Do you have summer birthdays coming up in your family? I’ve got several summer birthdays in my family. Since I’m now planning a couple birthday celebrations, I thought I’d share with you my birthday party planning checklist. This checklist will work for kids as well as for adults. For a smaller get together, just cut back on the food and decorations.

When I think about summer, I think about birthday parties. Maybe it’s because we have several family birthdays in the summer or maybe because it brings back memories of being a kid and going to birthday parties. Whatever the reason, birthdays are just plain ol’ fun! I love everything about them, from the cake, to the games, to the presents, and more cake!

I hope you’ll find this checklist helpful for planning your next fun birthday party. You can adapt it to make your party as simple or as elaborate as you want. Whatever you do, make it fun!

BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNING CHECKLIST

ONE MONTH BEFORE

• Write a guest list.
• Send invitations. For a more casual get together, just call and invite over the phone.
• Plan the menu, including the birthday cake.
• Plan the decorations.
• Write a grocery list.
• Write a list of decorations to buy.
• Plan games. (optional)

THREE WEEKS BEFORE

• Shop for and order online gifts.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE

• Finish shopping for gifts.
• Wrap all gifts.

3-7 DAYS BEFORE

• Buy groceries, birthday cake ingredients, and decorations.

TWO DAYS BEFORE

• Clean the house.

DAY BEFORE

• Put up decorations.
• Cook and prepare food.
• Bake the birthday cake.
• Make sure you have enough ice for drinks. Consider buying a bag of ice.

PARTY DAY

• Make sure house is clean.
• Set out the presents.
• Set up birthday games. (optional)
• Set out food, cake, drinks, plates, cups, napkins, eating utensils.
• PARTY!!!!!

I hope you have a fun, organized party! For more summer fun tips, be sure to read Fun Summer Activities For Kids and Planning A Summer Picnic.

Enjoy your family and make some great memories!