Party Tips - Chanda Gift Studio

                                                      Party Planning Timeline

6 to 9 Weeks Before the Party:

1. Create a budget.
2. Select the date and time for the party.
3. Choose and book, if necessary, a place for the party.
4. Develop a guest list.
5. Book any desired entertainment (band, DJ, clown, magician, face painter)
6. If desired, select and book a decorator and/or florist for the party.
7. If desired, place and order for personalized invitations.
8. If desired, place an order for personalized favors and gifts.

3 to 4 Weeks Before the Party

1. Prepare and mail invitations.
2. Shop for party supplies and favors.
3. Ask a friend or relative to help out at the party as needed.
4. Reserve rented items such as plates, cups, glassware, coffee urns, tables, chairs, table linens,
    serving pieces, (book early for busy holiday seasons.) Arrange for delivery on party day.

2 to 3 Weeks Before the Party

1. Select a few activities to entertain at the party.
2. Compile party music, unless hiring a band or a DJ.
3. If you have not done so, shop for supplies, favors and prizes.
4. Decide on cooking yourself or catering.
5. Choose a menu and recipes (appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, desserts, beverages),
    check if there will be any special dietary needs (vegetarian, diabetic). If it's a potluck party, assign the dishes.
6. Order a cake.

1 Week Before the Party

1. Call everyone that did not respond to invitations.
2. Decide on the agenda for the party (order of activities, food serving time, cake cutting time, gift opening).
3. Confirm any entertainers, decorators and florists.
4. If you're doing all the cooking, plan to make as much as possible ahead of time to minimize cooking time
   on the day of the event.
5. Assemble party favors.

2 to 3 Days Before the Party

1. Purchase groceries for the pre-planned menu, unless it's catered.
2. Charge video and photo camera.
3. Prepare all the items and prizes needed for the activities.
4. Bake cookies and treats that can be made ahead of time.
5. If decorating event yourself, pre-order latex and foil balloons from the party store so that they will be ready for
    pick up at the day of the party.
6. Make sure you have enough plates, silverware, glasses and chairs, if you're not renting.
7. Wash wine glasses and other glassware if you're not renting.

The day Before the Party

1. Clean the party area.
2. Bake or pick up the cake.
3. If catering the event, confirm delivery time.
4. Stock toilet paper and put out the guest towels.

The Day of the Party

1. Prepare paper and pencil for recording gifts (for thank-you notes).
2. Move activity items and prizes to the party area.
3. If decorating yourself, pick up the pre-ordered latex and foil balloons. Remember to tie some to the
    mailbox or front porch for easy party recognition.
4. Finish cooking, unless catering.
5. Buy party ice.
6. Set and decorate the table and party area.
7. For a birthday party, prepare the candles and matches.
8. If needed, put away your pets in area away form the guests.
9. Eat something before guests arrive.
10. Get your child and yourself dressed for the occasion.
11. Set up the activity, music and snacks.
12. Greet your guests.

Enjoy your Party!!!