Casual House Party Checklist
Table of Contents
A few weeks before
Time
Choose a suitable date. Weekends are usually good, especially with adults who work full-time.
Guest list
Build your guest list. Decide if guests are allowed to bring friends.
Invitations
Send your invitations, and plan at least a month ahead for major holidays.
Budget
Write down a preliminary budget. Consider financial participation from guests.
Inventory
Take an inventory of your party supplies.
Rental
Reserve any rental supplies you may need on the day of the party.
Menu
Plan your menu and write your shopping list.
Ordering
If you are not cooking certain food items, order them now.
Potluck
If having a potluck party, assign the dishes along with the invitations.
Entertainment
Start building your music playlist, and plan some movies to keep kids busy in the evening.
A week before:
Guests
Confirm attendance with the people on your guest list.
Decoration
Plan your decoration and go to the store to buy any decorating supplies.
Children
If kids are coming, plan activities specifically for them.
Cleaning
If having the party at your house, start the heavy cleaning.
Food
Go buy the beverages and other non-perishable items.
Fridge
Make space in your fridge for the food you will cook during the week.
A few days before:
Cleaning
Clean up what is left; do the dusting and clean your counters. Put the clutter of your house away.
Food
Buy perishables and prepare the food that can be done in advance and kept in the fridge or freezer.
Photo/video
Make sure the batteries of the cameras are charged. You wouldn't want to miss a great moment because of a dead battery!
Day of the party:
Children
If children are coming, child-proof dangerous areas.
Food
Prepare the food that needs to be fresh, and buy produce for salads and desserts.
Decoration
Decorate your table and your house.
Seating
Take out the extra chairs for your guests.
Bar
Take out the beverages for the bar. Don't forget to get ice!
Snacks
Take out the snack bowls and platters and set them on the table.
Space
Set aside space for coats and boots if your party is in the winter.
Relax, sit back and enjoy your party! You've worked hard and you deserve a great time!
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Presented by:
Kimberly French
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Details
Do you want to throw a casual party for friends or family, and you’re not sure where to start? This checklist is for you! We have built it around the idea of a casual house party meant to celebrate a birthday, a promotion, or any important event in your life. It can also be used for a simple get-together among friends. We have thought it was important to include the possibility for children, although this is not specifically a checklist for a child’s birthday party. This kind of party can be put together two or three weeks in advance, but do leave more time for invitations if you plan on having it on a major holiday. We built this checklist to be as useful as possible to help you focus on the things you need to do, not on wondering what you have to do. Follow these steps and you will have a great time at your party!
Tips
The real work begins about a week before your party, when you need to start shopping for food, service and decoration items. You may even need to get rental items, so time yourself accordingly.
If you are having a potluck, you need to assign dishes, or at least a course, at least two weeks beforehand so that your guests have time to plan their food shopping. If you are cooking yourself, don’t skimp on ingredient quality: simple dishes prepared with the best and freshest ingredients will impress more than a complicated menu cooked with mediocre food.
Think about some entertainment or games for the children, as well as for the adults if the conversation becomes sparse. It is a time for bonding and fun, and games can be a great tool to support both.
Who it's for
This Casual House Party Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Casual House Party essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Casual House Party structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Casual House Party Checklist
- Save Casual House Party Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Casual House Party (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.