I love parties! I love going to them, but I especially love hosting them. Parties are a chance to get together with family and friends to celebrate the ones you love as well as catch up on each others lives. We are so busy these days that more than not, party planning is the only chance that I get to visit with some of my favorite people.
Coming from a big family, and having 3 kiddos of my own has allowed me many reasons to throw parties. Click here to see the surprise party I threw for my husbands 50th. I have learned quite a few tricks to make the event run smoothly and be enjoyable not only for my guests, but for me. If momma ain’t havin’ fun, then no one is!
If you are looking for some ideas to help you get through your next party or event, you have come to the right place. With My Favorite Party Planning Tips, you too can be less stressed, prepared, and host a party to remember.
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Choose the Date
Party Planning Tip number #1. -Pick the date. 2 months prior, check your calendar for the perfect party date. Avoid holidays if you are scheduling a birthday party, shower, or anniversary type party. But if your party is for a holiday, then by all means make it as close to that holiday as possible. Saturdays usually work out the best for everyone. If they are already taken, a Friday evening or early Sunday party have both worked out well for me. If your event is for younger children, remember to account for nap and bedtimes as a courtesy.
Invite Your Guests
Party Planning Tip number #2. -5 weeks prior send your invites or evites. This will help to ensure all your guests don’t already have plans when the party date arrives. Little Susie won’t understand that all of her friends were busy. And the guilt when you realize her party flopped because you waited to invite friends one week before the party. Add an RSVP with a deadline to your invitation. This will help you when buying food, setting up seating areas, and the party favors. You don’t want to clean, decorate, and bake expecting a houseful and no one comes. It is acceptable after the deadline to contact the guests that did not RSVP and give them a gently reminder. This will ensure that you get a good count of partygoers.
Decorations & Supplies
Party Planning Tip number #3. -Get party supplies at the Dollar Tree. Unless you find an unbelievable bargain, this place is THE place to get your party supplies! No matter what theme of party you are throwing, you can bring it to life using color. Colored plates, napkins, streamers, balloons. All only $1.00 at the Dollar Tree. ( bonus tip – buy a bag of colored balloons and have them fill with helium to pick up day of party.)
If you find a bargain on these things somewhere else, go for it. I am just saying that you don’t have to have Paw Patrol or Princess logoed expensive paper plates. Red or Blue plates for Paw Patrol, or Pink or Purple plates for a Princess theme will work just fine. Or if it a graduation party, school colors work great even if they don’t have the graduate’s year on them. Don’t forget tape, wrapping paper, cards, thumb tacks – all $1.00.
The Cake
Party Planning Tip number #4. -Bake your cake the week before your party and pop it into the freezer. Pull it out the day before, thaw, and ice. If you are ordering a cake (this beer mug cake made by Brookie Cakes), arrange for pick up the day before party as well. Trust me, you don’t want to enlist grandma or hubby to run around town at the last minute picking up a cake. Here is a my favorite go-to ice cream cake recipe that is quick and easy.
Get Yourself Ready
Party Planning Tip number #5. -Wake up early on party day and get YOURSELF ready. Even if your house is clean, your food is made, the decorations are hung, time will inevitably get away from you. The next thing you know, the doorbell is ringing and you forgot to put on your make-up and fix your hair. True story, more than twice!! Just do it.
These are some of my best tips and tricks that I use every party to help keep my party date stress free and enjoyable for everyone, including me. If you want some fun party ideas, you might want to read Fun Party Ideas for Kids, Great Party Ideas for Him, or Unique Party Ideas for Her.
What are some things that you do to help you have a fun time at your parties? Let me know in the comments below. – Susie Pea
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