Author
Party planning editor at Yombu
Chanel writes Yombu's guides to kids party entertainment — the planning playbooks that help busy parents pull off a celebration without the stress. She has spent years tracking what actually makes a children's party land, from the entrance an entertainer makes to the games that keep a room of six-year-olds spellbound.
When she is not researching the next great theme, she is comparing notes with the face painters, magicians, balloon artists and character performers on the Yombu platform, so every guide is grounded in what real, working entertainers know.
22 articles
Party PlanningThe chain closed, the search bar didn't. What happened to Party City, the five kinds of shop that replaced it, and how to work out which one your party actually needs.
Chanel Hoole8 min read
NYC Party PlanningKnights, dragons, fairies and wizards — the costumes, crafts, real NYC outings and character performers that make a fantasy-themed kids party feel genuinely magical.
Chanel Hoole4 min read
NYC Party PlanningThe permit rules, the best lawns for kids, what you can and can't bring, and the entertainment that actually works outdoors — a complete guide to throwing a birthday party in Central Park.
Chanel Hoole10 min read
NYC Party PlanningOne great party park in each borough — where the playgrounds, picnic areas and barbecue pits actually are, and what the permit rules mean for a birthday with twenty guests.
Chanel Hoole6 min read
Party PlanningDomino Park, the Walk of Fame, guava ice cream and a riverfront playground — a family's guide to Little Havana, plus how to throw a kids party Miami-style.
Chanel Hoole6 min read
Party PlanningWeb decor, target-practice games, the food, the cake, the favour bags and the big red-and-blue entrance — a full plan for a spider-hero birthday that runs itself.
Chanel Hoole9 min read
Party PlanningRing lights, neon, a filming corner and a dance-challenge bracket — how to throw a creator-themed party that feels genuinely cool, plus the privacy rules worth setting first.
Chanel Hoole6 min read
Party PlanningMarmalade sandwiches, a blue duffle coat at the door and a garden tea party with proper manners — a gentle, charming theme that suits the youngest guests beautifully.
Chanel Hoole6 min read
Party PlanningCheckered flags, a pit-crew tyre-change relay, a start line taped down the hallway and a cake with skid marks on it — the full plan for a race day birthday.
Chanel Hoole6 min read
Party PlanningGolden ticket invitations, a candy bar that doubles as the decor, a factory tour with five rooms and a taste test nobody forgets — the full chocolate-factory plan.
Chanel Hoole6 min read
Party PlanningA battle royale run in the back garden — nerf zones, a shrinking storm circle, a dance-emote contest and a llama piñata. Plus honest guidance on ages and ground rules.
Chanel Hoole7 min read
Booking AdviceThe Bash (formerly GigMasters) pairs annual vendor memberships with quote-based booking. How its model compares with Yombu's upfront prices and confirmed availability — for parents and performers.
Chanel Hoole4 min read
Booking AdviceBark sells your request to providers as a lead — they pay credits just to contact you. Here's what that means for the replies you get, and how Yombu's confirmed-availability booking compares.
Chanel Hoole4 min read
Booking AdviceGigSalad is a quote marketplace: you post a request, vendors send quotes, you chase the details. Here's how its model and fees compare with Yombu's confirmed-availability booking — for parents and for entertainers.
Chanel Hoole4 min read
EntertainmentFrom balloon modelling to bounce houses, magic shows to scavenger hunts — the only run-down you need to plan the entertainment for a children's party that actually lands.
Chanel Hoole4 min read
NYC Party PlanningSports parties, trampoline parks, go-karting, beach volleyball and tennis — the best high-energy birthday party venues across New York for kids who can't sit still.
Chanel Hoole2 min read
EntertainmentHow much a kids magician costs, how long the show should run, where to find a great one, plus easy tricks to teach at home. Everything you need before you book.
Chanel Hoole3 min read
EntertainmentHow to find a brilliant princess performer, the activities that work best by age, making a magical entrance, and the rules around character names. Your full princess playbook.
Chanel Hoole3 min read
EntertainmentWhere to find the right character performer, how to read their reviews, costumes and mascots explained, and how to plan the perfect character visit for your child's party.
Chanel Hoole3 min read
NYC Party PlanningPrincess performers, a real princess tea party in a grand hotel or a whimsical café, tiara-making and the most magical venues — how to throw a princess party in New York.
Chanel Hoole3 min read
NYC Party PlanningShell invitations, a sea-glass carousel, a real aquarium sleepover and mermaid swim lessons — how to throw an unforgettable under-the-sea party in New York.
Chanel Hoole2 min read
NYC Party PlanningBubble shows, puppet theatre, a mobile spa bus, mad-scientist labs and vetted entertainers on demand — the most original kids birthday entertainment ideas in New York.
Chanel Hoole2 min read
Read every guide from the whole team, or skip ahead and book a vetted local entertainer who's actually free on your date.
