June 14, 2010
April 3, 2010
Staging
Now the fun really starts....its time to get your home or venue ready for your fabulous event. As you are decorating, preparing food and drinks, and anticipating your guests arrival; you are probably already in the process of staging your home. This is one step in the planning process that is sometimes overlooked or sometimes done mindlessly, however it is a key step. What staging does for your event is it allows for traffic patterns that let your guests enjoy your party to the fullest. When your home or venue is properly staged, you will notice that guests can easily maneuver around food buffets, drink stations, and still enjoy being able to mingle with one another. So here are a few tips to make staging your party, no matter how big or small, as easy as possible.
• The main thing to keep in mind with staging is that you want to space out the places where most guest will congregate. For example, you will want your food buffet or appetizer table in one area and your drink station in another area of the room.
• Another thing to keep in mind is that you will probably want to move furniture around to make the room more open.
• One activity that can help if you are having trouble staging is to take a large piece of butcher paper and make a drawing of what the room looks like, where the furniture is, and where you plan to place food and drink stations. Once you have drawn this out, play around with changing up the room configuration and see what feels best to you.
• Another great thing to do when you are planning how to stage your event with your drawings is to look at traffic patterns. Get different color markers and draw out traffic patterns that your guests may use. This will let you see if people will easily be able to move throughout your party.
• Keep in mind that most of your guests will gather in circular patterns to talk and mingle, so make sure that there is enough room for groups to gather and talk.
Remember that staging is key to transforming your home or venue from the everyday to the special for your party. This step in the planning process is something you can do to ensure that all your hard work doesn't go to waste and your guests fully enjoy the event. Happy staging!!!
• The main thing to keep in mind with staging is that you want to space out the places where most guest will congregate. For example, you will want your food buffet or appetizer table in one area and your drink station in another area of the room.
• Another thing to keep in mind is that you will probably want to move furniture around to make the room more open.
• One activity that can help if you are having trouble staging is to take a large piece of butcher paper and make a drawing of what the room looks like, where the furniture is, and where you plan to place food and drink stations. Once you have drawn this out, play around with changing up the room configuration and see what feels best to you.
• Another great thing to do when you are planning how to stage your event with your drawings is to look at traffic patterns. Get different color markers and draw out traffic patterns that your guests may use. This will let you see if people will easily be able to move throughout your party.
• Keep in mind that most of your guests will gather in circular patterns to talk and mingle, so make sure that there is enough room for groups to gather and talk.
Remember that staging is key to transforming your home or venue from the everyday to the special for your party. This step in the planning process is something you can do to ensure that all your hard work doesn't go to waste and your guests fully enjoy the event. Happy staging!!!
April 2, 2010
Food
The next step in the planning process is to determine the type of food you plan on serving your guests and the amount to have on hand for the event. To do this you will want to have a good idea of the number of guests you will be hosting and what type of food you want to serve them. Do you want to serve a buffet of snacks and appetizers, grill out for your guests, order pizza, have a nice dinner party, or a combination of these. Once you have figured out the type of food, you will want to select several recipes or talk with a caterer about the menu for your event. A few tips for the amount of food you will want to have:
• For hor d'oeuvres: guest will generally eat 3-5 pieces if you are serving these before the main meal. If you are only serving a buffet of hor d'oeuvres, guests will generally eat 4-6 pieces per hour.
• With all foods, you will want to vary between hot and cold items,different textures, and always make larger quantities of popular items to make sure there is enough to go around.
• Also, you may want to consider special dietary options for your guests. For example, you might want to serve vegan or low carb options. If you do have guests coming that may want or require such options, it is a good idea to have at least 3 different options for them.
• If you are serving a buffet of appetizers or snacks as the main food options, you will want to keep in mind the length of the party and the size of the guest list to ensure that you have several options to sustain the party.
• A good rule of thumb is one pound of food per person.
When hosting a dinner party, the overall food portions may differ slightly. Here are a few things to consider when planning your menu:
• For the main course, you will want to plan to serve 6-8 ounces per person.
• If you are serving seafood for the main course however, you will want to plan to serve only about 5-7 ounces per person.
• For soups, or gumbos, you will want to serve about 1 1/2 - 2 cups per person.
