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Planning a party for your child is exciting to them, and sometimes daunting to you!  Here are some sure-fire ways to make sure that the party is fun and you are not driving yourself crazy with details.   Birthday Party Checklist   3-4 weeks before your party <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"></H1> <UL> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Decide on a party theme.</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Create the guest list.</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Pick the party date and time.</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Order party supplies, decorations, party favors, activities and prizes for games.</H1></LI></UL> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </H1> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">  2-3 weeks before your party</H1> <UL> <LI>Send the invitations.  Ask for RSVPs.</LI> <LI>Decide on activities and games to play.</LI> <LI>Plan your menu.</LI> <LI>Arrange for extra help on the party day from friends or relatives.</LI></UL>   1 week before the party <UL> <LI>Order cake from a bakery if you are not baking your own.</LI> <LI>Make any other foods that can be made ahead of time.</LI> <LI>Write out a final schedule of activities for the party.</LI></UL>   2-3 days before the party <UL> <LI>Buy remaining food for the party.</LI> <LI>Buy film and/or videotape.  Check batteries.</LI> <LI>Call those who have not responded.</LI> <LI>Arrange to have balloons filled with helium to pick up the day of the party.</LI></UL>   1 day before the party <UL> <LI>Finish decorating the cake, or pick up the cake from the bakery.</LI> <LI>Make sure you have candles and matches.</LI> <LI>Pick up helium-filled balloons.</LI> <LI>Decorate indoors and outdoors.</LI> <LI>Prepare food that can be made ahead of time.</LI></UL>   Party day <UL> <LI>Prepare foods and beverages that could not be made ahead of time.</LI> <LI>Check final decorations.</LI> <LI>Enjoy the party!</LI></UL>      Party planning can be stress-free, if           you know what you are doing!   Top 10 Party Tips   <OL> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Keep a child's party to 2 hours max!</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Plan the party for around noon.  Kids are the happiest around lunch time.</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Have the party outdoors, if weather permits.  Kids love to run around at a party.</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Do not send invitations to school unless the whole class is coming.</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Have a craft or activity ready as the children arrive.  Keep them busy and moving.</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Keep an index card of the party's schedule in your pocket or posted on a wall.</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Have your camera ready to go at all times.  You don't want to miss perfect shots.</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Enlist parents who are hanging around to be "assistants."  They love to lend a hand.</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Have a special place designated for gifts that will be out of the way of the kids.</H1></LI> <LI> <H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Remember that this is your child's big day.  Do the things that they want to make it most memorable for them!</H1></LI></OL> 9161

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