it, scrap it.”

Irmo mom Kim Andrysczyk planned quite a few parties for her three children, now ages 13 to 17. As they reached the tween and teen years, Andrysczyk said her children preferred slumber parties or movie outings, but when they were younger, themed parties were standard.

A car-themed party was a huge hit, according to Andrysczyk.

“We painted a street on the grass in the backyard,” she said. “Everyone brought their Little Tykes vehicles.”

Large boxes were painted as buildings — including a drive-through fast-food restaurant that served real snacks — and a bubble machine under a trampoline that served as a drive-through car wash.

Del Rossi incorporates seasonal activities in her children’s parties. Summer parties have included a water carnival, with a ticket booth made from a refrigerator box, and a giant board game, played on a board drawn on the driveway with chalk. Del Rossi made a die from a box and had the children roll it to determine how many spaces to move. Board spaces included a variety of activities such as “stand on one foot,” “hug a friend” and “spin in a circle three times.”

“It was played continuously,” Del Rossi said. “They had a blast with it.”

When it comes to party food, Warner said parents should be aware of any food allergies that might threaten guests. And a few healthy snacks mixed in with the sweet treats will be appreciated, she said.

Heidi Cavileer, general manager of Cupcake in Columbia, said parents often seek an assortment of cupcakes to meet the needs of their young guests. In addition to traditional cupcakes, she also supplies vegan and gluten free varieties. And she said children’s parties usually call for classic varieties over fancy flavors.

“A lot of times for kids, parents stick to chocolate and vanilla,” Cavileer said.

Warner said parents can take steps to minimize negativity, especially with younger children.

“Have a prize for everyone if you do games, not just the winner,” Warner said.

Keeping the party size manageable also helps with expense and parental stress, Warner said.

“The rule of thumb is to invite the number of kids equal to the child’s age,” she said. “That’s pretty arbitrary. Have your child choose a core group of friends. Mail the invitations. Don’t pass them out at school. You don’t have to invite everyone.”

And most importantly, keep the party in perspective.

“Sometimes it becomes more about you and what you plan for your child,” Warner said. “I think we’re going back to home parties. They’ve become more personalized. Keep it simple. Keep the time limited to an hour and a half or 2 hours. You’re only one of many parties that year.”