October 11 - National It's My Party Day

National Party Day should encourage each of us to think about hosting a party. Whether we're happy or sad, rich or poor, know a lot of people, hardly any or just a few there is just no excuse for not sharing a party with friends.

Below I have listed several reasons to have a party.

1. It's National Party Day.
2. Someone's birthday or anniversary.
3. You have something special in your life to celebrate - you lost 10 lbs.
4. Your life is boring - bring it on and make it fun.
5. You think you have no friends - ask a couple people in the neighborhood, from work or church.
6. You don't have enough money - ask everyone to bring something.
7. You don't want to clean - clean the top layer and turn down the lights. Invite everyone to the park for a picnic.
8. You don't have the room - ask however many you can accommodate - use your deck or porch - use floor pillows.
9. You are too busy - most everyone is busy, socializing is so good for your health.
10. Something sad has happened or you feel depressed - a party spirit with friends could be very uplifting.

Parties mean something different for different people. We've all read of the "rich and famous" parties. All I can say is "wow." Maybe you'd enjoy a same sex party - girlie parties and guy parties are great. They let us laugh and enjoy stories that most everyone understands at the drop of a hat. Neighborhood cookouts are great. Family birthdays make lasting memories. Take a cake to the care center - elderly people are thrilled to celebrate their birthday with cake and ice cream and their friends. Sometimes just you and your special someone can celebrate in a very intimate party style. And of course, it doesn't take kids long to know how much fun they have at parties.

A few cautions for parties follow.
1. Don't invite a bunch of little kids to a small child's birthday. At that time it all about them. They won't share.
2. Think about your guests - don't knowingly invite those who can't stand one another.
3. Don't over prepare or spend days working on your party. Remember, it's to have fun.
4. Clean, but everyone is so busy these days - they'll be in and out before you know it. Do clean bathrooms.
5. Try to have enough food and a choice of drinks.
6. Think about parking - if applicable.
7. Don't let someone drive if they've been drinking too much.
8. Put something away if it is extremely breakable and put jewelry etc. out of sight.
9. You don't always have to plan parties weeks in advance - sometimes spur of the moment works great.
10. Try to speak with all your guests - be polite.

Get out your finery or hit the paper shack. Just do it and I hope you and your guests will enjoy the party!