Prepare by tracking down and prescreening -- with your child -- an appropriate karaoke DVD, available online and at the public library.

INVITATIONS

Write the child's name in black marker on a cardboard gold star, available at party and paper-supply stores. The invitation can later double as a bedroom door decoration. Write the details on the back, or on an attached card. Note that guests should bring a CD with their favorite song flagged.

DECOR

Use a yard or two of red felt to make a red-carpet entry into the party area. Hang foil stars and CDs ("free-download" CD-roms) and photos of favorite pop stars. Designate an area as the stage, and hang a backdrop of dark paper. Add a disco ball and directional lights. Note: Don't embarrass the kids, please. Party stores still stock 1950s vinyl records and '57 Chevies, so you'll have to update for 2007.

ACTIVITIES

Have face paint and costumes, including boas, hats, skirts, scarves and whatever you and your child think might be cool. Have an adult or two designated to help with hair and makeup, whether it's glam-girl eyeshadow or a Kiss-inspired mask. Take photos. Crank up the karaoke and let them shake their groove thang.

GOODIES

Make a mix CD of everyone's favorite songs. Give to departing guests, with superstar sunglasses. Write thank-you notes on the back of each child's rock-star photo.

-- McClatchy-Tribune

HEY, MOM & DAD!

Share photos from your child's birthday party, or tell us about a creative party idea. If your photo or party idea gets published, you'll get a prize. Send to extra@roanoke.com, and don't forget to include your name, address and daytime phone number.