Party Tips
Here are a few tips FROM Princess Candy & Friends to make your 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.
