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Party Stuff
Here are a few party planning tips that I've resourced.
Have a party Check List Example:
6 - 8 Weeks Ahead (Some mums organize even further ahead than this).
Choose a date & time, theme & location.
Set your budget.
If you want a professional entertainer make your booking now - the good ones often get booked well in advance.
Make lists - guest lists, shopping lists etc. Commit it to paper and you won't have to commit it to memory.
3-4 Weeks Ahead
Prepare invitations from your guest list.
Plan decorations and start collecting what you need,
If you are taking on entertaining the kids as well - plan any party games or crafts.
Refine your lists. Don't forget prizes for any games you’ve organized.
2 Weeks Ahead
Mail invitations.
Plan the party flow and activity sequence.
Plan the menu and cake.
Order party supplies - decorations, paper plates, cups, napkins etc; Piñatas, party bags & prefered contents.
Complete any "do-ahead" projects.
Also, plan a safe place for pets during the celebration.
1 Week to 2 Days Ahead
Make a countdown list, order cake and balloons.
Call anyone who hasn't RSVP'd.
Deep clean house.
Organise a couple of assistants for the party day - help with food prep, decorating, games AND ESPECIALLY taking photos or video.
Grocery shop for party menu (don't forget batteries for cameras that need them plus spares & birthday cake candles).
If you are blowing up your own balloons then get a balloon pump – party shop suppliers.
1 - 2 Days Ahead
Do all final shopping, prep menu.
Finish last minute projects and make sure cameras are ready to use.
Pick up any party hire equipment.
Plan partywear for everyone.
Clean the house again.
PARTY DAY!
Finish remaining cooking, or food preparation.
Decorate.
Set up any party games that you may have organized.
Pick up birthday cake and balloons if needed.
Take some photos while all is intact.
Take a deep breath and smile - It's Party Time! Don't Forget to... Turn on music before party, be a hostess not a hired hand, and give out the party bags at the end.
After the Party
Send Thank You notes to guests and helpers, return rentals, make notes on what worked - useful when you get requests for repeat performances next year.
Relax! You're An Awesome Party Planner.
Treats and Snack Ideas?
Well of course cocktail party pies and sausage rolls
* Mini sandwiches
* Mini Hot Dogs - Cocktail frankfurts in dinner rolls
* Mini Spring rolls and dim sims
* Hot Potato Chips
* Chicken wings
* Chicken nuggets
* Cheese – cubed, cheese sticks, cheese wedges
* Fruit – grapes, strawberries and watermelon seem to be a favourite, put them on a skewer with a marshmellow at either end
* Fairy bread is still a favourite – use different shape cookie cutters to shape the bread
* Finger Lamingtons
* Jelly – frog-in-a-pond, jelly in a cup with 'Freddo' floating in the middle - different coloured jellies in scooped out orange halves, cut into quarters when jelly is set, they look absolutely fabulous
* Marshmellows
* Flavoured milk
* Fruit juices The best idea seems to be - keep it simple.
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