PERFECT PARTIES

The best parties seldom just "happen".  They require first a vision, then planning and above all, organization well in advance of the actual event.  

Creating an atmosphere for your event is easier than you might think.  Whether you are planning around a generous budget or almost no money at all, you have the same opportunity to create a pleasant, comfortable environment for your guests.  If you can visualize the event...the who, what, where, when and why...you can turn your dream into a reality.  The first place any celebration takes place is in your mind.  Like a jigsaw puzzle, it can all come together if you have all the pieces and can see the big picture.  You make them fit together to create the final image. 

If you are organized, you will feel in control and the party will be as much fun for you as it is for your guests. Even if you consider yourself to be the disorganized type, you can have a successful party.....just remember this golden rule: MAKE LISTS. And don't just make them, refer to them regularly. You may want to have a trusted friend or relative review them to make sure you haven't forgotten something specific to your particular celebration.

Your basic list should include the following:

• Reason for party

• Date and time

• Theme

• Budget

• Guest list

• Location

• Invitations

• Menu and beverages

• Activities

• Music or entertainment

For an extensive, detailed list, including a Decorations Checklist, click here and I will instantly email one to you.  I think that you will find it extremely useful in planning any event, no matter what the size or occasion.

I find it extremely helpful to purchase a transparent plastic 9" X 13" Document Folder (available in various colors at office supply stores) to keep checklists, notes, receipts, recipes, guest list and responses, etc.  This enables you to contain just about everything pertaining to your party in one handy and highly visible place.

Engage the services of friends or relatives of the honoree, your own family members, teenagers, or anyone else who would be willing to help you with some of the details.  One person could be in charge of tracking the guest list as invitees respond (be sure that this person's name and phone number are noted in the invitation).  If you are having a party for your teenager, ask one of their friends to compile and collect the music. Delegation can ease the burden of planning an event.  But always remember to follow up with your helpers to make sure that they are attending to their assigned tasks. 

If you are planning an elaborate affair, you may want to consider hiring a professional party planner. (To see what I can do for you, click on Local Services). While the fee you pay may seem high, the services he or she offers are invaluable.  An experienced planner will help implement the details, protect your interests, and determine the timing needed to make your event pull together, without flaw.  They will offer creative ideas that will help you stay within your budget or perhaps be more imaginative, and at the same time, strive to lead you to your desired party plan. 

Through thoughtful planning and implementation, you can graciously honor friends or family members by celebrating a birthday, a wedding, a holiday, or by just bringing good friends and family together  for informal fun and the opportunity to see one another more often.

I found this list of sources for finding materials needed for entertaining to be quite informative:

• Art supply stores - paints, colored pens, pencils, colored paper, clip art books (for creating invitations)

• Antique and second hand stores - special gifts, containers, unusual theme items, tableware, linens

• Bath shops - small soaps for gifts or favors, apothecary jars for food and flowers

• Bookstores - party games, miniature books for favors

• Boutiques - unusual invitations, small gifts

• Kitchen and cooking shops - foods, small containers, kitchenware favors and decor, linens, tableware

• Craft and hobby stores - favors, craft activities, decorating materials, artificial flowers and greenery

• International stores - interesting and unique decor, favors, food items

• Fabric stores - ribbon, lace, tulle, fabric, buttons, sequins

• Farmers' Markets - flowers, plants, food items

• Floral supply stores  - silk and paper flowers, floral foam, decorating materials, ribbon, ornaments, containers of all kinds, floral tape and wire

• Florists - cut flower water vials, floral foam, vases, flowers, plants

• Hardware stores - dowels, paint, glue, tape, garden utensils

• Nurseries and garden stores - flowers, herbs, vegetable seedlings, containers, potted plants, terra cotta pots, seed packets

• Party shops and stationery stores- paper goods, centerpieces, decorations, favors, balloons, wrapping paper, picture frames, gift items.  Save time and energy and visit my Party Shoppe first!

• Swap meets and garage sales - furniture, dishware, linens, food and flower containers

• Toy stores - sand pails, boats, hats, masks, games, favors

The first place to look for party "ammunition" is right in your own home.  You could even plan a theme around a favorite collection of dolls, sports memorabilia, colored glassware, old photos and albums, books, childhood and high school mementos, travel souvenirs, antique dishes.  Do you have a lot of orange, gold and avocado green cookware?  Why not have a '70's party? Ask guests to search their garages and attics for decoupage artworks, fondue pots, polyester leisure suits...whatever they can dig up to add to the festivities. ( For other theme ideas, go to the Themes page). 

You don't have to spend a lot of money to throw a memorable party.  Creativity is the key.  If you still have questions or challenges, please contact me.