supplies are gathered, and prepare make-ahead foods.
make sure your child's best friend is free before you set the date. when including classmates, think "all"—all the kids, all the boys, or all the girls—if you want to avoid hurt feelings. if you're not inviting lots of classmates, the rule of thumb is to ask as many kids as your child's age plus one. but take into account the activities you're planning. a larger, even number of kids—at least eight or 10—may be best for team games at a 5-year-old's party, but you may want just three guests for a 7-year-old's sleepover.
mail invitations three weeks before the party. even if your child's 