4 Steps to Planning a Successful Party

It is worth the effort to take the time to prepare for a party. An ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure but a pound of preparation is worth a tonne of fun. Your party planning efforts will be evident to your guests who attend your sensational party. The following 4 steps are the foundation to successful parties...

Step 1- Decide on a theme or concept.

The number one party planning advice is decide on a theme or concept. This is a must do so your party plans will have a nice flow starting from the invitations right down to the parting party favors. You don't have to convey your theme to your guests if you don't want to. But you need to at least have a theme in your mind to prevent a bunch of mismatched ideas being tossed together.

If you want to convey your theme to your guests, then jazz up your concept with a unique flare. Instead of presenting the common or general theme title of Casino Night, try calling it A High Roller's Night in Monte Carlo. There's nothing wrong with basing your party on a classic theme, however, jazzing up the classic theme will pique your guests' imagination. A bonus of taking the classic idea up a notch will provide you with even more streamlined ideas for your invitation choice, food choice and décor. Having a theme is important as it sets the tone of the party and that tone is conveyed to the guests from the moment they receive the invite.

Step 2- Put effort into the invitation.

Second most important tip is to put in the time and effort into the invitation. Why? This is the first impression and sales pitch of your party. Sticking with the High Rollers' Night in Monte Carlo example, your invite could include a novelty $1000 poker chip attached to a golden invitation card. If you choose not to convey your theme concept to your guests, try something unique like an edible invite. This could be simple such as writing in icing on a sugar cookie.

Step 3- Incorporate all 5 senses.

Incorporate all 5 senses into your party planning and implementation.

Sight - suitable décor

Sound - appropriate music

Taste - complimentary menu whether it be an amuse bouche selection or a seafood buffet

Smell - use of essential oils or flowers

Touch - incorporating tangible items that enhance your theme (ex. poker chips, real glass flutes).

Having all 5 senses involved with your party will take your guests on a journey to the place of intrigue you are trying to create in your own home.

Step 4- Follow a checklist.

Party planning is most accurately done with a checklist. This will ensure nothing is forgotten. Here are some general items that are any checklist:

-choose theme/concept
-write guest list
-prepare and send invitations
-make menu
-choose music/prepare playlist
-purchase/make/rent decorations
-write list of required items (keeping with theme ex. Cards, poker chips, dice...)
-choose outfit
-do hair and makeup trial run (mainly for the ladies)
-take a final RSVP count
-grocery shop for homemade menu item ingredients
-pre order non homemade menu choices if applicable
-buy/prepare party favors
-prepare any menu items that you can in advance
-decorate
-get the camera ready (recharge batteries, clear memory if needed)
-buy flowers the day of the party (or scent the party area lightly with essential oil blend)
-buy or pick up any pre ordered specialty menu items
-set up refreshments
-get ready and have fun!

Your party planning efforts will magnify your party to be the best bash of the year. Your guests will leave wanting more than an annual gathering.

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