6 TO 8 WEEKS BEFORE THE BIRTHDAY
Help child select a theme.
Decide on the number of guests and develop a guest list.
If party will be held outside your home, select a location.
Choose a date and time.
Order birthday supplies and invitations.
Be sure to include your child when ordering.
If using an entertainer, call to book entertainer.
2 -3 WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY
Fill in and mail or deliver invitations.
Keep a list of invitees near the phone for RSVP's.
Discuss and select 4 - 6 party activities with your child.
Collect prizes and items needed for activities.
If serving a meal, decide on the menu.
Order a cake (if you aren't baking one yourself).
If you won't have many parents or relatives staying at the party, consider asking a favorite babysitter to help.
A WEEK AHEAD
Decide on the order of activities.
Try any games or activities with which you are unfamiliar.
Check out any books or tapes you'll be borrowing from the library.
2-3 DAYS AHEAD
Call any guests who have not responded.
Shop for groceries or other food being served.
Buy candles.
Purchase any candy for favors or pinata.
Prepare (copy, cut out, etc.) any crafts that can be done ahead.
Put together favor bags.
Check camera.
Charge video camera.
Get film.
THE DAY BEFORE THE PARTY
Clean party area.
Put away any items that may be dangerous or distracting.
Bake or pick up cake.
If ordering food such as pizza, call to arrange delivery.
If necessary, confirm entertainer or any helpers.
Sit with your child and discuss his or her expectations for the next day.
4 -5 HOURS AHEAD
Set up decorations.
Put candles in cake and locate matches.
Get balloons filled or pick up helium latex and mylar balloons.
Tie some balloons to the mailbox or front porch.
Place crafts and prizes near the activity locations.
Locate paper and pencil for recording gifts (for thank-you's).
1 HOUR AHEAD
Consider putting any pets in an area away from the guests.
Get birthday child and siblings dressed.
Set up food and let your child help as much as possible.
Set up first activity
HAVE A GREAT PARTY !