THE ESSENTIALS Establish your party budget. Complete your guest list. Select a party theme. Set your party date and time. Find and reserve location if having the party away from your home. If you are having your food catered, find and hire a caterer.

INVITE GUESTS Create and send birthday party invitations.

PREPARE TO CELEBRATE Take inventory of party supplies and purchase needed decoration items. Plan your party menu and decide on the décor and music. Order any party rental equipment. Take inventory of kitchen items and tableware for the party and acquire missing items. If you are hosting your party away from home or hiring a caterer, call to confirm. Order cake or make and freeze cake (without icing) Purchase non-perishable food and drinks for your party. Purchase perishable food except fresh meat and Sea food. Make sure your camera is charged, has film and is ready to capture memories. Refrigerate drinks, defrost frozen foods and homemade cake. Prepare food that can be refrigerated, make sauces, wash and chop vegetables. Confirm with restaurant/location and caterer again. Buy fresh meat, and sea food Clean your house. Put out clean towels. Make sure you have enough toilet paper.

ON YOUR PARTY DAY Set up table and bar. Prepare food. Ice homemade cake Chill wine and other drinks. Pick up cake, ice and balloons. Get dressed but consider wearing an apron. Reheat prepared food. Toss salad and set out food. Light candles, start music and if you have one on, take off your apron. Relax, smile and have fun!

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