Birthday Party Planning 101

Birthday >> Entertaining

Countdown to a Perfect Party

Birthday parties are like road trips: getting there is half the fun. Deciding on the theme, decorations, and activities makes the days leading up to the event seem like part of the celebration itself. It needn't be elaborate -- kids will be happy with a small party as long as they are made to feel special. Even a simple party requires planning; the sooner you start organizing, the earlier the excitement begins and the fewer details you'll have to work out on the day itself.

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Birthday Party Planning 101

Pre-Party Timeline

6 Weeks Before
Choose the theme, draw up the guest list, confirm the date with your child's best friend, and reserve off-site space.

4 Weeks Before
Write out invitations; get updated class list; and decide on games, activities, and food.

3 Weeks Before
Mail invitations, purchase party goods, start homemade decorations and favors, and arrange for extra help, if needed.

1 to 2 Weeks Before
Purchase crafts supplies and favors, draw up a schedule of activities, make samples of planned crafts, and call guests who have not yet responded.

3 Days Before
Buy food as well as film and batteries for your camera.

1 to 2 Days Before
Bake the cake, decorate your home or be sure off-site supplies are gathered, and prepare make-ahead foods.

Print Our Party Planner

Martha Stewart Living

3 Days Before
Buy food as well as film and batteries for your camera.

1 to 2 Days Before
Bake the cake, decorate your home or be sure off-site supplies are gathered, and prepare make-ahead foods.

Print Our Party Planner

Martha Stewart Living

Whom to Invite
Make sure your child's best friend is free before you set the date. When including classmates, think "all" -- all the kids, all the boys, or all the girls -- if you want to avoid hurt feelings.

How Many to Invite
If you're not inviting lots of classmates, the rule of thumb is to ask as many kids as your child's age plus one. But take into account the activities you're planning. A larger, even number of kids -- at least eight or 10 -- may be best for team games at a 5-year-old's party, but you may want just three guests for a 7-year-old's sleepover.

Martha Stewart Living

Invitations
Mail invitations three weeks before the party. Even if your child's school permits distribution of invitations on the premises (many don't unless the whole class is included), it's better not to. That way, children who aren't invited are less likely to feel slighted.

- Include the date, location (with directions), drop-off and pick-up times, and R.S.V.P. information.
- Spell out anything to bring, such as a swimsuit and towel.
- Say if you'll be serving lunch or dinner.
- Mention specific entertainment, such as a movie.
- Call parents who have not responded the week before the party; after all, invitations do get lost.

Martha Stewart Living

When to Have It

Time of Day
Schedule parties for young children when they will be at their best, neither too sleepy nor too hungry. After nap time works well for toddlers; lunchtime is good for preschoolers. As kids grow older, timing becomes a less important factor.

Duration
Don't feel like you have to entertain for hours. Toddlers and preschoolers do best with parties kept to an hour and a half. Anywhere from two to three hours is time enough for school-age kids.

Martha Stewart Living

Party Basics

Ages 1 to 2
Time of Day: After Nap Time
Duration: 1 Hour
Number of Guests: Varies

Ages 3 to 4
Time of Day: Lunchtime or Late Afternoon
Duration: 1 to 1 1/2 hours
Number of Guests: 4 to 5 Children

Ages 5 to 6
Time of Day: Early to Mid-Afternoon
Duration: 1 1/2 to 2 Hours
Number of Guests: 6 to 7 Hours

Ages 7 to 8
Time of Day: Early to Mid-Afternoon
Duration: 2 to 2 1/2 Hours
Number of Guests: 8 to 9 Children

Ages 9 to 10
Time of Day: Mid- to Late Afternoon
Duration: 2 1/2 to 3 Hours
Number of Guests: 10 to 11 Children

Martha Stewart Living

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