• When serving pasta, beans, rice, or potato dishes for sides, you will want to serve 2-3 ounces per guest.
• If you are serving a side salad, you will want to serve about 3-4 ounces per guest.
• Each guest will probably 1 1/2 pieces of bread at a typical dinner party.
• Generally guests will eat between 1 and 1 1/2 pieces of desserts.
• A good rule of thumb is 1 1/2 pounds of food per guest.
Remember, when planning the menu it is always best to round up when preparing food for you guests. You always want to have more than enough than not enough. You surely won't have trouble finding someone willing to take home leftovers.
• For hor d'oeuvres: guest will generally eat 3-5 pieces if you are serving these before the main meal. If you are only serving a buffet of hor d'oeuvres, guests will generally eat 4-6 pieces per hour.
• With all foods, you will want to vary between hot and cold items,different textures, and always make larger quantities of popular items to make sure there is enough to go around.
• Also, you may want to consider special dietary options for your guests. For example, you might want to serve vegan or low carb options. If you do have guests coming that may want or require such options, it is a good idea to have at least 3 different options for them.
• If you are serving a buffet of appetizers or snacks as the main food options, you will want to keep in mind the length of the party and the size of the guest list to ensure that you have several options to sustain the party.
• A good rule of thumb is one pound of food per person.
When hosting a dinner party, the overall food portions may differ slightly. Here are a few things to consider when planning your menu:
• For the main course, you will want to plan to serve 6-8 ounces per person.
• If you are serving seafood for the main course however, you will want to plan to serve only about 5-7 ounces per person.
• For soups, or gumbos, you will want to serve about 1 1/2 - 2 cups per person.
• When serving pasta, beans, rice, or potato dishes for sides, you will want to serve 2-3 ounces per guest.
• If you are serving a side salad, you will want to serve about 3-4 ounces per guest.
• Each guest will probably 1 1/2 pieces of bread at a typical dinner party.
• Generally guests will eat between 1 and 1 1/2 pieces of desserts.
• A good rule of thumb is 1 1/2 pounds of food per guest.
Remember, when planning the menu it is always best to round up when preparing food for you guests. You always want to have more than enough than not enough. You surely won't have trouble finding someone willing to take home leftovers.
April 1, 2010
Decorations
When it comes time to decide the decor for your festive event, you want to make sure to consider several things:
• Budget
• # of guests, and type of guest you are inviting
• Theme
• Occasion
• Time and Place of your event
Each of these items are key in determining the overall decor of your event. For example you won't want to spend extravagant amounts of money on an intimate dinner party, and you also don't want to skimp on the decor for a large event. The best way to determine your decorative motif is to think about the kind of event you are hosting.
If this is a theme party, you probably already have several decorating ideas swirling around in your head. Take those ideas and look at the list of considerations listed above to focus your attention on the best ideas you have come up with that fit your event. The great thing about theme parties is that many party supply stores and websites have tailor made decorations for such events. These items can make your job of decorating very easy and enjoyable. Another great thing about theme parties is that you have the ability to use your creative talents to create your own decorations or combine some of your own ideas with some store bought items.
If this isn't a theme party, and you are just having a party for the sake of having a party; an easy way to decorate is coming up with a simple color scheme of one-three colors and decorating around these colors alone. This method will give your event a simple yet chic personality.
The main thing to remember when decorating for your party is to plan how you want the party to look, the way you want your guests to remember it, and the ambiance you want to create for this event. These key points will keep you on track for coming up with decorations that reflect your personality as a hostess and the way your guests will think back to your fabulous party!!!
• Budget
• # of guests, and type of guest you are inviting
• Theme
• Occasion
• Time and Place of your event
Each of these items are key in determining the overall decor of your event. For example you won't want to spend extravagant amounts of money on an intimate dinner party, and you also don't want to skimp on the decor for a large event. The best way to determine your decorative motif is to think about the kind of event you are hosting.
If this is a theme party, you probably already have several decorating ideas swirling around in your head. Take those ideas and look at the list of considerations listed above to focus your attention on the best ideas you have come up with that fit your event. The great thing about theme parties is that many party supply stores and websites have tailor made decorations for such events. These items can make your job of decorating very easy and enjoyable. Another great thing about theme parties is that you have the ability to use your creative talents to create your own decorations or combine some of your own ideas with some store bought items.
