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Schedule
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Activity |
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4-6 weeks before party |
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Choose a theme with your child. |
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Select date and time for party. |
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Choose location for party and make reservations, if necessary. |
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Develop the guest list (neighborhood friends, class mates, team
mates, cousins, etc.). |
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Develop party agenda (example: 1-1:30 arts & crafts, 1:30-2:15
games and entertainment, 2:15-2:30 refreshments, 2:30-3:00
present opening, favor distribution, and free play). |
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Book entertainment, if any (magician, bounce gym, etc.). |
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3-4 weeks before |
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Make or purchase
invitations. |
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Mail invitations 2 1/2 weeks before party |
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Plan games and activities |
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2 weeks before |
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Purchase party supplies (decorations,
favors,
games & activities). Purchase enough for siblings and few
other extra guests. |
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Plan menu and make grocery shopping list. See our
Fun Party
Food and
Supplies List
for ideas. |
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Arrange for help. Identify family members and friends who can
help set-up/clean-up, prepare and serve food, and coordinate
games and activities. |
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1 week before |
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Gather up tables, chairs, toys, coolers, serving dishes, and
other supplies you'll be using at the party. |
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Follow-up with the invited guests who have not yet RSVP'd to
determine final guest count. |
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Order cake & balloons. |
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Prepare any foods that can be frozen for the following week. |
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2-3 days before |
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Charge video camera battery and make sure cameras are working. |
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Do grocery shopping. |
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Get cash or make out checks for any paid helpers. |
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Prepare favor bags. |
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Day before |
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Prepare remaining food, including cake or cupcakes if making
these. |
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Clean and child proof party area. |
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Party Day! |
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Finish last minute food preparation. |
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Pick up cake and balloons (day before if high float or mylar) |
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Set-up and decorate party area |
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Set-up games |
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Have fun! |
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Do minimum level of clean-up. |
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2-3 days after |
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Finish cleanup/put-away. |
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Have child prepare thank you notes for gifts. Don't forget to
send thank you notes to your helpers. |
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Get film developed and send pictures to distant relatives, put
one on fridge, save some for scrap book. |