Children's Birthday Parties - A Timeline For A Great Event!

Having the best children's birthday party shouldn'tBake your cake and freeze it. Knowing the cake
be a stressful thing. Follow the timeline below andis done will be such a stress reliever on the big
your child and you will be the hit of theday!
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 themeGet an exact guest count. Call any guests who
and/or decide what your "entertainment" will behave not responded.
for the party. This will help you determine yourTwo 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 includecandles, matches and FILM!
friends from school, the neighborhood as well asCheck your batteries in your camera and video
relatives and more distant friends.recorder.
Choose a party date and time. Most children'sPurchase a small helium tank from your local
birthday parties are generally one to two hoursparty 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 andOne day before the party remember to:
personalities of the children as you plan yourTake out food and cake from the freezer.
activities. And sometimes shorter and simplerDo any decorating that you can do in advance
parties with one fun activity are best and leastFinish 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 cakeFill your balloons with helium.
and ice cream? Is the party at a mealtime and doPrepare any foods and beverages that could not
you need to order pizzas or are you cookingbe 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 callforget anything.
everyone that doesn't RSVP. People will forgetYou don't want to miss out on the memories
and will appreciate the reminder callyou'll have with the pictures, so ask a relative or
Ask for help. If you think you might need sometrusted friend to be responsible for the picture
help for party day, ask a couple of the moms oftaking.
the kids who are invited to stay and help. MostRelax 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: