How to plan a fantastic birthday party
Everybody loves a party, particularly if it's for them. When it's time to plan your child's next birthday party you may be at a loss. The following ideas will show you how to plan a fantastic birthday party, giving you a checklist of things to do and when to do them.
Two months before - Start talking to your birthday boy or girl about what they want to do for their birthday. Get them to start thinking about a theme and how many people they want to invite.
Three to four weeks before - Choose a party theme. Help them solidify their guest list so you can buy and start preparing invitations. Decide when and where the party will be.
Three weeks before - Mail out the invitations, being sure you include an RSVP. Let guests know what time the party will end as well as start so parents can pick their children up on time.
You'll want to include a specific date for them to RSVP - a good idea is to make this two weeks before the day of the party, even if you use an electronic mailing system, so parents and children have plenty of time to include the party in their agendas.
Bake the cake if you're making it yourself. You can freeze the layers or any cupcakes you make so they're already made and ready to be decorated when the date of the party arrives.
Ask other adults to help you at the party. A good ratio is one adult for every five children.
Begin buying the paper goods and decorations.
Two weeks before - This is the RSVP date. Keep track of everyone who has responded and who hasn't. Plan what foods you'll serve other than cake and ice cream. You can start purchasing some non-perishable items. Decide what games or activities to have, if any.
One week before - If you haven't already baked the cake, now is the time to order it from the bakery. You can also prepare other foods which can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer.
Three days before - Finish buying the remaining food and beverages. Call any parent who hasn't responded to let you know if their child will attend. Know how many people to expect. Make sure you have batteries, film or video tapes to commemorate the party.
The day before - Pick up the cake from the bakery or decorate the one you made. Make the punch or be sure you have plenty of ice for drinks. Decorate the party area if it is indoors. If the party is outdoors, decorate the day of the party.
Party day - Finish decorating the cake and setting food out. Have your child greet the guests as they arrive - don't forget to designate a place for the gifts. Have a small activity to keep guests busy until everyone arrives. When everyone is there it's time for the party to begin.
Be sure to take plenty of pictures or videos to help your child remember their special day. Take candid pictures or ask another adult to take the pictures so you can be in them, too.
Knowing how to plan a fantastic birthday party isn't difficult. It's simply a matter of organization and having a set checklist of when things should be done. The more organized you are in planning, the better able you will be to enjoy the day along with your child.