birthday party planning cheat sheet
TRANSCRIPT
DETERMINE THE THEMEDeciding on the theme of
the party will help determine what kind of decorations and
activities you will need.
DRAW UP THE GUEST LISTThe rule of thumb for the size of the guest list is “your child’s age
plus one,” so if your child is turning 6, invite seven of
his or her friends.
SEND INVITATIONSBe sure to include RSVP
information as well as any special instructions for the
guests, like leaving siblings at home or wearing appropriate clothing for messy activities.
CREATE A SCHEDULE FOR ACTIVITIES
Avoid scheduling the party too tightly to allow kids enough time for general horsing around, and decide whether or not your child will be opening presents during
the party.
CREATE A CHECKLIST FOR ALL THE SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEEDThere’s a checklist of common
party supplies below, but depending on the activities and/or menu, you may need to add
or remove some items.
PUT TOGETHER GOODY BAGS FOR EACH GUEST
As long as you’re not planning to give out perishable items, you can put these together as early
as possible.
FINALIZE THE GUEST COUNTCheck in with anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d as of yet and confirm whether or not they
are attending.
DO ANY GROCERY SHOPPING
If you’re not baking the cake yourself, order it at least a week
in advance.
CLEAN UPIf you’re having the party at your home, give it a
thorough cleaning a few days ahead of time.
PERFORM A SAFETY SWEEP OF YOUR HOUSE
Make sure cabinets are secured, stairs are clear and your home
is generally safe for a big crowd of little people to run around.
DECORATEIf you’re having the party at
home, a day or two before the party is a good time to do any decorating that doesn’t involve
helium balloons.
PICK UP/FINISH DECORATING THE CAKEThe day before the party is when you’ll want to get the
cake from the bakery or put the finishing touches on it.
rsvp
ARRANGE FOR ENTERTAINMENTIf you’re going to have a clown, magician or any other type of party entertainer, the sooner you can book them, the better, and that also
goes for bounce houses or other party rentals.
PREP AS MUCH FOOD AS YOU CAN
This includes cutting up fruits and vegetables for snacks, making
sandwiches or preparing salads.
PUT OUT FOOD/SNACKSPut any beverages
on ice, as well.
FINISH DECORATINGLast-minute decorating like filling the helium balloons or hanging a piñata should be done a few hours before the party starts.
TAKE PHOTOS OF THE BIRTHDAY KID
Once your child is having fun, you may not be able to get a
photo of him or her standing still (or clean).
KEEP A GIFT LISTTaking note of who sent each gift will make thank you cards
much easier after everyone goes home.
TURN ON MUSIC/LIGHTSHaving the music and party lights on as your guests arrive ensures
a festive mood.
Streamers Balloons Banners Piñata Party hats Goody bags
Party favors/glow sticks Tablecloth Plates Napkins Utensils
Serving bowls/platters Cups Cake stand Candles Beverage cooler/ drink dispenser
Serving spoons/tongs Ice cream scoop Batteries for cameras/music players
what to do well in advance
what to do the week of the party
what to do the day of the party
party supply checklist
Birthday Party