If this isn't a theme party, and you are just having a party for the sake of having a party; an easy way to decorate is coming up with a simple color scheme of one-three colors and decorating around these colors alone. This method will give your event a simple yet chic personality.
The main thing to remember when decorating for your party is to plan how you want the party to look, the way you want your guests to remember it, and the ambiance you want to create for this event. These key points will keep you on track for coming up with decorations that reflect your personality as a hostess and the way your guests will think back to your fabulous party!!!
March 31, 2010
Invitations
Invitations are a key part to any event you may be hosting whether it is causal or formal, large or a small get together with friends, electronic invites, or paper ones, it is one element that should not be overlooked. You must remember that when you are wanting to entertain friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors, you must respect their schedule. The best way to do this is to send invitations in ample time for them to plan on coming to your event. Now some events are a little more impromptu and require less notice while others require more, but nonetheless, you must send them. A good timeline to follow is this:
A casual get together with friends-same day to 2 weeks in advance
Holiday dinner- 2 weeks to 2 months
Luncheon or Tea- Few days to 2 weeks
Informal Dinner Party- Few Days to 3 weeks
Housewarming party- Few days to 3 weeks
Graduation Party- 3 weeks
Formal dinner party - 3 to 6 weeks
Cocktail Party- 1 to 4 weeks
Holiday Party- 1 month
Charity Event- 6 weeks to 3 months
Going away party- Last minute to 3 weeks
Bar or Bat mitzvah- 1 month
Anniversary or Birthday Party- 3 to 6 weeks
Theme Party - 3 to 6 weeks
Depending on the event, it may dictate the type of invitation that would be most appropriate, however, some key things to keep in mind when sending invitations to your guests are:
• You must include your guest's name, the occasion, the date and time of the event, the location with address and directions if necessary, RSVP notation, and any other special requests such as dress code or if your guests need to bring anything with them.
• All names of the people that you invite must be listed, not just the head of the household.
• Make sure that you invite all of your guests in the same manner. If you send paper invites, make sure that everyone gets one. Same for electronic invitations.
• For most occasions, informal invitations are acceptable. They may be printed or handwritten, engraving isn't necessary unless you are hosting a formal event.
• Colorful paper is always acceptable along with graphics and borders that reflect the theme, tone, and overall feel of your event.
• You can address your guests as Mr. or Mrs., or by their first names.
• Numbers can be written numerically and do not have to be spelled out for informal occasions.
Remember, the key with invitations is that everyone gets one and that they receive them in ample time to plan on attending your party. You want to show your guests that you respect them, their time, and their presence. So, don't forget to send out your invites and enjoy!!!!
P.S. If you are a guest that receives an invitation, please RSVP.....it shows your host/hostess that you respect them and their preparations for the event!!!
A casual get together with friends-same day to 2 weeks in advance
Holiday dinner- 2 weeks to 2 months
Luncheon or Tea- Few days to 2 weeks
Informal Dinner Party- Few Days to 3 weeks
Housewarming party- Few days to 3 weeks
Graduation Party- 3 weeks
Formal dinner party - 3 to 6 weeks
Cocktail Party- 1 to 4 weeks
Holiday Party- 1 month
Charity Event- 6 weeks to 3 months
Going away party- Last minute to 3 weeks
Bar or Bat mitzvah- 1 month
Anniversary or Birthday Party- 3 to 6 weeks
Theme Party - 3 to 6 weeks
Depending on the event, it may dictate the type of invitation that would be most appropriate, however, some key things to keep in mind when sending invitations to your guests are:
• You must include your guest's name, the occasion, the date and time of the event, the location with address and directions if necessary, RSVP notation, and any other special requests such as dress code or if your guests need to bring anything with them.
• All names of the people that you invite must be listed, not just the head of the household.
• Make sure that you invite all of your guests in the same manner. If you send paper invites, make sure that everyone gets one. Same for electronic invitations.
