7. Preparation Time

If you are a busy parent you may not have the time to make homemade invitations, prepare a gourmet meal and arrange for extravagant entertainment. Find shortcuts such as premade invitations and decorations or consider hiring or persuading someone else to do the legwork. Don't plan to make everything yourself if you don't enjoy crafting; by the time of the party you will already be at the end of your rope! On the same note don't leave all the decorating to the last minute; if your party is in the morning, you probably won't get up as early as you plan. In short, look at the time you have and plan accordingly.