Party Supplies Checklist - My Birthday Supplies

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Party Supply Checklist

The countdown to the big party has begun! Are you prepared? We present you a ready checklist of things to do and buy to make the party go off without a hitch. Please note this list is meant as a ready reckoner rather than a shopping guide. We have also tried to pinpoint products you may find useful.

Checklist of Party Supplies

Invitations

Thank You Notes

Party Tableware:

Beverage Napkins
Luncheon/Dinner Napkins
Cake Candles
Glasses
Cutlery
Cake Plates
Dinner Plates
Tablecloths

Decorations:

Balloons*
Banners
Centerpieces
Confetti
Streamers
Wall Decorations/Cutouts
Party Blowers
Party Hats
Lawn & Front Door signs

Party Favors, Favor Bags Items

(usually contain 3-5 items per set, plus candy or another treat)

Food:

	Cake or Cupcakes for very small children
	Snacks / Appetizers
	Drinks & Ice
	Main meal / Buffet spread
	Ice Cream / Dessert

Activities/Games:

	Activity Items
	Craft/Art Supplies
	Prizes for Games

Miscellaneous:

	AA, AAA, C, and/or D Batteries for cameras etc.
	Cake Candles & Matches
	Cake Platter & Serving Knife
	Extra Table & Chairs
	High chairs for very young children
	Ice & Ice Bucket
	Regular Camera & Film/Digital Camera & Memory Card
	Serving Dishes/Bowls
	Video Camera & Video Tape
	Picture books, soft toys etc. to amuse very small children

*About balloons

It may be better to go for Mylar balloons instead of Latex since Latex balloons unlike Mylar break into small, potentially unsafe pieces on bursting. This could prove a choking hazard for very small children. Latex is also more allergenic than Mylar.

Getting Organized: Your Party Timetable

3 weeks to go

	Make a guest list. Make sure you invite a few more people than you planned for since only 70-80 percent people show up especially in case of a large party.
	Decide on your party theme. You can order or arrange for decorations, party favors, music accordingly.
	Select your recipes and stick to the ones that can be prepared beforehand so you need to only warm the dishes before serving them at your party.
	If you need to order food from a local caterer, place an order with them.
	Ask for help if required or consider hiring a professional or local teenager to help with serving, minding the children, organizing games or cleaning up afterwards.
	If it’s a children’s party decide on the dress your little one will wear. You can order the dress so that it reaches in good time.
	Organize party games and activities (2-3) if it is a children’s party, buy some prizes for winners and keep the relevant materials needed for the games or activities ready.
	Buy party favors if it’s a children’s party and package them individually in boxes / bags.

2 week to go

	If you are using your own cutlery and crockery, give it a good clean. Wash and iron tablecloths and table linen. An easier way would be to order solid party supplies, attractive paper napkins and easy to use plastic table cloths. No hassle and no washing up!
	Decide on music. If you are having a party for very young children nursery rhyme CDS with a good beat should be great. You could also try matching the music with the theme. Keep your playlist ready.
	Cook the party dishes you shortlisted that can be frozen in advance.

1 week to go

	Clean the house from top to bottom and maintain it with a swift 10 minute routine daily.
	Re-arrange furnitrure so guests can move around easily.
	Give a thought to your serving arrangements -the tables you will use and seating. Clear away fragile artifacts.
	Spare a thought for the lighting-do you need extra electric lights or is the mood to be sophisticated and subdued? Candlelight might be a good option for grown-up parties.
	Stock the drinks, plan for 3 bottles of wine for 4 adults and 3-4 cocktails per guest for a cocktail party. For a children’s party, have plenty of juice, orange soda etc. at hand.
	Organize and keep your camera/ handycam ready to take pictures and videos on the party day.
	If you know you won’t find time, request a close relative or friend to take the pictures or video.

3 days to go

	Alert your neighbors about the party especially if you think it will be noisy or if you are likely to have parking issues.
	Start decorating, put up wall decorations, banners etc. For a children’s party make chains of your child’s photographs pasted on card and string them up.
	Scan your home and remove personal items you wouldn’t want your guests to see especially from bathroom cabinets etc..
	Have cleaning kits ready in discreet places in case of spills and leaks. Club soda, salt, red wine stain remover, rags and kitchen tissues should do fine.
	Designate a space for guests to hang up their coats. Clear some closet space with hangers or get a portable garment rack. You could even let your guests place their coats on a bed.
	Go grocery shopping for the party. Make a detailed cooking plan for the rest of the dishes.

1 days to go

	Arrange the buffet table.
	Get the decorations up-streamers, flowers, banners etc.
	Finish the cooking or if you have food that needs to be freshly prepared on the day of the party, complete the chopping, dicing, marinating that may be needed for the initial preparation.

Party Day blast off!

	Complete the cooking if any, this should be kept to the minimum.
	Arrange seating.
	Set out the food like appetizers and nibbles 1-2 hours before your guests arrive. Keep the clingfilm on and remove wrapping when the first doorbell rings!
	Greet your guests at the door and enjoy your party instead of being a slave to the kitchen. If you follow this schedule we are sure you will have the time to mingle with your guests and be a relaxed, gracious hostess.
	For a children’s party be sure to take lots of pictures and make videos.


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