• For most occasions, informal invitations are acceptable. They may be printed or handwritten, engraving isn't necessary unless you are hosting a formal event.
• Colorful paper is always acceptable along with graphics and borders that reflect the theme, tone, and overall feel of your event.
• You can address your guests as Mr. or Mrs., or by their first names.
• Numbers can be written numerically and do not have to be spelled out for informal occasions.
Remember, the key with invitations is that everyone gets one and that they receive them in ample time to plan on attending your party. You want to show your guests that you respect them, their time, and their presence. So, don't forget to send out your invites and enjoy!!!!
P.S. If you are a guest that receives an invitation, please RSVP.....it shows your host/hostess that you respect them and their preparations for the event!!!
March 30, 2010
Planning Timeline
When planning a party it is best to divide an conquer. Don't expect yourself to be able to do it all at once. You will want to have a planning timeline so that you can make the most of the event and be prepared for any unforeseen occurrences. A good rule of thumb to follow when planning is to:
4 Weeks Ahead
-Mail or deliver the invitations. Do not rely on the telephone or word of mouth. If you are using electronic invitations, it is still good to send them out early, this will allow guests time to plan on attending your event.
-Keep a written guest list. This will keep you on track as RSVP come in for the number of guests that will be attending.
-Plan the menu. Whether you will be catering the event or cooking yourself, plan accordingly.
-Check on cooking and serving equipment. Rent or buy what you may need to make the event run smoothly.
-If needed, arrange for help with parking, serving, or cleanup, and rent coat racks.
3 Weeks Ahead
-Buy non perishables, disposable items, liquor, nonalcoholic beverages, and mixers. This will help you to spread out the costs for the event over a few weeks.
-Plan how you will stage the event and where you will place the food tables and beverage stations to best accommodate for traffic flow. Remember that a party's traffic flow id very different from the normal traffic flow in your home.
-Clean and iron the table linens.
-Order any food items from the caterer, grocer or butcher to ensure that all necessary food items will be available for your party.
2 Weeks Ahead
-Cook and freeze foods such as desserts, breads, and casseroles.
-Check the condition of the garden or backyard if this area is going to be a part of your party.
-Do any major housecleaning.
-Polish silver and clean crystal, china, or serving ware if necessary.
-Begin making ice.
-Order flowers and decorations.
2 Days Ahead
-Set the buffet table.
-Set up the bar.
-Set up the music.
-Clean the rooms where the party will be held, and rearrange furniture to help stage your home for the event.
-Begin making food or portions of recipes such as pasta or potato salads, crudité dips, and some desserts.
-Post a last-minute itemized checklist. This will make sure that you don't forget anything in the next few hectic days.
1 Day Ahead
-Draw a timetable of what needs to be cooked and served when. This will keep the party moving and allow you to enjoy yourself throughout the evening without worrying about what needs to be done next.
-Shop for perishable foods.
-Do as much cooking as possible.
-Decorate your home or event venue.
-Pick up and arrange flowers.
-Call anyone assisting with the event and let them know any last minute instructions that you may have.
-Make the punch base, or the base for the main drink you will be serving at your party.
Day of the Party
-Finish cooking.
-Arrange ice and fruit for the bar.
-Finish any additional decoration or last minute cleaning to make sure the event looks just the way you imagined it.
While not all events will follow this timeline, this will give you a good base to start from when planning your event. Keep in mind that having someone help host your event with you, may make things go a little more smoothly. Also, remember that this party isn't just for your guests, so with the proper planning, you too can enjoy your party.
4 Weeks Ahead
-Mail or deliver the invitations. Do not rely on the telephone or word of mouth. If you are using electronic invitations, it is still good to send them out early, this will allow guests time to plan on attending your event.
-Keep a written guest list. This will keep you on track as RSVP come in for the number of guests that will be attending.
-Plan the menu. Whether you will be catering the event or cooking yourself, plan accordingly.
-Check on cooking and serving equipment. Rent or buy what you may need to make the event run smoothly.
-If needed, arrange for help with parking, serving, or cleanup, and rent coat racks.
3 Weeks Ahead
-Buy non perishables, disposable items, liquor, nonalcoholic beverages, and mixers. This will help you to spread out the costs for the event over a few weeks.
