i grew up in tas and both mine and my sister's birthdays are in the colder months so i know how u feel when it comes to parties.

heres some suggestions

*pass the parcel (use newspaper  as its cheaper and put a lollie in every level).

*balloons and spoon great game

make a cheap pinata out of a balloon and put in lollies then get a adult to smash it. (or the birthday girl)

*try a theme party eg fairies and elves or fancy dress and give a suprise for the best dress. 

* goodie bags gotta have goodie bags

like another mother suggested there are places that will hold parties they charge something like $5 to $15 per person and it in a safe enviroment so the other adults can sit back and watch while a carer keeps the kids oocupied

supermarkets will do a custom made cake for you if u ask or a bakery like brumby's

hope you have a fun time planing the party and i hope its a major sucess for u

great things are places like fun station (there are other places like that as well) and they do bday parties. its all in doors so winter isnt bad and its just a huge play ground. it is a little pricey, I looked for my son and it was about $12 a child but that included food and a watcher. (so you can have a cuppa and be relaxed)

thats one idea.

I love parties :)

Here's some things I really enjoyed as a kid-

*costume parties: with a parade at some point and a small, inexpensive, prize for 'most creative costume', 'most beautiful costume' etc

*pass the parcel- great for all ages

*balloon&spoon race-like egg spoon race but with a balloon instead- no mess and easier for little ones

*Clowns or fairies- you don't have to hire one-just get an adult friend to dress up as a clown or a fairy and just come and play with the kids- they'll be tickled that there is an a 'grown-up' engaging in that kind of play.

*them cakes are great-I do alot for my friends but I noticed someone wrote some advice on how do DYI party cakes and they looked fantastic.

Important thing is that you don't have to spend alot- it's the creativity that makes a great party.