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