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