Party Planning TIPS
Have a budget!
Devise a plan & write it down
Re-evaluate the budget & the plan!!
Recycle, reuse & recreate
Ask for help!
Relax and Enjoy
- Make sure you have a clear idea of how much money you have to spend on your event.
Devise a plan & write it down
- Make a list of any food & beverage you plan on serving. Write everything down that you will need! Include even the smallest of items like salt, pepper, and ice.
- Decide whether your event will be a sit down meal or a casual food table. Either way make a diagram of the table(s) layout. If necessary I suggest actually laying your tableware ahead of time to get a sense how the table(s) will look and if you have enough pieces to get the job done. If your meal is a sit down meal you may want to have a seating arrangement in place ahead of time. Personal place cards are a fun, easy, and economical way of dressing up the table. Planning these details ahead of time will actually save you time the day of the event.
- If your party has a theme take a look through your cupboards, you will often be amazed at what you'll find that you can use to decorate the table. For larger or more elaborate events look at renting things from dishes to decorations. Make a list of any specialty items that you may need and source where to get them before you head out shopping.
- Shop what is in season! If you need to be budget minded shopping what is in season can save you quite a bit of money.
Re-evaluate the budget & the plan!!
- Now that you have a clear idea of what you want your party to look like make sure your ideas fit your budget. Make necessary adjustments, it's important to be flexible. This is where your lists really come in handy! Lists can be adjusted but they help keep you on plan.
Recycle, reuse & recreate
- Unless you are planning a traditional, formal dinner party, there are no rules! Think outside of the box - blowup pools make great coolers for a pool party, toy dump trucks are a creative party bowl for chips. The only one rule that I follow is that anything on a plate should be edible.
Ask for help!
- Don't be the hero - sometimes it just makes sense to ask for help from others. Whether you need to ask a friend to bring a dish or you need to borrow something that will save money or time. For the most part people like to be able to help whenever possible - just ask!
Relax and Enjoy
- Planning ahead of time will allow you the opportunity to enjoy the party the day of. If you are a relaxed host/hostess, your guests will be more likely to feel relaxed and enjoy themselves.
Dress up the table
Napkin Rings
Whether purchased, repurposed or created this is a fun way to dress the table. Personally, I prefer linen napkins but who says a good paper napkin couldn't be used!
Consider using pieces of rope tied in knots, or rings of any type. Make your by simply using stretch cord and some beads.
Consider using pieces of rope tied in knots, or rings of any type. Make your by simply using stretch cord and some beads.
Napkin Fold
You'd be surprised by what you can make a napkin look like! Very simple to do and folding the napkins can really help set the theme.
Place Cards
For larger parties you can create table numbers, menu cards or something for fun. Place cards don't have to be for names, you can also create them for fun! Think of including some trivia or maybe giving each of your guests a song title. These bits make for great conversation starters especially if some of your guests don't know each other.