Planning a Party

How to Stay Organized When Planning a Party

Planning the perfect party takes a lot of time and effort. There a numerous details that need to be taken care of if the party is to be a success. To do this well, being organized is a must! So how do you stay organized when planning a party? The answer is simple (and quite necessary) - make a party planning checklist. Yes, it really is that simple. By doing this, you will be able to remember all the little things you need to do and check them off as you get them finished. When the party day finally arrives, you will be able to see at a glance what has or hasn't been done. Hopefully, you have been vigilant and you will see all your "to-dos" have been done and you can relax and enjoy the party.

Your checklist can be written in whatever time frame works best for you, but you will probably find that organizing your tasks in detail and then assigning them to certain weeks, days, and then finally days, and maybe hours, the most helpful. How detailed you make your list is totally up to you. In the beginning you may break it down on party day into hours, but once you have done it a few times, you will find just a list of items to be done is all you really need.

Two to Four Weeks Before the Party: Generally, you will want to create your budget, decide on a location, choose a theme, and choose a menu anywhere from two to four weeks before the event. You will also need to send invitations out at this time. When deciding on a menu, you can determine at this time what items can be cooked and frozen in advance, saving you time and energy closer to the party date. If you are planning on catering, a bartender or any other outside help, this would be the time to hire them.

Two Weeks Before the Party is the time to make sure you have all the dishes and utensils you may need for the party. If you are planning on making any handmade decorations or favors, you should start on them at this time. This is also a perfect time to shop for any items you may need for the party as well as grocery shop and freeze as much of your party food as possible.

One Week Ahead you will want to confirm your party date with anyone you have hired. Not only is this to make sure they don't forget but will give you peace of mind that everyone knows what you expect of them. You may need to finish purchasing any items you haven't bought at this point. Almost anything can be purchased now, with the exception of perishable items. This is also a good time to check to see on your RSVP's. If someone has not replied, you can give him or her a call to check if they will be able to attend. You will be amazed to find how many people are unorganized and really planned to RSVP but either forgot or misplaced the invitation.

Three Days or So Before the Party will be a good time to put up as many decorations as you can. Stock your bathrooms with plenty of hand towels and toilet tissue. If you don't have a large closet for guests' coats, now would be a perfect time to designate an area for all outerwear and how or who will see that everything gets there.

Two Days Before the Party is the time to finish all grocery shopping. At this point you should make a detailed list of food items and preparation and or cooking times for items that have to be made the day of the party. This way you will be sure to have everything fully prepared just before the party starts.

The Day Before the Party should not have you in a frenzy. If you have prepared your party planning checklist carefully and have been following it closely, you will see that you have everything under control. You will want to layout your serving pieces and utensils, set the dinner or buffet table, rearrange any furniture, if needed, as well as cook any dishes that can be refrigerated a day before eating. Chill any beverages that need chilled.

Party Day is when you see how well you did staying organized. You may need to purchase last minute items such as ice and finish any last minute cooking. Put finishing touches on the decorations, set out the food (as close to party time as possible), garnish the platters and take a quick look around to make sure everything is tidy. Now the only thing to do is to change into your party clothes, put on some music and greet your guests with a smile.

A checklist will keep you organized and greatly help reduce any stress you may have about hosting a party. Once you have tried this method of staying organized, you will use it again and again guaranteeing yourself time to enjoy your own party.

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