Helpful Tips for Planning a Spring Party

Entry #2161, April 1, 2013

Spring entertaining is here and now it’s time for the parties to begin! We enjoy what great parties can bring into our homes- laughter, good company, food, games etc.  However sometimes hosting or planning a party can be very tedious and a bit overwhelming. So here are some tips and ideas that you can use in order to plan a successful party with less stress.

Image via: Camille Styles

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Jot Down the Basics

Certain things need to be set in place before selecting  the party details.  First start by establishing what type of event this will be, such as if it is more like a wedding or banquet then more time will be needed for planning it or if it is a casual party the a few weeks should suffice. Some other things to jot down are:

1. Choosing a theme and the formality of the setting
2. Pick a date and time for the event
3. Location (based on costs, space, facilities, and the type of party)
4. Write out a preliminary guest list and begin to send the save-the-date requests if it is a necessity
5. Creating a party budget to cover all of the details (making sure that you are not breaking the bank)

Image via: Brunch at Saks

 Creating and Sending Invitations

Image via: Envelopperinc

A party truly isn’t a party without guests so invitations fall into the necessity category.  A small reminder if you are going to invite co-workers and people from other places that you work then send the invitations to the persons directly just to avoid any tension that could start if you didn’t invite some of the others around.  Other instructions and  tips for the invitations are:

1. You can print, create, buy or email invitations (It would be much more fun to custom make your invitations to go with your theme)
2. If you are mailing make sure to address, stamp, and mail with proper postage
3. Put down clear and direct instructions to the party, the parking instructions and RSVP information
4. Note and keep a complete guest list to follow up with non-responding guests

Selecting the Food

Image via: Between Naps on the Porch

Oh, the food! The menu should not be as challenging as some of the other areas of the party, yet the suggested guidelines below should be promising when picking out the menu options:

1. Consider the guests’ dietary needs and preferences for the menu
2. A catering service can be another solution if it is necessary
3. Be sure to have enough serving supplies- bowls, plates, forks, spoons etc.
4. Choose the appropriate drinks, that includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic selections if desired
5. Prepare recipes or prep work ahead of time- chopping, cleaning, seasoning etc.- so when the day of the event comes here will be less to concern yourself with

What’s the Theme and Decor’?

Image via: South Africa Wedding

The decorations set the atmosphere for the entire party.  So choose your decorations to mach the theme of the party.  The design layout for the theme will be the determining factor of the purchases of the different supplies for the event. Such as if you are shooting for a “Princess Tea Party Theme” then john deer party favors would probably not do the trick.  And remember when putting up decorations, do so shortly before the party and be sure they are securely in place.

Games anyone?

Image via: Super Mom Moments

What’s a little competition between friends and family? Games will help to keep the party interesting and fun.  Here are some tips for how to go about the games and things associated with them:

1. Start with the finding party games or look at a party game book
2. Purchase the supplies and prizes for the games
3. Choose games with simplified directions so confusion and preparation will be at an all time low
4. Have back-up games just in case some guests did not want to participate in the first one
5. If you would like then hire magicians, jugglers, clowns, balloon artists etc.

Music Time

Image via: Hitchcock Creative

The music will help to set the tone for the party.  You want this event to be a memorable one so do more than just having a track list on repeat.

1. Pick what music would be more appropriate for the party- dance tunes, classical pieces, background music, etc.
2. If you want to create a play list and submit it to hired musicians, a DJ, or whoever will oversee the music for the day
3. Verify that the music volume will be appropriate for the location, keeping in mind the added noise of guest activity
4. Have alternative music available in case of emergency you never know what will happen so perhaps a backup stereo, for example might be right for the situation

Preview any unknown music for appropriate lyrics and length, you want everyone to feel comfortable and again the music sets the tone for the party.

For more entertaining ideas on Stagetecture, click here.