The Nasty P word: Getting ready for the big day.

Getting ready for the big day doesn't have to be a stressful mess.

Party planning is like a marathon. It’s good for you & it can be fun but if you don’t do it right you can get seriously injured. (Alright. So I’ve never seen someone actually collapse from exhaustion from planning a 3 year old’s Chucky Cheese Birthday but at the end of the day, with cake smeared pants and confetti coming from only God knows where, I've felt like it .) Yet, there is a light at the end of the sugar- hyped tunnel. There is a key to unlock the magic door of Party bliss (or avoiding total party meltdown). Ready? …. Preparation. I know, its an ugly word my mother overused- the one word that brings visions of pencil scribbled planners, post its and bulletin boards. Preparation…. . It takes work & I don’t like it, so let’s get to the point:

Great parties don’t happen by accident, it takes planning.

Realizing that I have a lot more birthday parties to throw in my future, I sat at the feet of a few people who do it well. Here’s what I learned.

Bad news: Parties take planning and planning means lists.

Good news: I hate lists, so I’ll keep it as short as possible.

Here's a countdown of "to do" items that will make your big day a stunning success (and life until then a bit easier).

Party Countdown- The Plan:

8 weeks before
Finalize guest list
Estimate your party budget

Book your entertainer:
Check out http://www.overthetopproductions.com/, they do a fantastic job and they do it all.
Set party date and time
Find Location
Select a theme

7 Weeks before: The Guests
If you’re going to, Hire a caterer
Create and send RSVP’s
Decide activities & goody bags, then purchase necessary items.
There are amazing Online party resources, use them well & save time & $$$

http://www.orientaltrading.com/

http://www.shindigz.com/
http://www.celebrateexpress.com/

6 weeks before: Take Stock
Plan your party menu
Take inventory of table wear, place settings and décor. Acquire what you lack.
Order any party rental equipment.
The Home stretch: Five days before
Call to confirm your caterer and entertainment
Buy Piñata and Fillers
Order cake or make and freeze one.
Three days before
Hit the grocery store for snacks, mini juice boxes, food and drinks for adults and paper goods. Don’t forget: ice, birthday candles, extra garbage bags and paper towels.
Two days before
Wrap presents
Pack up the goody bags
Take care of camera and video equipment : batteries, memory, film.

Mentally run through itinerary, make sure you have more than enough to fill the time.

1 day before: details and prep
Restock 1st aide kit
Assemble cake or cupcakes
Put up décor and set a place for gifts
Set up craft supplies and games
HINT: If you’re serving ice cream, pre-scoop it into cupcake liners and freeze until cake time

Get a good night's rest

The Big Day!
Tie balloons to mailbox or front door
Pick up cake
Place cake accessories are in a handy spot
Chill drinks in cooler
Relax, smile and have a good time.