Strawberry Shortcake Party Planning Guide

Party Planning Checklist

Strawberry Shortcake Party

A step-by-step checklist for a Strawberry Shortcake birthday. Quantities are for 8 kids, plus a few grown-ups.

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3–4 weeks before

Set the date, time and headcountA 2-hour party is the sweet spot for kids. Count the parents who'll stay too.
Send invitationsAsk parents to RSVP 1 week out and to note any food allergies.
Optional: dress codePink and red, with a big floppy hat.
Pick the spaceA backyard tea party is perfect. Indoors, set up a long "tea table."

3–4 weeks before

Tableware for 8Get 8 dessert plates and lunch and beverage napkins Prime Party. Add solid pink dinner plates from the store.
CupsThere are no Strawberry Shortcake cups, so plan on solid pink or red cups from the store.
Forks & spoonsGrab 20 of each: pink forks and pink spoons, or green forks and spoons. Prime Party
StreamersTwist bright pink, red and white together like strawberries and cream. Prime Party
Latex balloonsPink, red and green pearlized balloons. Prime Party
ConfettiScatter pink paper confetti down the table. Prime Party

1–2 weeks before

Order or bake the cakeStrawberry shortcake, of course: biscuits or pound cake, strawberries and whipped cream.
Plan the main courseTea-party sandwiches (cut into hearts) and fruit salad.
SnacksStrawberries, pink popcorn and sugar cookies.
Plan the drinksMake Berry Sweet Strawberry Milk (the recipe is after the store list), plus water and juice boxes. Plan for 2–3 drinks per kid.
IceAbout 1 lb per person, so one 10 lb bag.
Check allergiesConfirm against your RSVPs.

1–2 weeks before

Buy prizes for every gameWinners pick from the prize basket (see the DIY games below). Plan on 20–30 small prizes so every kid wins something.
Berry decoratingSet out plain cupcakes with frosting, berries and sprinkles for kids to decorate.
TriviaPrint this guide and leave the trivia page on the table. It's at the end of this checklist.

1–2 weeks before

Number Scramble: make the numbersWrite one big number per guest (1–8) on half sheets of 8.5 × 11 paper and tape them to the floor around the house. Write the same numbers on slips of paper and put them in a bowl.
Number Scramble: how to playAbout every 15 minutes, ring a bell or play the Strawberry Shortcake theme on a speaker. Everyone scrambles to stand on an open number. Draw a slip from the bowl, and whoever is standing on that number picks a prize. Set the winning slip aside so every kid gets a turn.
Lucky Plate: mark one plateBefore you set the table, draw a small strawberry on the bottom of one dinner plate.
Lucky Plate: the revealHalfway through the meal, announce that everyone should check under their plate. Whoever finds the small strawberry picks a prize.
Prize basketFill a basket with inexpensive prizes for winners to pick from: movie-theater candy boxes, hair clips, scented erasers, bracelets and stickers. Use it for every game. Buy more than you think you'll need. Leftover candy and toys make great thank-you prizes for your clean-up crew. 😉

1 week before

Buy favor fillers for 8A scented eraser, a hair clip and strawberry candy.
Check for choking hazardsUse age-appropriate fillers if younger siblings are coming.

Day before

Make the Number Scramble signs and slips; mark the lucky plateTape the numbers down on party day so they don't get kicked around.
Hang the décorDrape the streamers over a doorway or the tea table.
Inflate balloonsMix pink, red and green. Air-filled clusters last longer than helium. Hang the streamers and scatter the confetti on the table last.
Set out serving dishesFood goes in bowls and on platters, not on the printed plates, so the artwork stays visible.

Party day

3 hrs before	Pick up the cake and order the food.
2 hrs before	Table cover and 8 place settings.
1 hr before	Fill the cooler, set up the games, and tape down the Number Scramble numbers.
Arrival	Music on and drinks out while everyone arrives.
Every 15 min	Ring the bell for a Number Scramble round.
+30 min	Food. Lucky Plate reveal while they eat.
+1 hr	Berry decorating.
+1 hr 40	Shortcake, candles and "Happy Birthday." Read trivia while they eat.
Goodbyes	Hand out the favors at the door.

Take this to the store

Everything here comes from the grocery or dollar store.

Signature drink (non-alcoholic)

A creamy pink strawberry milk. Alcohol-free and kid-approved. Makes about 8 cups, enough for 8 kids with refills. Time: 5 min.

Tip: Blend in a few fresh strawberries for a real-fruit version.

Table talk

Leave this page at the table and read them out between bites. They make for fun conversations at the table, and kids love stumping the grown-ups.

What is the name of Strawberry Shortcake's cat?
Show answer
Custard
What is the name of her hometown?
Show answer
Strawberryland
Which friend is named after a breakfast muffin?
Show answer
Blueberry Muffin
Which friend is named after an orange flower?
Show answer
Orange Blossom
Which friend is named after a lemon pie?
Show answer
Lemon Meringue
What is the name of Strawberry's puppy?
Show answer
Pupcake
Who is the villain in the original cartoons?
Show answer
The Peculiar Purple Pieman
What year did Strawberry Shortcake first appear?
Show answer
1980
What was special about the original dolls' hair?
Show answer
It smelled like fruit
Which friend is named after a raspberry cake?
Show answer
Raspberry Torte
Which friend is named after a light, fluffy cake?
Show answer
Angel Cake
Which friend is named after a cookie?
Show answer
Ginger Snap