Planning a party for your child is exciting to them, and sometimes daunting to you!  Here are some sure-fire ways to make sure that the party is fun and you are not driving yourself crazy with details.

Birthday Party Checklist

3-4 weeks before your party

• Decide on a party theme.

• Create the guest list.

• Pick the party date and time.

• Order party supplies, decorations, party favors, activities and prizes for games.

  2-3 weeks before your party

• Send the invitations.  Ask for RSVPs.
• Decide on activities and games to play.
• Plan your menu.
• Arrange for extra help on the party day from friends or relatives.

1 week before the party

• Order cake from a bakery if you are not baking your own.
• Make any other foods that can be made ahead of time.
• Write out a final schedule of activities for the party.

2-3 days before the party

• Buy remaining food for the party.
• Buy film and/or videotape.  Check batteries.
• Call those who have not responded.
• Arrange to have balloons filled with helium to pick up the day of the party.

1 day before the party

• Finish decorating the cake, or pick up the cake from the bakery.
• Make sure you have candles and matches.
• Pick up helium-filled balloons.
• Decorate indoors and outdoors.
• Prepare food that can be made ahead of time.

Party day

• Prepare foods and beverages that could not be made ahead of time.
• Check final decorations.
• Enjoy the party!

   Party planning can be stress-free, if

        you know what you are doing!

Top 10 Party Tips

1. Keep a child's party to 2 hours max!

2. Plan the party for around noon.  Kids are the happiest around lunch time.

3. Have the party outdoors, if weather permits.  Kids love to run around at a party.

4. Do not send invitations to school unless the whole class is coming.

5. Have a craft or activity ready as the children arrive.  Keep them busy and moving.

6. Keep an index card of the party's schedule in your pocket or posted on a wall.

7. Have your camera ready to go at all times.  You don't want to miss perfect shots.

8. Enlist parents who are hanging around to be "assistants."  They love to lend a hand.

9. Have a special place designated for gifts that will be out of the way of the kids.

10. Remember that this is your child's big day.  Do the things that they want to make it most memorable for them!