Timeline

• Contact Party Squad!
• Talk with your child and choose a party theme and/or decide what your "entertainment" will be for the party. This will help you determine your party budget as well.
• Create the guest list.
• Choose a party date and time.
• Order the general party supplies such as tablecloths, tableware and decorations. Disposable is great for an easy clean up!
• Think about games. Keep the ages and personalities of the children in mind as you plan your activities. Sometimes shorter and simpler parties with one fun activity are best and less stressful.

• Decide on your menu. Are you just having cake and ice cream? Is the party over a mealtime?Do you need to order food or are you cooking yourself?
• Mail the invitations. You will probably need to call everyone who doesn't RSVP. People may have forgotten the party date and will appreciate the reminder call.
• Ask for help. If you think you might need some help for party day, ask a couple of friends to stay and help. Most people would love to help; you just need to ask.

• If you are making the cake yourself, bake your cake and freeze it. Knowing the cake is done will be such a stress reliever on the big day!
• Prepare and freeze any other foods that can be made in advance.
• Make an exact guest count. Call any guests who have not yet responded.

• Purchase any last minute food items and don't forget candles, matches and FILM!
• Check the batteries in your camera and video recorder.
• Make up a party timeline for the party day so you don't forget anything.

• Take out party food and cake from the freezer.
• Do any decorating that you can do in advance.
• Finish any food preparation that can be done ahead of time.

• Inflate the balloons (or have them delivered).
• Prepare any foods and beverages that you need.
• Write out your timeline for the day so you don't forget anything.
• You don't want to miss out on the memories you'll have from the photos so ask a relative or trusted friend to be responsible for the picture taking.