-Plan how you will stage the event and where you will place the food tables and beverage stations to best accommodate for traffic flow. Remember that a party's traffic flow id very different from the normal traffic flow in your home.
-Clean and iron the table linens.
-Order any food items from the caterer, grocer or butcher to ensure that all necessary food items will be available for your party.
2 Weeks Ahead
-Cook and freeze foods such as desserts, breads, and casseroles.
-Check the condition of the garden or backyard if this area is going to be a part of your party.
-Do any major housecleaning.
-Polish silver and clean crystal, china, or serving ware if necessary.
-Begin making ice.
-Order flowers and decorations.
2 Days Ahead
-Set the buffet table.
-Set up the bar.
-Set up the music.
-Clean the rooms where the party will be held, and rearrange furniture to help stage your home for the event.
-Begin making food or portions of recipes such as pasta or potato salads, crudité dips, and some desserts.
-Post a last-minute itemized checklist. This will make sure that you don't forget anything in the next few hectic days.
1 Day Ahead
-Draw a timetable of what needs to be cooked and served when. This will keep the party moving and allow you to enjoy yourself throughout the evening without worrying about what needs to be done next.
-Shop for perishable foods.
-Do as much cooking as possible.
-Decorate your home or event venue.
-Pick up and arrange flowers.
-Call anyone assisting with the event and let them know any last minute instructions that you may have.
-Make the punch base, or the base for the main drink you will be serving at your party.
Day of the Party
-Finish cooking.
-Arrange ice and fruit for the bar.
-Finish any additional decoration or last minute cleaning to make sure the event looks just the way you imagined it.
While not all events will follow this timeline, this will give you a good base to start from when planning your event. Keep in mind that having someone help host your event with you, may make things go a little more smoothly. Also, remember that this party isn't just for your guests, so with the proper planning, you too can enjoy your party.
March 29, 2010
Location!!! Location!!! Location!!!
When planning an event one of the first things that probably comes to your mind is where should I host this party, right? Well if you are like most people you probably have a choice; host the event in my home or find an appropriate location for the event. Well here are a few tips that might make the choice easier for you.
1) If you choose to host the event in your home, the main things you want to keep in mind are:
• The number of guests you are going to invite. You want to make sure that there is enough room in your home for everyone to mingle and enjoy the evening. You also want to keep in mind the type of party you are having when you consider the number of guests. If you are having an intimate dinner party, or a party where there are activities for your guests, you may want to keep the number relatively small so that everyone enjoys themselves. However, if you are having a theme party , or celebrating a specific occasion, you may want to invite more people from different areas of your life so that everyone can share in the good times and get to know one another.
• Another key thing to consider is the overall budget for your soiree. Make sure to keep yourself on track financially so that you really do enjoy the planning and the event itself.
• If you are hosting a more casual event, and your guests offer to bring something, be specific. Let them know one or two different items that would be helpful in the execution of the party. However, don't expect everyone to bring something, remember you are the hostess.
• In addition, you will want to consider the time of year and if your home isn't extremely large and its cold outside....your guests will all be inside throughout the event. If it is hot outside and you are going to use your backyard as part of your entertaining space, you may want to bring in fans or misters. So, you will want to make sure that everyone will be comfortable as you entertain them.
• Remember entertaining at home can save you money over finding an external venue and it gives you the opportunity to open you home to those closest to you.
• When having a party at your home it doesn't have to be formal or casual, you have the flexibility to set the mood and decor to fit the event. So, plan accordingly.
2) If you choose to find an external venue:
• The first thing you will want to do is set your budget and your guest list so that you will have a ballpark of how large the space needs to be and how much it can cost you.
• Having an event at a location outside of your home can offer some flexibility that you won't get from entertaining at home. You have the ability to make the space your own with your own decorations and the overall set up of the space.
• Once you have determined the budget, guest list, and decor or theme of the party, you will want to call several venues and get quotes for the event you are trying to host. Remember, you will want to do this several weeks in advance to ensure you and the location have the proper time to prepare.
• Take good notes when calling various venues and ask several questions. Keep in mind you will want to know their policies on catering, beverages, decorations and entertainment. They may have packages that include all or some of these things.
