Party Basics > Party Countdown

4 Weeks to Go
Choose your theme and pick a date & time. If the party's not at your place, find a great location and BOOK it! Find your entertainment and choose your partygames and activities - or choose one of Party City's parties for great ideas! Decide on your guest list, buy or make your invitations and get them in the mail!

3 Weeks to Go
Choose a menu and make your grocery shopping list. Visit Party City for all your party goods and supplies!

2 Weeks to Go
Time to make (or buy) all the games, prizes, favors and decorations for the big day! Boogie on over to your local shopping center and pick out party music and/or videos! If you're not the baker, be sure to order the birthday cake!

1 Week to Go

Rally other parents or siblings to help you chaperone the controlled (hopefully) chaos! If not everyone has RSVP'd, try to follow up for a final head count. Make sure you have plenty of film and new camera batteries - just in case! Make a sample of your arts & crafts project to give your guests a visual. Be sure to get all the chairs, tables and serving utensils you need for the party. If you're borrowing or renting, arrange for their safe transportation to and from their owners.

1 Day to Go
Get your grocery shopping done. Be sure to check your list twice! Bake or pick up the birthday cake. Get cookin'! Make any food that can be safely prepared the day before. Clean and prepare as much of the "party zone" as you can the day before.

Party Day
Make any food that had to wait until the party day. Decorate! Set up indoor and outdoor activities. Keep track of which gift goes with which guests to make Thank Yous easier to write! CELEBRATE!