| A Halloween party for preschoolers, like the young | | | | example. If you are shopping online for costumes, |
| children themselves, needs to be fast-paced and full of | | | | decorations or other party supplies, you will have a |
| energy. It is best to have different types of activities: | | | | deadline in place for putting in your orders to allow |
| games, dancing and singing to burn up energy, crafts | | | | ample time for delivery. |
| and coloring pages to quiet the children down and | | | | Your timeline tells you at a glance what needs to be |
| hook into their creativity. And, of course, the little ones | | | | done and when. You can check off each item as it is |
| need fun and tasty refreshments. | | | | completed so you will know exactly where you stand. |
| The key to making this happen and proceed smoothly | | | | So how do you put your timeline together? Make a list |
| is organization. So let me introduce you to the | | | | of everything that needs to be done to prepare for |
| professional party planner's best friend, the timeline. | | | | the party. As you do this, list how much lead-time you |
| A timeline keeps you organized, because it forces you | | | | will need. Some items can be handled the day before, |
| to put your 'To Do' list on paper. But it also forces you | | | | but others must be in place at two to four weeks |
| to create deadlines for various tasks so that you give | | | | ahead. |
| yourself enough breathing space to accomplish | | | | Then work backwards from the party date and write |
| anything that is time-sensitive and get them done in a | | | | down your deadline for each task. When all of the |
| logical order. | | | | items are checked off, you will be confident that you |
| You will want to have a deadline for getting out your | | | | have everything in place to host your preschoolers |
| invitations, and another for receiving RSVPs, for | | | | Halloween party. |