• However, if you know a good caterer, bar tending service, or entertainment group that you want to use, you will want to find a location that will accommodate your plans.
• While planning an event outside of your home may be a little more expensive, it may be the best bet when hosting a large event or corporate gathering.
Once you have taken all of these items into account, you will probably have a good idea of where the best place to hold the party will be. However, if you are still wondering if your home would be suitable, ask a friend you are going to invite to the party, who knows they may just have a good idea you haven't thought of yet.
1) If you choose to host the event in your home, the main things you want to keep in mind are:
• The number of guests you are going to invite. You want to make sure that there is enough room in your home for everyone to mingle and enjoy the evening. You also want to keep in mind the type of party you are having when you consider the number of guests. If you are having an intimate dinner party, or a party where there are activities for your guests, you may want to keep the number relatively small so that everyone enjoys themselves. However, if you are having a theme party , or celebrating a specific occasion, you may want to invite more people from different areas of your life so that everyone can share in the good times and get to know one another.
• Another key thing to consider is the overall budget for your soiree. Make sure to keep yourself on track financially so that you really do enjoy the planning and the event itself.
• If you are hosting a more casual event, and your guests offer to bring something, be specific. Let them know one or two different items that would be helpful in the execution of the party. However, don't expect everyone to bring something, remember you are the hostess.
• In addition, you will want to consider the time of year and if your home isn't extremely large and its cold outside....your guests will all be inside throughout the event. If it is hot outside and you are going to use your backyard as part of your entertaining space, you may want to bring in fans or misters. So, you will want to make sure that everyone will be comfortable as you entertain them.
• Remember entertaining at home can save you money over finding an external venue and it gives you the opportunity to open you home to those closest to you.
• When having a party at your home it doesn't have to be formal or casual, you have the flexibility to set the mood and decor to fit the event. So, plan accordingly.
2) If you choose to find an external venue:
• The first thing you will want to do is set your budget and your guest list so that you will have a ballpark of how large the space needs to be and how much it can cost you.
• Having an event at a location outside of your home can offer some flexibility that you won't get from entertaining at home. You have the ability to make the space your own with your own decorations and the overall set up of the space.
• Once you have determined the budget, guest list, and decor or theme of the party, you will want to call several venues and get quotes for the event you are trying to host. Remember, you will want to do this several weeks in advance to ensure you and the location have the proper time to prepare.
• Take good notes when calling various venues and ask several questions. Keep in mind you will want to know their policies on catering, beverages, decorations and entertainment. They may have packages that include all or some of these things.
• However, if you know a good caterer, bar tending service, or entertainment group that you want to use, you will want to find a location that will accommodate your plans.
• While planning an event outside of your home may be a little more expensive, it may be the best bet when hosting a large event or corporate gathering.
Once you have taken all of these items into account, you will probably have a good idea of where the best place to hold the party will be. However, if you are still wondering if your home would be suitable, ask a friend you are going to invite to the party, who knows they may just have a good idea you haven't thought of yet.
March 28, 2010
Party Planning Basics
Have you ever gotten the urge to throw a fabulous event, but stopped yourself because you felt it would just be too much hassle? Well, we are here to help you overcome that fear and find how simple and fun entertaining can be. Before you throw any event, there is some basic planning that needs to be done.
• What type of event are you wanting to throw? Are you throwing a birthday party for a friend, co-worker, a child, or family member? Do you want to throw a theme party? Or are you throwing an event centered around a specific occasion or holiday?
• Once you have decided the type of event, you will want to decide when this event will take place. You will need to take into account the timeline your guests might need to plan to come to the event. You will also want to make sure you have allotted enough time to send out invitations and time for the preparations you need to make yourself.
• You will then need to decide where to host this lovely soiree. If you are looking to hold the event in your home or place of business you will want to see what preparations will need to be made to make the space ready for your guests. This may include staging the space to accommodate everyone. If you are planning to host the event at a separate venue, you will want to call around and get quotes for pricing as well as information about what their food and drink policies and arrangements are.
• The next item on your to-do list should be to make a guest list for the event. For this you will want to keep in mind the type of event and what guests would enjoy this the most. You will want to keep the size of the guest list manageable for the specific party.
