Birthday parties can be a lot of fun (and a lot of work!) To help you be present for the presents and enjoy the moment with your child, we've put together a comprehensive start to finish party plan for your birthday party celebration.

After you send out your fun party decorations 2 to 4 weeks in advance, it's time to start planning.

Shop for, print, and prepare any non-perishable items at least one week in advance. Make it a group effort by encouraging your child to help with the decorations if the party isn't a surprise.

If your party will be held outside, you will likely not be able to decorate much in advance, so schedule some time the morning of the party to hang decorations and put the final touches on your backyard.

The mini cupcakes can be decorated a couple of days ahead. The day before the party is the perfect time to prepare the cake pops - if decorating the cake pops is going to be a party craft, be sure that the candy outsides have completely hardened and are ready to be doodled on. Set out the rest of the party food and style the palettes on the desserts table just before the guests are due to arrive.

With all of the preparation set, you are ready to start the party. We suggest the following order of activities to help the day go smoothly. Let's party!