Here’s a complete list of preparations leading up to the special day.

4 weeks ahead...

• Decide on date, time, theme, and location of your party. Make reservations at a location if necessary.
• Make guest list.
• Start planning decorations, food, and favors.

3 weeks ahead...

• Mail invitations. Check at your post office for special “happy birthday” or other themed postage stamps. As girls R.S.V.P., be sure to mark the guest list.
• Start buying paper plates, napkins, decorations, and party favors.
• Plan activities, crafts, or games.

2 weeks ahead...

• Decide what food you’ll serve and start a shopping list.
• Gather things you’ll need for activities, crafts, or games.
• Check your guest list and count how many people have R.S.V.P.’d.

5 days ahead...

• You may want to check with anyone who hasn’t yet responded.
• Order a cake from the bakery, if necessary.
• If your party is at another location, confirm your reservation.

2 days ahead...

• Be sure your daughter has picked out what she plans to wear for her party (and that it’s clean!).
• Do a final check on what you have. Add anything you still need to your shopping list and buy it.
• Pick out the music CDs to play.
• Write up a party plan to keep the fun on track.

1 day ahead...

• Make food that will keep for a day, such as cookies or a cake.

Party day...

• Set up the party room: rearrange furniture, put up lights, put away breakables, and decorate!
• Prepare the food or place an order for take-out or delivery, if necessary.
• Pick up birthday cake, if necessary.
• Set out snacks and drinks.
• Turn on some music to set the mood.