• Identify a theme for your party. If your planning a child’s birthday party, ask them if they have a theme in mind. If they don’t, make them feel special by taking them to Nobbies to shop for the perfect theme.
• Create a guest list including friends (daycare, school, sports teams, clubs) and close relatives.
• Check your calendar. Pick a date and time for your party. Children’s parties usually last 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours long, while adult parties can extend 2 to 4 hours longer depending upon the event and theme.
• Shop for party supplies. Nobbies party experts can help you create the theme and suggest decorations, party favors, balloons, activities, piñata’s, games and prizes. Nobbies can also deliver balloons to make your event extra special on the day of your party.
• If you plan on using outside entertainers such as clowns, magicians, face painters, pony rides, etc, book them at least one month ahead of time. Nobbies can suggest good local entertainers at reasonable rates or help you with supplies to do these activities yourself.
• If you plan to use an outside photographer for special events, you should contact them at least one to two months ahead of time. Check with friends for reasonable, high quality photographers or browse the yellow pages.

2-3 weeks before your party

• Send out invitations to your guests. Include RSVP on the invites to help you plan with food and games. Simple ways to RSVP without being too formal is to have them call your home (leave your number) or e-mail you (leave your internet address).
• Plan your activities, menu and games. Keep in mind the range of ages at the party and their interests. A rule of thumb is simple is always better. Always have more games in mind in the event the activities go quicker than you think. Depending upon age, pin the tail, limbo and bingo are good options.
• Order your cake and snack trays. If you’re short on time, local grocery store deli’s can take a lot of work out of your party arrangements by creating snack trays.
• Ask close friends or relatives if they would help out on your party day.

1 week before your party

• Make calls to those guests who haven’t returned RSVP’s. Simply ask if they received your invitation and if they would be able to make it to your party.
• Check your camera and video camera’s to see that the batteries are fresh and that you have plenty of film.
• Prepare foods that can be made ahead of time. This will be one less thing you have to worry about on the party day.
• Confirm your orders for a cake, snack trays, balloons, entertainment, etc...

1-2 days before your party

• Remove previously prepared food from the freezer to thaw.
• Decorate indoors.
• Pick up the cake and snack trays. Pick up any last minute items at the grocery store.
• Make sure you have plenty of candles and matches for birthday parties.

Party Day!

• Finish all food and beverage preparation.
• Decorate outside including signs, streamers, lights, etc.
• Take lots of pictures and video’s to create great memories. You may want to have your friends or guests take pictures as well.
• Take time for yourself during the party to have fun as well. Your friends, guests and family will appreciate the time you spend with them.