Checklist

Simple Fun Kid Parties

Kid Themed Birthday, Classroom and Fun Parties

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Party Checklist

3-4 Weeks Out: Plan The Party

Choose a theme for the party (seek your child’s input for ideas)
Create a guest list. (See Helpful Hints Guest List for help)
Choose a date and time for the party
Order party supplies or begin shopping for deals on supplies.
saving also.
Decide where the event will be held, Home or park saves money but if that is not in the realm of possibility, make reservations for place or venue if needed.

2-3 Weeks Out:

Send out the invitations with RSVP information (include “RSVP by” date)
Plan a food & refreshments
Decide on what games & activities will be incorporated into the party and what favors and supplies will be played during the timeline of the party to keep it flowing.
Enlist Reliable Helpers (friends, relatives, neighbors, parents of guests, teens, etc. Reliable meaning you can count on them showing up and/or helping!)
Borrow or purchase what you need for each activity. Keep list of items you borrow and from whom.

1 Week Out:

Begin preparations for crafts and activities for party. Anything that needs to be prepped or organized should be completed by 2-3 days out, so in case you forgot something you still have time to get and prep.
Order the cake if you are not making it yourself.
Double check reservations if any were made at a restaurant or other place.
Make any of the food that can be made ahead and freeze it.

2-3 Days Out:

Purchase food for the party.
Charge or purchase camera batteries. Don’t forget your video camera!
Get an accurate guest count. Call any that have not RSVP 'd to make sure you know who is attending; double check your supplies after calling to make sure you have enough.
Prep your "take home" and "during" the party gift favor bags (optional activity)
Call to remind helpers of time to come. Make sure they can still come. Find others if needed. Have them come early for last minute set up and instructions.
Check the weather!! Plan accordingly.

Day Before the Party

Prep and decorate any indoor areas (Save Crete paper for the day of…it tends to wilt in any humidity!)
Child proof the party area
Set up each activity with all supplies.
Prepare food that can be made ahead and begin defrosting any food you made ahead of time.
If doing a scavenger hunt, hide items day before or before guests arrive for the day of the party
Make and decorate the cake or pick it up from the bakery.
Put out the plates, napkins and tableware you have ordered or purchased for the party.
Designate area for gifts to be placed on. Place a note pad and paper nearby to record gift giver and gift for thank you notes!
Check the weather and plan accordingly.

The Party DAY!

Make the remaining food and beverages.
Delegate assignments to your helpers if you are using them.
Pick up helium balloons or go get the balloons you have on hand, filled up. (optional activity)
Final preparations for set up- games, food, activities...make sure everything is set for each activity.
Decorate any remaining areas.
During the party have a way to keep track of all the kids (delegate helper)
Pay attention to how the kids are liking the activity to gauge whether or not to move on.

Relax and have a fun, safe, and great party!!

AFTER the PARTY

Have your child thank each child personally for coming and seeing them to the door. (Manners!)
Enlist helpers stay longer to clean up immediately following the party. (If don’t you feel like doing it then, you certainly won’t feel like doing it later alone either.)

Next few Days after the party:

Assemble things that were borrowed and make a plan to return them within a week of the party (sooner is better).
Return any items not used to the store.
Help your child begin writing thank you notes. Get those out within the next couple of weeks.