If you know me, it
should be no surprise that I love putting together a good party. I rarely get the chance to plan and execute a well
put together party though. Since moving to the new apartment, I convinced
Wyatt that we should host a Kentucky Derby Party and have some friends over.
Of course to me this means planning a menu, decorations, creating a
digital invitation, and on and on. I thought I would share some of the
basic steps I go through when party planning.
First you have to
determine the logistics of the party (who, what, where, when, etc.). In
this case it is quite easily determined. The derby is the first Saturday
in May and we wanted to have it at our apartment.
Once you have the
logistics figured out, you truly get to the fun part of planning. Pick a
theme, any theme, and go with it. Obviously this is another no-brainer for our
derby watch party but the possibilities are endless.
Once I have a set
theme, I start compiling ideas for everything food, drinks, decor,
entertainment, invitations, and on and on. After jotting down several
ideas, I tend to sit down and go over the list and get rid of any ideas that
may be too difficult, time consuming, costly, etc. After I have a set
list of things planned out, I begin to sketch out my space. It helps to
have a visual of what your vision is for the space, tables, serving pieces,
games, etc. Sketches are also a great resource to have on hand the day of
your event. It also helps to stage any center pieces and food tables that
you have planned in advanced to ensure you have the proper spaces. It is
ok to deviate from the sketches and the mock set ups, but doing so helps you
get an idea of just what you are working with so you have the adequate space and
time the day of your event.
I am a list maker so
the next part of my planning process involves tons and tons of lists. If
you are planning on making anything yourself for your events like invitations,
decorations, or favors; you must be sure your allow yourself plenty of time to
do so and even allow a little extra in case anything comes up unexpectedly.
From experience it is no fun to be up until the wee hours the night
before your event. You will want your beauty sleep so just plan accordingly.
When the event is drawing near, I compile one giant To Do list of
everything left to do including the day of tasks. I make sub-lists for
tasks like going to the grocery store that have my actual shopping list in
front of me. Once I have my giant To Do list down, I try to schedule
everything out based on my existing schedule. It helps lighten the load
if you can schedule a thing or two a day leading up to it rather than all the
night before the party.
That in a nutshell is
how I plan for any party or get together I am part of hosting. It could
be something like our Derby party or it could be something like a Mother's Day
brunch you are hosting for your family. I always resort to these simple
steps.
1. Determine Logistics
2. Choose a Theme
3. Brainstorm
4. Narrow Ideas and
Choose the Best
5. Sketch, Make Lists,
Schedule Your Tasks
6. Enjoy Your Party!
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