Here are a few tips FROM Princess Candy & Friends to make the party a success!
Plan ahead, it's attention to detail that makes the difference.

One Month before the party

• Confirm the invitation list.
• Confirm venue and catering.
• Print or otherwise acquire invitations.
• Send out invitations to arrive three weeks before event.

A week before the party

• Keep the guest list near the phone for RSVP’s.
• Buy any prizes you may require for games.
• Buy the fillers for the lolly bags.
• Buy candles/matches for cake.
• Buy party hats and decorations.
• If you are hiring a venue, call them to check all details with the management of the centre.
• Make sure you have film and batteries for your still / video camera.
• Optional: Write out sticky labels with the children’s names on them. This makes life a lot easier for the entertainer or any adults helping out.
• Try to make provisions for parking in advance. If you will be allowing guests to park on the lawn or in the back yard, let them know on your invitation.
• Ask your neighbours about parking options or warn them that guests will be parking on the street.

2 days before the party

• Call any guests who have not responded.
• If you are making the cake, work out your design.
• Go food shopping (don’t forget the adults!) You can never have too much food at a party.
• Don’t forget to have coffee for the adults.
• If you won't have many parents or relatives staying at the party, consider asking a favorite babysitter to help.

Day before the party

• Prepare the lolly bags.
• Put up decorations to build atmosphere.
• Prepare as much of the food as possible and crockery and cutlery which may be needed.
• Double check you have all the food and ingredients required.
• Arrange an area for the adults.
• Check the weather report – If you are having the party outside, have sunscreen available, some spare hats and a few picnic rugs.
• If ordering food such as pizza, confirm delivery times.
• If necessary, confirm entertainer and helpers.
• Sit with your child and discuss his or her expectations for the next day.
• Check sound system and any music.

4 - 5 hours prior

• Lay out party hats and other novelties.
• Put candles in cake and locate matches. Decorate/put a ribbon on the knife (to cut the cake) and put out of reach for now.
• Get balloons filled or pick up helium balloons.
• Tie some balloons to the mailbox.
• Place crafts and prizes near the activity sites.
• Locate paper and pencil for recording gifts (for thank-you notes).
• Check camera. Charge video camera. Get film.

1 hour prior

• Put any pets in an area away from the guests and put away breakable or dangerous items.
• Dress birthday child and siblings.
• Set up food and encourage your child to help as much as possible.
• Set up first activity.
• Music ready.
• Get phone numbers from parents on arrival.
• Place “lolly bags”  near door ready to distribute at end of party.

Guest Books

• Providing a guest book can be much fun and help make the party memorable. Don't be afraid to put out a guest book and invite your guests to sign-in as they arrive.

Atmosphere

• Create a festive party atmosphere with decorations, scents and music. Choose your favorite music and have it playing softly in the background when guests arrive.
• Consider unplugging or removing your television if it's located in the party area.
• Leave an extra roll of toilet tissue in easy view and reach.

Accidents and Spills

• Accidents are part of life. Don't let an accident or spill ruin the party.  Have some spot  remover on hand just in case.