| Having the best children's birthday party | | | | cake is done will be such a stress reliever |
| shouldn't be a stressful thing. Follow the | | | | on the big day! |
| timeline below and your child and you will be | | | | |
| the hit of the neighborhood. | | | | Prepare and freeze any other foods that can |
| | | | be made in advance. |
| About a month before your party you'll want | | | | |
| to: | | | | Get an exact guest count. Call any guests who |
| | | | have not responded. |
| Talk with your child and choose a party theme | | | | |
| and/or decide what your "entertainment" will | | | | Two days before the party don't forget to: |
| be for the party. This will help you | | | | |
| determine your party budget as well. | | | | Get any last minute food items and don't |
| | | | forget candles, matches and FILM! |
| Create the guest list. Don't forget to | | | | |
| include friends from school, the neighborhood | | | | Check your batteries in your camera and video |
| as well as relatives and more distant | | | | recorder. |
| friends. | | | | |
| | | | Purchase a small helium tank from your local |
| Choose a party date and time. Most children's | | | | party or craft store. It's a great thing to |
| birthday parties are generally one to two | | | | keep your children busy the morning of the |
| hours long. | | | | party too! |
| | | | |
| Order the general party supplies: tablecloth, | | | | Make up a party timeline for the party day so |
| tableware, decorations, etc. | | | | you don't forget anything. |
| | | | |
| Think about games. Keep the ages and | | | | One day before the party remember to: |
| personalities of the children as you plan | | | | |
| your activities. And sometimes shorter and | | | | Take out food and cake from the freezer. |
| simpler parties with one fun activity are | | | | |
| best and least stressful. | | | | Do any decorating that you can do in advance |
| | | | |
| Two weeks prior to the party make sure you: | | | | Finish any food preparation that can be done |
| | | | ahead of time. |
| Decide on your menu. Are you just having cake | | | | |
| and ice cream? Is the party at a mealtime and | | | | On the morning of the party day make sure to: |
| do you need to order pizzas or are you | | | | |
| cooking yourself, etc.? | | | | Fill your balloons with helium. |
| | | | |
| Mail the invitations. You will probably need | | | | Prepare any foods and beverages that could |
| to call everyone that doesn't RSVP. People | | | | not be made ahead of time. |
| will forget and will appreciate the reminder | | | | |
| call | | | | Write out your timeline for the day so you |
| | | | don't forget anything. |
| Ask for help. If you think you might need | | | | |
| some help for party day, ask a couple of the | | | | You don't want to miss out on the memories |
| moms of the kids who are invited to stay and | | | | you'll have with the pictures, so ask a |
| help. Most people would love to, you just | | | | relative or trusted friend to be responsible |
| need to ask. | | | | for the picture taking. |
| | | | |
| One week before party day you should: | | | | Relax and enjoy this great day. And then get |
| | | | ready for next year! |
| Bake your cake and freeze it. Knowing the | | | | |