The basics of planning a party…

Having a party always sounds like a great excuse! I know a lot of people really stress out when they start planning for a big “hurrah”, but I will help you figure out how to do it and how to make this process more easy-going.

Important questions:

• Where are you going to have a party? Pick a place.
• Do you want this party on a Friday after work, a Saturday night or a Sunday afternoon? Determine a date and time for your event.
• What is the purpose of you party? Anniversary, 4th of July, birthday, summer or all the above? This will help you pick a team for you party.
• How much money can you spend? Budgeting will help you decide on how many people you will invite and the amount of things you will buy.
• Who is coming? Only invite guests that you want. Only invite people who respect you, not kiss-ups. Invite people you would like to get to know better, and if you want your party to be big, tell them to bring their friends. Get as accurate a count as you can before the party so as to make certain you have the space, food and drink to accommodate.
• What is the theme of the party? You need a few decorations to make a fun party, but if you want to have just a cocktail party the only decorations you need is the booze.
• Are you going to use a catering service or are you cooking for your guest? You need to have food to make your guest happy. If you want to save money on the catering service just look for yummy and easy recipes online.
• Are you going to hire a DJ or play your iTunes? Pick a playlist that can last at least 5 hours or hire someone who you know and offer an exchange on something or pay them for the favor.
• What type of drinks you are having? When is a cocktail party you should have at least 3 different drinks to offer your guests, but I always encourage to buy beers. People sometimes just loves beers.

Checklist

Having a checklist will help you organize your event better.

One moth before

• Set the date, time, and place of the party.
• Decide on a theme.
• Determine your overall budget.
• Think ways to make your party special, like surprising your guest with decor, show or fabulous food.

3 weeks before

• Mail, call, make FB event or email your invitation.
• Rent or borrow extra chairs or tables if is necessary.
• Rent or buy supplement as needed. Example, serving pieces, serving utensils, and pitchers.

2 week before

• Create a menu and create a shopping list.
• Buy your decorations.

One week before

• Follow any guests who haven’t yet R.S.V.P.’d.
• Stock up you wine and liquor.
• Create an iPod list if you don’t have a DJ.

2 days before

• Buy groceries and additional bar items.
• Wash glassware, serving pieces and silverware.
• Stock up the paper towel and paper toilet.

Day before

• Clean and organize the venue.
• Pick up fresh flowers.
• Start decorating the place.
• Make place for a dance floor.
• Prepare any salad or sauces that can be refrigerated, if you are cooking.
• Let neighbors know if cars will be parked in front of their houses. If you know them, invite them before.

Morning of…

• Chill wine
• Buy ice
• Set up tables, chairs, and bar.
• Marinate meat, if necessary.
• Check the guest bathroom: empty trash, set out clean guest towels, place great-smeling soap and flower next to the sink.

2 hours before…

• Set out favors.
• Finish prepping all food that can be done before guests arrive.
• Set aside space for dirty dishes and glasses.
• Have trash cans and extra garbage bags ready.

One hour before…

• Light candles, if you have.
• Adjust overhead lighting. Use as much “soft light” from lamps as possible.
• Turn iPod playlist.
• Set out nuts and party snacks.
• Relax and pamper yourself.
• Get dress and ready to have fun!

If you follow this checklist, you will be stress free. Ok, I lie, a little less stress free. 😉

Have a good weekend and I hope your next party will be a success!

xoxo,

Cristina