PARTY LENGTH GUIDELINES

Age (In years) 

Length of Party

1

Based on infant's naptime

2-3

1 - 1 1/2 hours

4-5

2 - 2 1/2 hours

6-7

2 - 3 hours

8-10

3 - 3 1/2 hours 

TIPS

Shorter simpler parties work the best
Entertainment will save you a lot of gray hair
Plan the party with the birthday child
Smaller groups are easier to handle. Plan on a helper for every 4-8 children, depending on the ages, younger children need a parent to be by their side so have some grown up treats and favors planned.

4-6 WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY

Pick a Party Theme

Make the guest list, if inviting from a group, be sure to invite everyone from the group to avoid hurt feelings

Make a tentative schedule of party activities

Decide on which party decorations AND FAVORS TO MAKE and WHICH ONES TO BUY

MAKE A LIST OF ALL SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED

2 - 3 WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY

PURCHASE OR MAKE INVITATIONS, then mail or deliver

Purchase party supplies...o.k. Now list right here where you put them! 

Order the cake unless you are a Martha Stewart type and make a list now of supplies you will need

Arrange for any needed extra help and how you will reward their efforts

1 WEEK BEFORE THE PARTY

Confirm the cake order or buy the cake supplies

Buy film or video supplies

Check camera flash units, batteries, and video equipment batteries

Make any party treats now that can be stored in the freezer, including the basis of a homemade cake 

Write out a final schedule of party activities

2 - 3 DAYS BEFORE THE PARTY

Buy remaining party foods

Purchase video tape, film and batteries

Get an exact guest count and call all invited who haven't responded as to their attendance

1 DAY BEFORE THE PARTY

Pick up cake or complete frosting and decorating

Child proof the party areas

Decorate the indoor party area

Prepare all do ahead foods

Party Day.... AAARRRRGGGHHH or AAAHHHHHH? It's up to you!

Prepare the rest of the food

Decorate the outside party area

Mark the house with balloons or a sign

Keep the schedule of events with you at all times.

THE PARTY

Party Theme

Party Date

Day of the week

Time party starts

Time party ends

Number of guests

Number of invitations

HELPERS

Name

Phone

Name

Phone

Name

Phone

PARTY SHOPPING CHECK LIST

Invitations 
Thank you notes 
Plates 
Cups 
Placemats 
Napkins 
Knives / forks / spoons 
Tablecloth 
Stamps 
Matches / Lighter 
Trash bags 

Decorations 
Film / Video 
Camera 
Lights 
Batteries 
Extension cords 
Cassette Player 
CD player 
Radio
Cake
Ice Cream

Music/Songs

Punch/Drinks

CHILDREN GUEST LIST

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP

ADULT GUEST LIST

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP

Name
Phone

Address
RSVP