Planning a birthday party can feel overwhelming, but it’s
not if you break it down into small tasks.
Follow this timeline for the weeks and days to ensure you
always in control the party and for the party agenda itself, and the event
should run smoothly.
1)
Two Weeks Before the Party
- · Sit down with your child and choose a party theme. Begin brainstorming how you’ll incorporate the theme into the decorations, cake, favors and other party details.
- · Set a date.
- · Book a venue or entertainment, if desired.
- · Order invitations or purchase the supplies you'll need if you're making them yourself.
- · Set a budget.
- · Write up a guest list.
- · Begin shopping for gifts for the birthday kid
2)
0ne week Before the Party
·
Buy stock invitations from a retail store if you
didn’t pre-order some.
·
Put together, write and send out the
invitations. Be sure to include the party’s start and end time, your phone
number, directions to the party location and the party’s theme.
·
If your child still naps, set the party time
with that in mind. Toddlers, for example, often nap between 1 and 3 p.m., so
hold a party for that age group either in the morning or late afternoon.
·
Shop for party supplies, such as decorations and
items you may need to make the favors. Shopping early allows you the time to
order items online if you can’t find them locally.
3)
Two Days Before the Party
·
Shop for groceries and do prep work on any menu
items that won’t spoil.
·
Wrap birthday gifts.
·
If you’re serving pizza or something similar,
place your order.
·
Arrange to have a neighbor or friend watch your
pets during the party. Doing so is less stressful for the animals and helpful
if any of the guests have allergies or fears.
·
Buy any party supplies you still need, such as
plates, napkins, cups, dinnerware, toothpicks, matches or candles.
4)
One Day Before the Party
·
Charge your camcorder and camera batteries.
·
Rent any movies you’ll be showing at the party.
·
Clean the party area.
·
Do any decorating you can at this time, such as
hanging streamers and banners
·
Set up whatever you can that won't be disturbed
between now and the party time tomorrow, such as setting the table, setting up
party game props or placing buffet servers that can be filled with food just
before the party.
·
Make the cake or confirm your order with the
bakery.
5)
On the Morning of the Party
- · Confirm food arrangements.
- · Finish any other food prep work.
- · If you choose, drop off your child at a friend, relative or baby sitter’s house so you can focus on the party details.
- · Drop off your pet at a neighbor or friend’s house, if that has been prearranged.
- · Pick up balloons, if using, and the cake, if ordering.
- · Complete the decorating of the party area.
- · Set up the games or other activities.
- · Put out the party favors.
- · Place a sign in your yard or tie balloons to your front door to help guests find your house.
6)
Just Before the Party Starts
- · Pick up your child, if she or he is still at a friend's house.
- · Set out the food and drinks.
- · Turn on some music.
- · Set out the candles and matches, so you’re not scrambling to find them when everyone’s ready to sing “Happy Birthday.”
- · Place your camera and camcorder in an easily accessible spot.
- · Set out a notepad and pen so you can write down the gifts that were given, which will be helpful when it comes time to write thank you cards.
- · Take some photos of the party scene and cake in case things get too busy once the guests arrive
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