Hosting a birthday party after work can be somewhat rushed. However, with some advance planning you can enjoy your role as party host or hostess instead of being harried and rushed.

• Choose a theme for the birthday party such as a superhero character for a child or a general theme for an elderly person.
  

• Write the list guest list for the party. It should have the number of people who are expected and any known health conditions that would require a special diet.

• Choose appetizers and beverages that can be prepared the night before the party. For example, celery can be peeled and cut into serving size pieces and dips can be mixed the night before. Then, on the day of the party, you will only need to put the celery and dip into festive party dishes and serve. Make a list of at least 8 - 10 appetizers if you are not having a main course meal. If someone has dietary restrictions, choose some foods that he or she can enjoy.

• The shopping list comes next. Look through the pantry to see what you already have and what is needed.
  

• Then, go through the decorations list to see what you already have on hand such as balloons or streamers. Buy everything that you can in advance. Don't leave a major shopping trip until the night before. Not only will this be less work for you, but you will be more relaxed knowing that everything you need is already at home.
• Order the birthday cake from your favorite bakery.
  
• Decorate for the party the night before. Also, set out the serving dishes and utensils which you will be using. This way you will have time to find the serving bowl that you haven't used since last year. Gathering and stacking the serving bowls ahead of time will make party day an easy affair.
• Prepare the appetizers the night before the birthday party. Vegetables can be peeled and cut, dips can be mixed, pretzels and chips pulled from the pantry shelf, the block of cheese cut into small wedges, etc. 
• Set out the digital camera and extra batteries.
  
• When you finish work on the day of the party, you will only have to stop by the bakery (if picking up a cake), then go to your already decorated home, and put your already prepared appetizers into the already stacked serving dishes. Kick off your shoes and relax until your guests arrive.

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