One to two months before the party:

___Set the date of the birthday party
___Decide on the location and make reservations, if necessary
___Create guest list (determine size of the party)
___Set the party theme
___Decide on the type of party (sleep-over, luau, etc.) 
___Plan your activities
___Plan your menu
___Select your party supplies

Two to three weeks before the party:

___Send your invitations (include directions)
___Order cake
___Order flowers or balloon bouquets (if applicable)
___Purchase the party favors and game prizes
___Finalize your menu

One week before the party:

___Order or gather together the chairs, tables, dishes, utensils, etc…
___Make a final guest count. Make phone calls if necessary at this point.
___Plan for additional adult chaperones, if necessary
___Place orders for food if needed
___Confirm reservations (if applicable)
___Buy film for camera
___Confirm your gathering place is adequately prepared
___Buy and wrap your gift for the birthday celebrity

The day before the party:

___Gift wrap any party favors, game prizes
___Review the games/activities
___Begin decorating
___Pick up the cake
___Purchase beverages/ice
___Prepare loot bags/treat sacks for guests
___Set up tables, chairs, buffet table, etc..

The Big Day!

___Prepare loot bags/treat sacks for guests
___Finish any last decorations
___Set out party supplies (cups, napkins, etc.)
___Keep a piece of paper nearby to write down the gifts received
___Keep a trashbag nearby the opening of the gifts to reduce wrapping paper mess
___Pick up balloons today
___Set up the food on the buffet table
___Have a plan on how you will run the party
___You and the birthday celebrity greet guests at the door with a smile :-)
___Have fun as you have done everything to prepare a perfect party for the birthday celebrity!