Plan a location. If spring warmth has arrived, an outdoor Easter party is a lot of fun, though it's always a good idea to have a backup location in mind in case the weather doesn't cooperate. A park, a roomy backyard or a patio are all great ideas.

Plan decor. If the party is going to be at your home, arrange some of your Easter decorations so that they make the area where your guests will be feel fun and festive. If you're having it elsewhere, decide which decorations you'll bring (and purchase anything you think you'll want to make it extra fun).

Plan activities and crafts; start to gather materials. In some cases, you may even be able to start putting together any handmade table decor or favors you plan to have at the party. If you're going to have an egg-decorating activity, purchase the materials you'll need.

Prepare for your egg hunt. Plan containers for the kids to carry eggs in, if they're not bringing their own. Start to collect egg cartons or craft bags for them to decorate the day of the party.

Plan menu. Finger foods work well for children. Deviled eggs, ants on a log, sandwiches cut into bunny shapes and a big fruit salad are perfect (and tend to be a hit with kids). Make sure to provide some healthy fare to balance out the Easter treats.

Send invites. Celebrate the Easter theme by including a packet of jelly beans, or writing the invitation on the back of an Easter egg hunt treasure map. Or, use our Easter invitation template. If you're not planning to provide baskets or buckets for your Easter egg hunt, make sure you remind guests to bring theirs.

Shop. Take a careful look at your menu before going grocery shopping, and don't forget to pick up the treats and favors for your egg hunt.

Make cupcakes and sugar cookies. Refrigerate or freeze if recipe allows. Save the decorating for the day of the party.

Start to decorate. Set up as much as possible. If the kids are old enough, set tables well before. If not, set up the materials in a safe spot so that you can easily pull them out the day of the party.

Arrange your space. Set up the table where kids will eat, and if possible, set up a separate area where craft projects can take place. If you don't have room for both, decide whether the food or crafts will come first, and plan how you'll make the transition.

Dye eggs and print out Easter egg hunt map.

Decorate the location. Put on finishing touches, or pull out decor from your child-safe location and set it up.

Set the table. Try whimsical place cards: for example, write your guest's name on a colorfully dyed egg. Arrange a space where they can display the eggs they decorate themselves.

Frost and decorate cupcakes. If you want to include the children, decorate a couple as examples and let the kids work on their own.

Hide the eggs. Make sure to schedule time to either hide eggs and treats before guests arrive, or if necessary, while distracting the guests with a game or activity like decorating their egg carriers.