Party Planning Checklist

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