Planning a Birthday Party...."Me" Style!

 Every year right around tax time I start thinking about what to do for Mini Me's birthday party. I am fortunate enough to have a child that chooses a theme usually about 8 months ahead of the date so I am able to scour the clearance bins and pick up stuff in an off season. For instance, this year she has picked an ocean theme. It's easy to find ocean party stuff in the closeout section when you are shopping for it in October! So my advice is to plan early and prep early.  The old saying goes, "The devil is in the details." If this is true, then I am going to burn for sure!  The details are my favorite part of any party. I love that anywhere you look there is a glimpse of the theme. I figure your birthday is the only day of the entire year that is just about YOU. So celebrate big and make it a memory that will last. Here is the planning schedule I have used:

  
3-4 weeks before your birthday party
1. Choose a party theme.
2. Create the guest list. Friends and relatives if you want a mixed party.
3. Pick the party date and time. Parties are generally 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours long.
4. Order or buy party supplies, decorations, party favors, activities and prizes for games. Be sure to order enough tableware for the adults that will attend, as well.


2-3 weeks before your birthday party
1.Send the invitations with an RSVP.
2.Decide on activities and games to play. Plan more games than you expect to use in case you run out of activities before the party is over.
3. Plan your menu.
4. Arrange for extra help on the party day from friends or relatives.


1 week before the party
1. Order cake from a bakery if you are not baking your own. Bake cake and freeze it, if making your own.
2. Make any other foods that can be made ahead of time and store foods in the freezer.
3.Write out a final schedule of activities for the party.
4.Let siblings invite a special friend over for the day so they won't feel left out. They can either play apart from the party or they can be helpers.


2-3 days before the birthday party
1. Buy remaining food for the party. Buy film and/or videotape. Check batteries for the camera and/or camcorder.
2. Get an exact guest count. Call those who haven't responded.


1 day before the birthday party
1.Finish decorating the cake, or pick up the cake from the bakery.
2.Make sure you have plenty of candles and matches.
3.Child-proof the party area.
4.Decorate any indoor areas (save outdoor decorating for the day of the party).
5.Prepare food that can be made ahead of time.


Party Day!
1. Prepare foods and beverages that could not be made ahead of time.
2. Take plenty of pictures and videos to commemorate this special day.

Take time to scour the Internet for ideas and tips.  There are websites dedicated just to party planning that have wonderful ideas, and with sites like Pinterest the possibilities are endless!