A holly jolly birthday party

Holly jolly invitations

Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.

Holly wreathUse this designFair IsleUse this designGingerbreadUse this design

Ideas for your holly jolly party

Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.

What to do and when

The plan for a birthday party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it.

1. 6 to 8 weeks out

   • Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
   • Set a budget and choose your big two
   • Write the guest list
   • Choose a theme together
   • Lock in the location and a rain plan
   • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs

2. 4 to 6 weeks out

   • Send the invitations
   • Decide: hire an entertainer or run your own games
   • Book rentals if you need them
   • Order the cakeCake idea: A white cake with green buttercream trees, red sprinkles, and a candy cane border.
   • Ask helpers and give them roles
   • Make one contact and confirmation list

3. 2 to 3 weeks out

   • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Red, green, and white balloons with a paper chain garland
   • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Hot cocoa bar with marshmallows and peppermint
   • Plan 3 or 4 activities, plus a backupActivity idea: Gingerbread house decorating
   • Follow up on RSVPs
   • Build your one-stop shopping list

4. The week before

   • Confirm every vendor
   • Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
   • Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
   • Write the party-day schedule
   • Send the final party note

5. The day before

   • Pick up the cake and set up what you can
   • Pack a party-day kit
   • Charge devices and share the run sheet
   • Make the final weather and space call

6. Party day

   • Set up an hour before
   • Run the party and finish on time
   • Reset the space and check for left-behind items

7. After the party

   • Share photos and settle any remaining balances
   • Send thank-yous
   • Save photos and notes for next year
   • Leave a quick note for your future self

Party-day run of show

For a 2-hour party starting at 2 pm.

• 1:30 pm
  Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
• 2:00 pm
  Arrivals and free playKid wrangler greets kids and keeps an eye on arrivals.
• 2:30 pm
  Main game or entertainerEntertainment lead runs the planned game or entertainer.
• 3:00 pm
  Snacks and drinksFood lead puts out snacks and checks dietary labels.
• 3:20 pm
  Cake and candlesPhotographer gets the group shot before serving.
• 3:35 pm
  Craft, favors, and goodbyesThe host ends on time while energy is still high.
• 4:00 pm
  Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free holly jolly printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

More kids' birthdays themes

DinosaurSpaceUnicornMermaidRainbowOceanSuperheroConstructionJungle safariPirateGarden tea partyRace carArt studioWinter wonderlandSportsBerry sweetPrincessVideo gamePop starBowsPuppySpa dayRodeo roundupFarmBugs and butterfliesGlowSleepoverSlimeCampingWizardParisDiscoCircus and carnivalDetective mysteryLuauPool partyFiestaLittle pumpkinHalloweenEgg hunt