A Checklist for Children's Birthday Parties
Children's birthday parties are exciting events for both children and parents. When planning a birthday party, it is best to follow a checklist to ensure that all preparations are completed at least one hour before guests are scheduled to arrive. Take into account parents, family members and adult family friends when compiling the final guest list, even if they did not RSVP to an invitation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Date, Time, Location and Theme
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About four weeks prior to the birthday party, select its theme. The location of the party may limit theme choices, so identify the theme and location at the same time. The average birthday party lasts two to three hours. Foods served at a birthday party will depend on the time when the party will be held. Lunch time is a common choice because a meal can be served with birthday cake as dessert.
Party Supplies
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Party supplies ordered online may require four weeks for delivery. If purchasing party supplies in a store, no wait time is required. Make sure to purchase enough plates, cups and cutlery for three times the number of guests expected. Take into consideration any children or adults who may attend the party with guests. Balloons should be picked up the day of the party to ensure that they do not deflate before the party.
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Food, Drink and Cake
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Food can be purchased two days in advance and prepared ahead of time in most cases. If warm food or appetizers will be served, a buffet-style warming system may make serving guests easier. Drinks can be chilled in a refrigerator before the party and served with ice while punch can be served in a large punch bowl with sherbet "ice cubes."
Cakes purchased from the local supermarket may require 48 hours advance notice. Specialty cakes may require longer to prepare so place your order at least one week in advance.
Guest List, Invitations and RSVP Journal
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Guest lists should be compiled four weeks in advance of the party date. Invitations with RSVP information should be sent out three weeks before the date of the party. RSVPs can be collected in an RSVP journal. An RSVP journal can be a notebook that lists the names and contact information for people on the guest list. As guests RSVP, mark "attending" next to the name.
The Day Before the Party
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The day before, purchase and prepare foods that will be cooked on the day of the party or arrange them on trays to be served at the party. Call the local florist or party supply shop to order balloons to be picked up the following morning.
The Day of the Party
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The morning of the party, recheck the RSVP list and ensure that all food and drink items have been purchased. Pick up balloons and cake at least five hours before the party. Start decorating four hours prior to the party with the aim of finishing at least one hour before guests are supposed to arrive. Place birthday gifts on the gift table after the decorating is complete and finish up food preparation.
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