Party Planning Checklist
Planning a party can be a huge task but this checklist will help you get through it. This list is only meant as a reference and may not include all of the items needed to complete your party so please feel free to write in your own items to this list.
6 weeks before
□ Choose your theme for you party
□ Set the date
□ Prepare your guest list
□ Schedule to rent any equipment you need like bounces houses, etc.
□ Rent party space if necessary
□ Order party supplies
4 weeks before
□ Mail invitations or email guests to invite them
3 weeks
□ Choose the menu and create a timeline for preparing the recipes
□ Create a shopping list for the ingredients you need
□ Try out any new recipes you want to troubleshoot
□ Prepare any items that can be frozen
□ Arrange to borrow, rent, or buy any serving pieces you need like flatware or platters
1 week
□ Stage the party to make sure you have everything you need
□ Contact any guests that have not yet responded to the invite
□ Clean out your refrigerator to make room for the party food
□ Prepare recipes that will keep well for at least a week
□ Order cake if applicable
4 days before
□ Purchase all remaining non-perishable food
□ Confirm any reservations made
2 days before
□ Place frozen food in the refrigerator to defrost overnight
□ Clean and polish any tableware needed
□ Clean your house if the party is there
1 day before
□ Purchase perishable food (and flowers if needed)
□ Assemble any foods that can be made in advance
□ If possible set-up party décor now so on the party day you can just worry about the food
Party day
□ Make sure people have places to park
□ Set-up remaining decorations
□ Finish making perishables food
