There are many ways to organize a great party, with endless inspiration and beautiful decoration. But do you wanna know the best timeline that the successful parties always have? Let’s take a look.

6 to 8 Weeks Before the Party

• Select a date, time and location for the party.
• Decide on the number of guests and develop a guest list.
• If desired, call to book an entertainer, such as a clown or magician, to occupy children at the party.
• Develop a theme for the party, including your child in this process if he or she is old enough to participate.
• If you want personalized invitations, place the order so that they arrive at least 3 weeks before the party.

3 to 4 Weeks Before the Party

• Prepare invitations and mail or hand-deliver them.
• Put your guest list near the phone so you can easily record responses as invitees call to RSVP.
• Shop for party supplies.
• Ask a favorite babysitter, friend or relative to help out at the party.

2 to 3 Weeks Before the Party

• Select 3 - 6 activities to entertain children at the party.
• Purchase any supplies needed for the activities you selected.
• If serving a meal, decide on the menu.
• Order a cake (unless you plan to bake one).

1 Week Ahead

• Call any invitees who have not responded.
• Decide on the agenda for the party, including the order of your selected activities, what time you want to serve food and/or cake, and if it's a birthday party, when the birthday boy or girl will open presents.
• Try any games or activities with which you are unfamiliar.
• Visit the library and check out any books or tapes you plan to use at the party.

2 to 3 Days Ahead

• Purchase groceries or any pre-prepared food you plan to serve.
• Put the favor bags together.
• Charge your video camera and/or put fresh batteries in your regular or digital camera.
• Prepare (copy, cut out, etc.) any crafts that can be set up ahead of time.
• Bake any cookies or treats that can be made ahead.

The Day Before the Party

• Clean the party area. Put away items that may be dangerous or distracting.
• Bake or pick up the cake.
• If ordering food such as pizza, call to arrange a delivery time.
• If necessary, confirm with the entertainer and/or any helpers who you've asked to attend.
• Sit down with your child and discuss his or her expectations for the next day.

4 to 5 Hours Ahead

• Set the table and decorate.
• If you are planning a birthday party, put the candles on the cake and place matches nearby.
• Get balloons filled/pick up pre-filled latex or Mylar balloons.
• If you're having the party at home, tie some balloons to the mailbox or the front porch to help mark the party location.
• Place crafts and prizes near the activity location(s).
• Locate paper and a pencil for recording gifts (for thank-you notes).

1 to 2 Hours Ahead

• Consider putting your pets in an area away from guests.
• Get the birthday boy or girl and all siblings dressed for the party.
• Set up the first activity, letting your child help as much as possible.
• Set up the food.

Have a Great Party!

(Source is from birthdayinabox.com)