I’m sure you’ve heard me say many times before, just, how much I ADORE party planning! I love everything about it 🙂 I know it stresses some people out, and if that’s you I have some great tips to make it less stressful, and more enjoyable!
Three months before event:
- Set date, time and place.
- Choose theme and colors.
- If you have specific details you want to include, write them down so you don’t forget! I use a word document and just jot down ideas as they come!
Two months before event:
- Every party I host is on a budget, so browse the local Dollar Stores, Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann’s, Michaels and Target for great dollar finds!
- Order your invitations. A website like TinyPrints has a great selection to choose from!
- Write out your guest list and add up the number of children attending so you can plan for goodie bags.
- Plan party activities. Write out a list of games for the kids to play along with any supplies you will need to purchase. If you’re doing rentals, such as a bounce house, call to reserve your date.
One month before event:
- Plan your menu. Don’t feel obligated to feed everyone lunch if it doesn’t fit in your budget! Schedule mid-afternoon and offer a dessert bar.
- You can easily create personalized banners using a tool like PicMonkey and printing it onto your desired paper.
- Begin working on more time-consuming projects like banners, food labels, party décor, etc. Getting it done ahead of time will save you the stress in the end!
Two weeks before event:
- Prepare and send out invitations.
- Purchase tablecloths, plates, cutlery, cups, napkins and/or other party supplies.
- Buy items for the kids goodie bags and prepare. I like to do a variety of these go-to items: pencils, markers, glow sticks, a piece of my kids favorite candy, temporary tattoos, bubbles, chalk, homemade crayons, or a journal.
- If ordering a cake from a store or bakery, place the order and plan to pick up the day before the party.
One week before event:
- Head to the grocery store with a list in hand of all the food, condiments and drinks you will need.
- Start preparing or putting together any accessories needed for the party games. Get a good idea of what order you want to do each game in, it will make party day go much smoother!
Two days before event:
- If you’re hosting the party at home, do the bulk of your cleaning and leave vacuuming and/or mopping for the morning of.
One day before event:
- I make my kids’ cakes and cupcakes, so for me, I spend the day before making all the desserts. In case of any uh-oh’s I have time for plan B!
- The evening before, I always have a plan set out for how I want the next morning to go until the party begins. Inevitably, things may come up, but at least you can stay on track and get things accomplished in a timely manner!
Party day:
- I always plan a special birthday breakfast for my little ones!
- Buy the balloons! I head to the local Kroger down the street to buy my balloons. The balloons only last about 8-10 hours, so you don’t want to buy them too soon!
- Buy some fresh flowers! They’re the perfect centerpiece J
- I start two hours before the party is set to start by decorating. Prepare and decorate the main table, dessert table, and gift table.
- With the entire décor ready, begin prepping the food. Wash and slice veggies, fruits and cheeses and place in fridge. Put drinks in ice or cooler.
- Finish up any cleaning, such as vacuuming or mopping.
- Get yourself ready, get the kids ready!
- Add balloons to the mailbox or at the end of your street for family and friends to see.
- Sit out any appetizers or munchies before the guests arrive.
- After the first couple of guests have arrived, sit out any condiments, veggies, side-dishes, etc.
- We’ve found the easiest way to please guests is to have a barbeque, so I let my husband man the grill!
- Sit back, relax and enjoy the masterpiece you’ve created!!
I hope these tips will be able to help you enjoy your next party a little more!!
Great rundown. I think I definitely do this type of timeline.
Thanks Jennifer! I know everyone has their own way going about it, but this has what’s worked for me! Glad you can relate 🙂 Have a great evening!
this is such a great tip! my son’s birthday is coming up in 3 months and i could really use this one.
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Lala I’m so glad you think so 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!!
I love party planning, especially since my son is still at that fun age where themes are so much fun and cool! These are some great tips! The one thing I do splurge on is the cake. The rest of the party I usually do my self and start making the stuff at 3 months. I am a procrastinator. So if I do not do start early it will not be done in time.
With me, if I don’t start at least three months in advance, it doesn’t turn out how I want it to so this really works for me too 🙂 Glad you can relate! Thanks for stopping by!
Great list! This is so helpful to know what to do when! I popped over from The DIY Dreamer–thanks for sharing!
~Abby =)
So great to have you here Abby 🙂 I’m glad you find it helpful!!
This is great I love that you suggest early planning. I always make my kids choose themes in advanced so if I find a great deal I can purchase it or find the time to make stuff during crazy schedules.
That’s why I start early too Krystal! It can be overwhelming waiting last minute!! Thanks so much for stopping by, enjoy your weekend!
I really like this timeline. Great tips!
Thanks so much Heather 🙂
Great tips! I’m pinning this to my party idea board. I’m stopping by from Create It Thursday. (My post was #12 How to Repurpose a Frame–I’d love it if you’d check it out!) Have a great week!
CarrieThisHome.com
Thanks so much Carrie, I’m headed your way now 😉 Have a great weekend!!
Great tips! Thanks 🙂
Thanks Dee, glad you stopped by!!
great ideas, thank you
You’re welcome Katy, thank you!!
Great tips!!!! Now I need an even to plan 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer!! See you tomorrow evening!
I have a similar time line as well. I love planning, especially the kids parties where we can get creative with the themes. I always bake my kid’s cupcakes and then have sugar free candy around the house, that way they don’t go on too much of a sugar-overload 🙂
Yes, sugar overload can ruin a party real quick, lol! I tend to use sugar free as often as possible! Glad you can relate to this post! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Most apt tips given here for successful event planning.