Party Planning Made Easy

When planning your celebration, always keep in mind that you should be having a good time. That is what it's really about. Entertaining should be done only if it makes you happy in creating time with family and friends, in making special memories you will cherish in the future. Throwing a successful party need not be expensive or exhausting. The memories you create will last a life-time. Simple planning is the key.

Relax, sit back, organize your ideas and let your celebration take shape.

What do you need for a great party?

Below are some basic planning tips you should consider.

PARTY THEMES
Not sure what your party theme should be? Click here for some great ideas.

DATE In choosing a date, ask yourself..."What season do I prefer? Spring and summer months give you near perfect weather. Fall months bring cooler weather and autumn colors. Winter months bring a bit of cold, but give much family and friends the opportunity to take days off and travel.

TIME Do you want a breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner party? Choose a time that allows guest to arrive to your home without rushing from a day of work or errands. Also allow guests time to arrive and make themselves comfortable before you begin serving the meal. Don't force yourself to have everything timed. This takes the fun out of things happening naturally.

GUESTS Make a guest list. Consider the personalities of your guests and how well they will mix together. Make sure to round out your guest list so that single friends have other single friends to chat with and teenagers have some group to mingle with.

PRIZES AND FAVORS
Send your guest home with a small gift to remember you by.

PARTY APPETIZERS
Keep guests busy when they arrive by having them sample a few appetizers or snacks.

MENU
When creating your menu, consider your guests' allergies and tastes. Don't try a new recipe the day of the party. The simpler the meal the more at ease you will be to entertain your guests.

Below are some menu ideas to serve for your party.

SOUPS,
SALADS,
SANDWICHES AND SPREADS,
and, ENTREES,
and, DRINKS AND BEVERAGES,

PARTY GAMES
Plan a few games during your celebration. Indoor games can include trivia questions or board games. Outdoor games can include Tug-a-war or Scavenger hunts.

CREATIVE PARTY CRAFTS
Crafts a great way to get everyone together in one spot creating something they will feel good about. It's easy to have a great conversation with friends while doing an easy craft.

PARTY ACTIVITIES
Plan for at least one great activity. Create a more relaxed environment by having guests talk about one great moment in their life. Hang a board on a wall and fill it with great quotes.

HELPERS These come in handy at the end of the party. If one of your guests ask how they can help, don't turn them down. Most guests feel more at ease if they are part of the party process.

PARTY ENTERTAINMENT
There are so many choices for entertainment. It can be as simple as playing games or more elaborate as hiring a magician, comedian or clown.

MUSIC Create a list of your favorite music to play during your party. You can put together a collection of songs on a CD or ask a friend to help you create a mix of your favorite music.

PARTY INVITATIONS
Party invitations can be store bought or printed from your computer. For more elaborate parties, visit a local print shop for a selection of unique and beautifully made invitations.

PARTY LOCATIONS
Location, location, location. It is all in the location. Choosing the perfect location can help with all your entertainment needs. A pool party or party at the beach has its own enteratainment. Guest will surely enjoy swimming and party games.

DECORATIONS
Decorations bring an elegance to any party. A simple banner, color coordinated ballons and flowers can make any party say "Celebration".

SUPPLIES
To help you stay on budget, a supply list is a must. Create a supply list that will help you stay organized and stress free.