Once you have taken these first simple steps, the fun of the party planning begins. This is when you will begin to think of the decorations, entertainment, and menu for your event. You may also want to enlist the help of some of the members of your guest list to help you as the party gets closer. The thing to keep in mind as you are planning the overall theme and tone of your party is the ambiance and mood you will create for the event. Make sure that this is in line with the type of party to make it as enjoyable as possible for your guests.
Last, but certainly not least, remember to relax and enjoy your role as the host or hostess of any event. Keep your cool and role with the punches as the event goes on. You will want to make sure to handle every situation throughout the party with grace and dignity. Don't take anything too seriously....If someone happens to spill red wine, let it go, even if you may be fuming on the inside, you don't want to make your guest feel any worse than they already do.
Each of the parties on this blog will include tips that will help you with each of these key steps you have to take for any event you throw. Sometimes these elements come together very quickly and easily, however sometimes it is a little more difficult to decide when, where, what type of party to have, and who to invite. But don't let these difficulties derail your fun. Entertaining is something we all can and should enjoy.
• What type of event are you wanting to throw? Are you throwing a birthday party for a friend, co-worker, a child, or family member? Do you want to throw a theme party? Or are you throwing an event centered around a specific occasion or holiday?
• Once you have decided the type of event, you will want to decide when this event will take place. You will need to take into account the timeline your guests might need to plan to come to the event. You will also want to make sure you have allotted enough time to send out invitations and time for the preparations you need to make yourself.
• You will then need to decide where to host this lovely soiree. If you are looking to hold the event in your home or place of business you will want to see what preparations will need to be made to make the space ready for your guests. This may include staging the space to accommodate everyone. If you are planning to host the event at a separate venue, you will want to call around and get quotes for pricing as well as information about what their food and drink policies and arrangements are.
• The next item on your to-do list should be to make a guest list for the event. For this you will want to keep in mind the type of event and what guests would enjoy this the most. You will want to keep the size of the guest list manageable for the specific party.
Once you have taken these first simple steps, the fun of the party planning begins. This is when you will begin to think of the decorations, entertainment, and menu for your event. You may also want to enlist the help of some of the members of your guest list to help you as the party gets closer. The thing to keep in mind as you are planning the overall theme and tone of your party is the ambiance and mood you will create for the event. Make sure that this is in line with the type of party to make it as enjoyable as possible for your guests.
Last, but certainly not least, remember to relax and enjoy your role as the host or hostess of any event. Keep your cool and role with the punches as the event goes on. You will want to make sure to handle every situation throughout the party with grace and dignity. Don't take anything too seriously....If someone happens to spill red wine, let it go, even if you may be fuming on the inside, you don't want to make your guest feel any worse than they already do.
Each of the parties on this blog will include tips that will help you with each of these key steps you have to take for any event you throw. Sometimes these elements come together very quickly and easily, however sometimes it is a little more difficult to decide when, where, what type of party to have, and who to invite. But don't let these difficulties derail your fun. Entertaining is something we all can and should enjoy.
March 22, 2010
Let's Get This Party Started
Well, here it goes, about 6 months ago I started imagining what my dream job would be like and after much soul searching and day dreaming, I realized that I should do something that I love. Pretty progressive huh? As simple as that may seem, I thought long and hard and realized that I have always loved being creative, organizing, and ultimately entertaining and being in social situations with my family and friends. So I started thinking how I could turn that into a career.....and here we are. There were so many ideas I came up with about party themes, etiquette, gifts, invitations, decor, and menus that I felt this would be the best forum to share those ideas. I am the kind of girl who loves to throw a party and put special touches in the details that make an event stand out. I have always enjoyed getting to create events or get togethers that celebrate the moments in life. Because after all, isn't that all that really matters. My main goal is to inspire you to throw parties and celebrate the moments in your life. This blog centers around ways to make being a fabulous hostess as well as a fantastic guest as simple and accessible as possible. I plan to include the latest in trends, do-it-yourself projects, fabulous menus, and everyday etiquette to ensure that you too can be your own savvy hostess. So here's to a great party.....Cheers!!!
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