As a parent I know that there is so much to get done before the big birthday party. When should the invites go out, when can I start preparing. I have found that it is always easier to use a party checklist to get the job done right. Here is the checklist that I use. It should be helpful.
A MONTH BEFORE:
- Decide on a date
- Choose a location
- Develop a tentative menu
- Pick a party theme
- Research different party games
- Decide on favors and order if you are buying online. This will save you from having to pay for express shipping.
- Write out your guest list. Usually about 1/3 of the children invited are unable to attend.
2-4 Weeks Before the Party
- Send out your invitations.
- Purchase any paper goods needed. Always buy more forks. They go the quickest.
- Place balloon order if you are planning on balloons
1 Week Before the Party:
- Make the cake. If you are making the cake make it and freeze it. If you are buying it it should be ordered
- Shop for food and drinks that will not spoil
2-3 Days Before the Party:
- Prepare all food that can be made ahead of time.
- Call all of the people who did not RSVP
- Assemble goodie bags with Toys, novelties, and candy.
- Buy fresh meat and produce
Day of the Party:
- Set tables and arrange seating if you would like that done ahead of time.
- Prepare food.
- Icing homemade cake
- Set up all birthday party games and stations
- Pick up balloons
- Relax, smile and enjoy the party.
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Nice list. I went to like 20 kids parties this summer with my kids and I only wished some of the parents were this thorough.
Good Idea I think this will save lots of time. I will let you know
Please do let me know. I would love to hear!
Becca
This list works wonderfully… I look it up all the time. Thanks for posting it and helping my wife retain some sanity when planning parties!
I am glad that you are able to make such great use of this resource.
Becca
This is a great checklist. I just threw my daughter a princess and this checklist came in quite handy. I found tons of D.I.Y ideas for princess party games at partygamesplus.com . They had some cool original ideas I hadn’t found elsewhere, plus they were all really cheap to pull off. I will also use them again because they had tons of other theme games.
I am kinda of a scatterbrain, so this list really gave me a jumping off point for organizing the party. I have printed this list and will use it more.