Super Mario Party Planning Guide

Party Planning Checklist

Super Mario Party

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

On a computer?
Scan this with your iPhone camera to open the checklist on your phone.

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 codeRed caps for Mario, green for Luigi, pink for Peach.
Pick the spaceIndoors or out. Video games make a great rainy-day backup.

3–4 weeks before

Tableware for 8We don't carry Super Mario plates right now, so pick up solid red plates and lunch napkins from the store and add the Super Mario beverage napkins Prime Party.
CupsThere are no Super Mario cups, so plan on solid red or blue cups from the store.
Forks & spoonsGrab 20 of each: red forks and red spoons, or blue forks and spoons. Prime Party
StreamersTwist red, royal blue and yellow together like Mario's outfit. Prime Party
Latex balloonsThe Super Mario balloons plus red and yellow pearlized balloons. Prime Party
ConfettiScatter gold star confetti like power stars. Prime Party
DécorThe centerpiece decorating kit Prime Party.
Party favorsBlowouts, the craft kit and the 48-piece favor mix Prime Party.

1–2 weeks before

Order or bake the cakeRed frosting with a big "M," or mushroom cupcakes (red frosting with white dots).
Plan the main courseMario's spaghetti and meatballs, or pizza.
SnacksMushroom cookies, gold chocolate coins and fruit.
Plan the drinksMake Power-Up Punch (the recipe is after the store list), plus 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.
Coin huntHide gold chocolate coins around the house. Every 10 coins earns a prize.
Craft tableSet out the Super Mario craft kit while guests arrive.
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 Super Mario 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 star 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 star picks a prize.
Prize basketFill a basket with inexpensive prizes for winners to pick from: movie-theater candy boxes, chocolate coins, mini figures, bouncy balls 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 8Pieces from the 48-piece favor mix and chocolate gold coins.
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 banners and wall décorPut the wall piece behind the food or photo area, and drape the banner over a doorway or the food table.
Inflate balloonsMix red, yellow and the Mario balloons. 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, so the table stays neat.

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	Coin hunt and Craft table.
+1 hr 40	Cake, candles and "Happy Birthday." Read trivia while they eat.
Goodbyes	Hand out the favors at the door.