Plan a Birthday Party With Ease: Simple Steps for a Personal Celebration
Set the Party Basics
Begin with a budget, guest list, date and location. Decide whether to serve a full meal, provide a main dish for a potluck or offer cake and snacks; that choice helps determine food and serving supplies.
Break your shopping list into decorations, food and drinks, tableware, gifts and cleanup. Check what you already have at home, then estimate what you still need and how much to buy.
Ask the bakery about cake ordering deadlines and pickup times. When guests confirm, check for allergies and dietary needs before settling the menu.
Choose Colors and Tableware
A theme can guide the look, but it is not essential. For a coordinated setting, choose two or three colors, such as blue and silver for an adult dinner or primary colors for a child’s party.
Match tableware to the food. Use sturdy dinner plates for a meal and smaller ones for cake or snacks, with enough cups, napkins and utensils for guests to have more.
Remember serving bowls, spoons or tongs, a table covering and birthday candles. CVS sells plates, napkins, candles, balloons and decorations.
Add Personal Details
A banner with a favorite photo and birthday message can welcome the guest of honor. Photo prints placed in a centerpiece or around the table may prompt stories and help guests connect.
Arrange sweet and savory snacks, such as pretzels, crackers, cookies and candy, in bowls. Keep drinks together with cups nearby, and provide water alongside other beverages. Make gifts easy to find by placing a covered table near the entryway. A sign can mark the spot, while a bowl or basket gives guests a place to leave cards.
Prepare for Party Day
Check the household a few days ahead and make any needed store run. The day before, clear the party space, arrange tables, hang decorations, wrap presents and chill beverages.
If you have extra snacks or cake, set out food-storage containers so guests can take treats home. CVS also carries greeting cards, gift wrap and gift bags.
Key points
- Set the budget, guest list, date and location before shopping.
- Confirm cake timing and ask guests about allergies and dietary needs.
- Use favorite photos and coordinated colors to make the celebration personal.
- Prepare the space and chill drinks the day before the party.