Party Survival Guide

Schedule		Activity
4-6 weeks before party		Choose a theme with your child.
		Select date and time for party.
		Choose location for party and make reservations, if necessary.
		Develop the guest list (neighborhood friends, class mates, team mates, cousins, etc.).
		Develop party agenda (example: 1-1:30 arts & crafts, 1:30-2:15 games and entertainment, 2:15-2:30 refreshments, 2:30-3:00 present opening, favor distribution, and free play).
		Book entertainment, if any (magician, bounce house, etc.).
3-4 weeks before		Make or purchase invitations.
		Mail invitations 2 1/2 weeks before party
		Plan games and activities
2 weeks before		Purchase party supplies (decorations, favors, games & activities). Purchase enough for siblings and a few other extra guests.
		Plan menu and make grocery shopping list.
		Arrange for help. Identify family members and friends who can help set-up/clean-up, prepare and serve food, and coordinate games and activities.
1 week before		Gather up tables, chairs, toys, coolers, serving dishes, and other supplies you'll be using at the party.
		Follow-up with the invited guests who have not yet RSVP'd to determine final guest count.
		Order cake & balloons.
		Prepare any foods that can be frozen for the following week.
2-3 days before		Charge video camera battery and make sure cameras are working.
		Do grocery shopping.
		Get cash or make out checks for any paid helpers.
		Prepare favor bags.
Day before		Prepare remaining food, including cake or cupcakes if making these.
Day before		Clean and child proof party area.
Party Day!		Finish last minute food preparation.
		Pick up cake and balloons
		Set-up and decorate party area
		Set-up games
		Have fun!
		Do minimum level of clean-up.
2-3 days after		Finish cleanup/put-away.
		Have child prepare thank you notes for gifts. Don't forget to send thank you notes to your helpers.
		Get film developed and send pictures to distant relatives, put one on fridge, save some for scrap book.