Take the stress out of planning a kid’s birthday party with our detailed guide.
Perhaps they want a celebration of their favorite cartoon character?
Let your child help choose theparty’s theme; this will help narrow down decoration and activity choices.
Photo: WE TAKE THE CAKE
Ask for references from people who have employed the entertainers recently and read third-party reviews.
Be sure to ask if there are any setup requirements.
Your child won’t be happy if their best friend will be out of town for their party.
Send Invitations
Make written invitations creative and coordinated with the party theme.
Or, use an online template for digital invitations.
Remember to leave time for entertainment, snacks, and general freewheeling ruckus.
Involve your child in this processthey know what they enjoy best.
Check online party supply stores to save time (and maybe money).
Buy or orderparty favorsthat fit the theme (and goody bags to put them in).
Don’t forget about prizes for any games.
If you like, plan a few special treats (like amocktail recipe) for parents.
Include how far in advance each dish can be made to help with planning.
Make a Grocery List
Write out any food items that need purchasing.
Don’t forget drinksjuice, water, or any grown-up drinks.
One Week Before the Party
Clean the House
Thoroughlyclean the houseahead of time.
This way, you’ll only need to do a quick once-over before the party.
Check for ants or bugs, and fill in any holes.
(You want to minimize the risk of injury for smaller guests.)
Make any foods that can be frozen to help save time on the day of the party.
Order the Cake
Order the cake with your preferred bakery.
Involve your child in the process of picking the design and flavors.
Purchase Missing Supplies
Order helium balloons for easy pick-up before the party.
Check your list of necessary supplies and procure any missing pieces.
Ensure the room is free of breakables.
This helps reduce last-minute stress.
check that dangerous areas like stairs, upper-floor windows, and pools are safeguarded.
Double-check that any chemicals are locked away, and check for sharp-edged corners on furniture that might be hazardous.
Prepare Cameras
Gather any cameras you’ll be using during the party.
Charge video and digital cameras.
Clear storage space or stock up on extra memory cards.
Your child can help stuff the bags and will enjoy seeing the fun trinkets their friends will receive.
Pick up loose items, wind-blown garbage, and extra toys that won’t be used during the party.
Organize Furniture
Rearrange furniture (if necessary) for guests to sit and enjoy the party.
Set up dining and gift tables and activity stations, including laying out any games or crafts.
Decorate
Decorate your home or yard.
Do everything that doesn’t involve helium.
If you find you’re missing anything (a few more streamers, etc.
), you still have time to run out and buy it.
Finish Food Prep
Complete as much of the cooking as you’ve got the option to.
This includes defrosting andicing the cake(if homemade).
Finalize Cleaning
Do a touch-up cleaning sweep through the house.
Check that clutter is put away.Clean bathroomsso they’re ready for guests, and wipe up the kitchen.
Practice Manners
Remind children (especially younger ones) to use their manners during the party.
If opening presents is on the agenda, practice politely saying “thank you” with your child.
This would be for food that couldn’t be prepped ahead of time and refrigerated (or frozen).
Display Food
One to two hours before guests arrive, set out foods that won’t spoil.
Wrap them tightly to ensure freshness; tear off the wrap when the first doorbell rings.
Begin Activities
Go over activities with children and let them know which are available.
Enlist parents who are staying to help manage some activities or tasks.
Serve Cake
If singing the Happy Birthday song, gather everyone around to celebrate the birthday child.
Cut and serve the cake and ice cream.
Remember: the birthday child gets the first slice of cake!
Make a list of items received and who gifted each.
Your child can hand them out and say thank you to friends and family at the same time.
Send your own to your party assistants.
