Planning parties and making checklists—two of my favorite things! No matter how many times I plan an event, there are things I forget. Did the invitations get out at the appropriate time? Did I order the cake and other refreshments ahead of time? To make sure a party can go as smoothly as possible, it is helpful to use a party checklist. Below is a handy list for all types of festivities, which can be personalized to meet your needs.

SIX WEEKS BEFORE

• Create your budget.
• Choose a theme.
• Determine the guest list.
• Reserve your party venue, caterer, and entertainer, if needed.
• Write down all the necessary equipment, including chairs and tables, and contact rentals.
• Finalize the details, such as date, time, location, RSVP date, and menu.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE

• Prepare your invitations and envelopes.
• For a children’s party, ask for an updated class list from their teacher, if you are inviting their classmates.
• Decide on games, activities, and menu to match your theme.
• Think about items for party favors.
• Make a shopping list of food, paper goods, and decorations.
• If ordering food or cake, place order.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE

• Mail invitations.
• Purchase party supplies, at the store or online.
• Arrange for extra help for a children’s party.

ONE TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE

• Create a party schedule.
• Confirm times for when extra help is arriving.
• Purchase last-minute party supplies.
• Design a music playlist.
• Call those invited who haven’t responded to the invitations.

THREE DAYS BEFORE

• Buy food and drinks.
• Charge necessary cameras and electronic devices.
• Call party venue, caterer, and entertainer to confirm details.
• Assemble activities and party favors.
• Clean inside and outside of your home.
• Designate areas for food, beverages, and gifts/

ONE TO TWO DAYS BEFORE

• Bake cake, prepare make-ahead food or pick up ordered items.
• Decorate party venue.

PARTY DAY

• Finalize last-minute details.
• Turn on the music, lighting, etc.
• Inflate the balloons.
• Chill beverages.
• Assemble remaining food and set out.
• Double-check that bathrooms are stocked with extra toilet paper and there are enough silverware, napkins, plates, and cups on the tables.

ONE WEEK AFTER

• Send thank-you notes.
• Post pictures to social media and send to attendees.

ALWAYS REMEMBER

• Specify an area for boots, umbrellas, and coats.
• Napkins (2 per person).
• Don’t forget ice, ice bucket, tongs or scoop.
• Paper towels.
• Extra toilet paper.
• Plates of all sizes (appetizer, salad, dinner, and dessert).
• Glasses of all sizes (water, wine, mixed drink, beer, soda, and coffee).
• If grilling, check the tank, charcoal, and lighter fluid.
• For an outside party, remember bug spray and citronella candles.
• Extra batteries.
• Wine and bottle opener.
• Garbage bags.
• Dishwashing soap.
• To have fun! Enjoy the food, games, activities, and mingle with your guests!