How to Plan a Party

Party planning is very important when you want to host a celebration. Having things wrote down will help to keep you on track and tends to lower your stress levels. So get a notebook and a pen and keep it handy. I like to use a three clasp report folder, that has pockets, and I add some loose leaf paper. I also have a 3-hole punch handy for things that I print off of the computer. I like having every party I plan in a file or folder with all of the details so I can go back and see what worked and what I can do without next time I want to throw a party.

The first four steps you may want to do at the same time. Your theme and guest list could all depend on the day of your party or the day and guest list could also affect the theme and budget of your party and so on.

More than one month before your party.... Set a budget

Making a budget does not always include money but time as well. But it is always important to keep track of your monetary spending so write it down and keep all receipts in an envelope with all of the rest of your party information.

Look at your calendar, what kind of commitments do you already have set during this time of the year. Keep in mind everything that you will have to do for these events and for the one you are trying to plan. Can you combine some of the tasks that you have to do for another event with this one? Please do not over load yourself and just enjoy all of the memories that you are making with your loved ones.

Now take a look at your checkbook or the money that you have already budgeted for such an event. Some of the party themes I have listed are inexpensive but definitely keep track of any money that you spend for this celebration. Think about the items you need to purchase for the planning of the party like invitations. Also include those items that you think that you would use for something else because if it was not for this party then you would not have bought those items at this time. If you are also purchasing items or two events then either put the total cost on one of your budget sheets or split the item cost between the. Buying things that you know that you will still use later should also be included like coffee or pop, you are going to have them on hand now so they are still going to be part of your budget. Keeping track of the money you use will help you to plan for next year.

Pick a Theme

The biggest secret to planning a memorable party is to pick a theme. You may also want to pick a function for the party. Some parties are for the usual birthday or anniversary but you can also pick a focus like a can food collection, craft or recipe swap. This way it will be easier to plan the menu and any activities. Plan the guest list

Write down everyone that you want to invite to your party. Now write the number of people that would be included in the invitation. If you are sending an invite to a family household then write down all of those that live there or if you are inviting a single person then you always want to include a guest. You need to keep track of numbers here so that you can plan the rest of your party. With this list you want to include their addresses, phone numbers, and a place to check off when they RSVP. You may also want to leave space for anything that your guests will be bringing in case you are having a pot luck dinner or if they volunteer to help out with some of the cooking.

Pick the Date and Time

You want to definitely have the invites out no later than 2 weeks before the date that you pick. Giving yourself at least a month before your party is best for planning a party so that you can get everything ready. Think about the type of party and your guests and find a time that would be suited for them. If you are having a party for children you would not want to have the party going on into the night and you would not really want throw a breakfast type at 8 am but maybe a brunch style party having your guests arrive around 11 am.

Food and Beverages

Based on your theme, make a list of food and drinks that you will be serving at your celebration. Are you having a buffet or a sit down dinner? As you are doing the initial planning you will not need to be specific with recipes just write down what you will be providing for your guests whether it is a meal, drinks, or appetizers. Invitations

Are you going to make the invitations or purchase them? If you are going to make them yourself than you will need to buy all the supplies on your next shopping trip and plan on assembling them now.

How are you going to invite your guests? I always like to mail out invitations but you can deliver them by hand. Either way have all over your supplies together. You will need the invitations, envelopes, stamps and try adding a sticker or stamp that relates to your theme. Preprinted address labels are always easy to have around. Now remember to get them out no later than two weeks before your event so that your guests will have adequate time to RSVP and add your party to their calendars.

Decorations and Party Supplies

Make a list of the type of decorations that you want to have up for your party. Also have a list of the things you will need for this party such as plates, cups, serving pieces, noise makers, and so on. Go through you supplies at home first and see what you have already and add anything else to your shopping list. As you find or purchase these items have them together in one place so that they are ready when you need them. Do not forget to check them off your list so that you know that you have them.

One Month Before Your Party

Have your guest list completed.

Have your monetary budget sheet at hand.

Set your goals and plan the dates that you would like to have each thing done. I am doing this part for you so make sure you add them to your To Do List.

Purchase the invitations and stamps. If you are making them yourself then have them completed. Don't forget to input your purchases on your budget sheet.

Address one half of your invitations.

Review all of your lists and gather up any recipes that you plan on using. Add the ingredients of the recipes to your master shopping list. Start buying some of the items from your master list when you run your regular errands. Don't forget to input your purchases on your budget sheet.

Gather up all of the decorations and supplies that you have around your house. Check those off of your list and add the remaining to your master shopping list.

Three Weeks Before Your Party

Have all of your invitations addressed.

Review your lists. Make sure you have checked off any items that you have bought or found that you are going to need. Don't forget to input your purchases on your party plan budget sheet.

Two Weeks Before Your Party

Send out your invitations.

Complete your menu with recipes and add all items remaining to your shopping list.

Purchase the rest of the supplies or decorations that you will need.

Purchase any food that can be frozen. You may want to look at your recipes and see if portions of them can be frozen. Cooked meats and poultry and chopped veggies can be frozen. Make ahead as much as you can so it will be easier on you later.

Review your lists and make sure that you have checked off all of the items that you have or anything that guests have volunteered to bring. Don't forget to input your purchases on your budget sheet.

One Week Before Your Party

Complete any errands for this party.

Do any deep cleaning that you may have planned.

Review your lists and make sure that you have checked off all of the items that you have or anything that guests have volunteered to bring. Don't forget to input your purchases on your party plan budget sheet.

5 Days Before Your Party

Follow up with any guests that have not responded.

Review your lists and make sure that you have checked off everything that you have gotten for your party. Don't forget to input your purchases on your party plan budget sheet.

4 Days Before Your Party

Clean up for your party. Set up any tables and pull out all of the extra seating. Clean all of the serving utensils and dishes. 3 Days Before Your Party

Set up any decorations that you have for your party. Review your recipes and see what you can make ahead of time.

Review your lists and make sure that you have checked off everything that you have gotten for your party. Don't forget to input your purchases on your party plan budget sheet.

2 Days Before Your Party

Purchase the rest of the food that you need.

Set up any folding tables or seating that you will need. Have all of your decorations up. Leave the areas alone that you will use to prep and eat on for the day of because you will be using them for now.

Review your lists and make sure that you have checked off everything that you have gotten for your party. Don't forget to input your purchases on your budget sheet.

The Day Before Your Party

Set your table if you are having a sit down dinner. If your family also eats at the same table then you may just want to plan a picnic in the living room or just wait until tomorrow to set the table. You still want to make sure you have everything you need to set the table.

Prep any food that you can. Clean and chop any fresh produce. Cook any meats that you will need because they can be refrigerated and reheated when you need them.

Assemble any recipes that can be made ahead.

The Day of Your Party

Finish the decorating.

Assemble the rest of your menu.

Sit down and relax.

Welcome your guests to your party

The Day After Your Party

Now it the time to reflect on how your party went. Go back to that notebook or folder and write down things that you could change and make note of all the compliments. Save your party planning lists and notes so that you can refer back to them when you have another celebration.

Last but not least it is time to clean up.