Are you ready for your kid’s birthday party? If you are like many parents, they don’t even know if they are ready.

Being ready for your child’s birthday party is important. The best way you can be sure to be ready is to start planning early and stick to your plan. Kids can help you with your plans but don’t plan on them being much help. The party is too exciting for a child to stay focused.

Four hours before the birthday party
On the day of the party you will want to make sure the house is ready. Start decorating 4 or 5 hours before the party. Locate all of the supplies for your games and crafts. Make sure you have enough punch and other snacks to go along with your cake. Set up a few extra places just in case someone else shows up. You should check the list and see who hasn’t RSVP yet and if you have their number call and see if they are able to show up. Not only the more the merrier but you will want to be ready for the crowd.

Three hours before the birthday party
Set the tables with napkins, glasses, and forks/spoons. The plates can be set in a stack near the cake so they are available when you are serving. You can make place cards if you want assigned seats. These can include party favors that the children can take home. If you have any last minute dishes you need to whip up now is the time to make sure they are ready.

Two hours before the birthday party
It is time to put clean up and get ready for the party. By this time you already have the decorations up and the games set up. The cake is ready and food is ready. You need to dress yourself for the party.

If possible, add balloon outside your house so that it makes it easier for your guests to find your place. I know of parents who actually tie balloons from the main road all the way to their house.

Do have a gifts table near the entrance so that when your kid receives the present they can put it on the table. This table can also serve as a place to put your party bags so that when the guests leave they can take the party bags.

One hour before the birthday party
Dress the kids, including the birthday boy or girl, and make sure everyone’s hair is combed and faces are washed. You should have an activity set up so you can start the party as soon as guests show up. The first activity should be a simple quiet activity to keep everyone’s attention while keeping them together in one area, like coloring. As guests show up you will want one person assigned to get the door.

You may need to assign someone the phone as well, especially if your home is difficult to find.

Enjoy the party!