Party planning and lists...If you're like me, I have lists all over the house of things to do and things not to forget and when it comes to a party, my lists really go into overdrive.
I have got better over the years but I still love my lists!
It's so easy to forget those little (and big) things - what I call my party essentials, and so I have got together a FREE party planning checklist to help you in your party planning.
Here you'll find all things that I have forgotten at one time or another and wished I hadn't.
Please note: This is a pdf file and will open in Adobe Acrobat
Memories of the day
How many times have you said: "If only I had not forgotten my camera?"
Last year I bought my husband an all singing and dancing digital camera for Christmas and unfortunately for him, it seems to have wheedled it's way into my belongings! It has been invaluable at parties and provides superb memories of the day.
If you want something quick and easy and which the kids can use, why not buy a load of disposable cameras. The quality is usually excellent and they are also a brilliant party idea for older kids or as take home gifts.
If you fancy yourself as a cameraman for the day, don't forget the camcorder and above all don't forget to charge up the battery and to make sure that you have enough spare tape. How to make a professional looking birthday video
I must admit that our camcorder has taken a back seat at the moment maybe something to do with the bored yawns of friends and relatives after they've seen the kids school show for the
tenth time.
Checklist:
Camera, Camcorder, Battery, Tape, Film
-- Kid Party checklist --
Thank you to your helpers
Isn't it great when people give us a helping hand during the party planning and organizing but isn't it so easy to forget to show a really appreciative thank you afterwards?
I don't just mean words as sometimes a specially thought out gift can really make someone's day.
Checklist:
Thank you gift for your helpers
-- Kid Party planning --
The Card and Wrapping Paper
I've been known to wrap presents in old comics actually it was very well received! We also save old cards and cut them up for small labels as my kids go to so many parties and it does get rather expensive at times.
Parcel paper makes great wrapping paper and is easy to decorate with stencils or marker pens.
Checklist:
Wrapping paper, sellotape, card
-- Kid Party checklist --
Cake Candles
I know that candles doesn't seem like something to forget but believe me it is done more times than you think.
Checklist:
Candles, cake decoration
-- Kid Party planning --
Stain removal Kit
Spills and dirt will happen at every party. Don't get caught out and then you won't get stressed about it - I have been caught out on more than one occasion and it's not much fun having to run to the shops as soon as the party is over in order to get some spot stain removers.
Cut knees, bumped heads, the squashed finger and the child who feels sick from eating too many sweets.
Check that you have at least the basics such as plasters (various sizes), bandage, tweezers, scissors, disinfectant, alcohol wipes and a packet of frozen peas in the freezer (good for bumps).
Remember though not to administer any medicines to a child that is not your own without first checking with their parent(s).
Plan what you would do if a child needed to go to hospital for stitches for example will there be enough adults to keep the party going safely if you had to leave?
Checklist:
First aid kit
-- Kid Party planning --
Contact details for your guests parents
No doubt you will already have most of the contact details especially if the kids are regular visitors to your house and the under 5's are usually accompanied by their parents anyway.
But sometimes the details gets mislaid and little Frank will happen to break his arm or Mary starts screaming for mum just when you can't get hold of their parents.
