Many parents throw their children a birthday party on the spur of a moment, without ever really knowing what to do or how to make it the best one yet. If you have been one of those parents, that's all about to change because it's really possible to plan the perfect birthday party with a little help of a birthday party store.

In order to host the 'perfect' birthday party, you have to plan ahead. Begin planning your birthday party two months in advance. This gives you plenty of time for changes, updates and add-ons. First, you should decide on the date, time and location of the birthday party.

In addition to the location of the party, something else you should think about is what kind of activities you will provide for the kids at the birthday party. This could play a big role as to where you should host the party.

Also start thinking about what kind of theme the birthday party will be built around. Choosing a great theme is essential because everything else will revolve around this. Visit a birthday party store for ideas or ask your child for some input.

A guest list is something that no party should be without. Remember that a higher number of guests means a higher expense.

At this point, it's also time to think about the birthday party invitations. If you want to order personalized invitations for the event, you should order them now. Remember that it can take up to eight weeks to get them in. Again visit your favorite online birthday party store for birthday invitation ideas.

One month before the party it's time to order your party supplies in your favorite online store. Don't put this off until the last minute! Once the invitations are in, address them all and send them out.

With only a few short weeks left until the big day, it's time to start getting together the entertainment portion of the birthday party. Plan several activities for younger children. They love playing games or doing any other kind of activity at birthday parties.

If you plan on serving a meal, it's time to plan your menu. Keep it very simple, especially if it's for younger kids. It is also time to order the birthday cake. Most bakeries prefer you order 2-3 weeks in advance, so now is the time.

With only one week to party time, if any of your invited guests haven't RSVP'd yet, give them a quick call. Make a decision about the schedule for the birthday party.

A few days before the party it's time to get the last-minute preparations out of the way like making a trip to the grocery store to buy everything you'll need for the meal.

One day before the party gather the birthday party essentials and get everything ready for the big day. Clean the spot where you will host the birthday party. Bake the birthday cake or if you decided to order a cake, pick it up. If you are cooking food, prepare as much of that as you can.

A few hours before the party starts, prepare the table and decorate for the party.

3...2...1... It's party time! Doesn't it feel great to plan a party ahead and not feel the stress and pressure of trying to pull it off at the last minute?! Now you'll never hang at the last minute, wishing you'd planned ahead.