Do you have an idea for a great party, but don't know how to make it happen. Don't fret, for you have come to the right place. Party planning is my game and information is forthcoming.
Party planning can be difficult if you don't know how to begin. You may find yourself running around at the last minute for party supplies or maybe you forgot to send out the invitations. If this was to occur it would definitely be the loneliest party I have ever heard of. In order to keep your party planning on track you will need to follow these steps.
1) Decide what type of party you want to have. If you haven't already made a decision, make one now. Do you want a theme party? A few different types are: pool, BBQ, luau, construction, Halloween, Hollywood, casino and Arabian Nights. Those are your most popular themes, just to name a few. There are many other types of parties. If you know what type of party you plan on throwing it will make it that much easier to prepare for.
2) Create a checklist. This should be second on the order of business. This is where you will outline the various phases of your planning. Once you have a piece of paper with the word 'Checklist' written on it you are ready for the next phase.
3) Budget: Now is a great time to come up with an amount you are willing to part with for your party. When making this choice be wary, if it is too small an amount you may not be able to adequately support the intended guest list. If it is too large, you have no worries, continue to the next step.
4) A guest list: This is an important part of your party planning. In order to move on to the other steps you must have a very good idea as to the amount of guests, the ages of the guests and the eating and drinking habits of the guests. For instance, if one of your invitees are vegetarian you will want to have something prepared especially for them. Don't take anything for granted. After all, you are looking to have an absolute smash that everyone will enjoy.
5) Once you have your guest list prepared and written out on your checklist you will need to either send out invitations or do things the old fashioned way by using the phone. However, it is much classier and personalized if you send out invitations. You can either have them prepared by a professional or craft them yourself.
6) After a week or so goes by you should have a very good idea who is coming. Now is the time to go out and get your party supplies. There are ways of doing this that is tantamount to an exact science. It won't be outlined here, but with the information you have about the number, age and eating and drinking habits of your guests you should be able to come up with the right amount of food and drink for everyone. Don't cut yourself short. Buy plenty of snacks, and whatever else you may need. If you hired an outside caterer be sure to go over the guest list with them. They will want to know the amount of guests, but don't forget to add any details they must know about, like 'your Great Aunt is diabetic' or something to that effect.
7) Food and beverages: The food is probably the greatest treasure you can have at any party, with the exception of alcohol, so make sure the preparations are done ahead of time. Have everything you need to avoid any last minute shopping, that way you can create your master piece without any untimely setbacks.
8) Decorating: Are you having the party inside or outside? If it is going to be outside, make sure you prepare for an untimely shower or if the weather is going to be very hot by having someplace that provides cover and shade. If it is going to be indoors, be sure to have ample seating for everyone who agreed to come, plus a few extra chairs. Don't leave someone standing because you didn't expect them to come. Unless they told you specifically they weren't going to make it, expect them. A good idea for decorating is to always use flowers. You can spice up your dining room, living room or any room in the house with a beautiful flowery ensemble set nicely in a watery vase.
The next phase of your party planning will be to have everything cleaned and ready. You are about to have a party and you want to have everything looking perfect. So do your cooking, then your cleaning and get yourself cleaned and shined. The guests are on their way and they are expecting to have a great time. It is up to you to make that happen. A good tip for any host is: a happy host makes a great host and a great host throws unbelievable parties. Have an awesome time.
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