How do you Plan the Perfect Party?

 

Party planning does not come easily to everyone. Entertaining should not be too complicated or expensive. However, it does take planning to reduce stress and come off effortlessly. Here are 10 planning tips to make hosting your next party successful and fun for all, including the host!

1. Logistics – Determine type of party, number of guests, set the date, time, place, theme, and send invites a month in advance
2. Party Flow – Consider how people will mingle and move through the party.
3. Music – Develop a play list; it sets the mood for the party.
4. Week before – Clean and determine silverware and dishes you will use.
5. Two days before – Determine menu and choose do-ahead dishes. Buy groceries and wine. Put sticky notes on serving dishes for all the food.
6. Day before – Begin food prep, set the tables, arrange flowers, and party props.
7. Party Day morning – Chill the wine, set the bar with garnishes, complete food prep, identify place for dirty dishes, trash, etc. Clean bathrooms.
8. Two hours before – Finish food and check set up. Get dressed.
9. One hour before – Light candles, adjust lighting, crank up the music, and have a glass of champagne.
10. Remember – No one knows what you didn’t get done. Have fun!

One last reminder, if you are having fun your guests will have a good time too. So, open your home, proactively plan, pop a cork, invite friends over, and party. It is the season to celebrate.