1. Serve portion-sized cupcakes instead of a regular cake. Less time taken to cut and serve, and less overall mess. Most bakeries, such as Publix, will even create ‘pull-apart’ cakes, which have one large frosting design covering all the cupcakes.
2. Pre-fold napkins and tuck fork, spoon, and/or knife – whatever guests will need – inside each one, just like the restaurants do.
3. Decorate the day before if you can. Balloons, flowers, and food must all wait until the day of the party, but table covers, tableware, most favors, signs, and streamers can all be setup sooner.
4. Have your baker(y)* create an additional smaller cake which can be split up into serving sized portions that fit inside small aluminum pans. These ‘mini cakes’ can be set out on the cake table as additional décor, and if a guest must leave before the party is over, you don’t have to mess with cutting and wrapping a take-home portion.
5. Don’t open gifts at the party. Open them at home where you can write a proper Thank-You note as you open each gift. You can optionally let guests know you’ll be doing this by writing a little note on the invitation.
6. Forget about piñatas – unless you use them as décor. Instead, give out pre-packaged favor bags so that everyone gets their fair share. This is especially beneficial at kids parties.
7. Do serve finger – and hand – food. Forget the messy fork and knife dishes. The rule is to opt for foods you can eat one-handed: hot dogs and chips is a good example. Fruits and veggies make perfect healthier choices.
8. Do plan ahead. The more time you take to prepare before the event, the less worried / stressed you’ll be about forgetting anything important – like, for example, the street address on the invitations
9. Have the party anywhere that’s NOT directly in your home. Try the backyard, the park, a skating or golf center, etc. This means less cleanup, less time worrying about your new carpet or vase, and more time for fun!
10. Pick up any other “last-minute” items the day before the party. This would be items like the cake, balloon, flowers, etc. The only thing you should be getting on the day of the party is the ice, if needed, and the guest of honor.

The author, Linnette Garcia, is the owner of Diaper Gifts Online. Visit www.DiaperGiftsOnline.com for fun and unique Baby Shower Diaper Cakes, Games, Favors, Recipes, Wreaths, Party Planning Guides, and more. * Tip #4: Special thanks to Greta of Cakes4Ever for this exceptional idea and service.