Party Supplies - Food Menu Selection

Now that you´ve set the theme and budget, it´s time to talk FOOD. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind.

1) Select foods that will be appropriate for the type of party you are having.
For example: Finger Foods for a lunch time party.
2) Make a list PRIOR to going to the store of everything you will need. STICK to your list. This will prevent you from just picking up things and changing the menu while you´re shopping.
3) If time permits, start shopping early. This will allow you time to clip coupons and check for sales.

It’s Easy to be a Gracious Host

The doorbell rings. Open the door with a big smile and welcome them in. Ask what they’d like to drink, hand them a plate and point out some of the hors d’oeuvres. There’s something about having food and drink in hand that makes conversation easier, even if it’s only about the appetizers. After that, it’s easy to guide your guests to someone they already know or someone with whom they might have something in common. A gracious host flavors the party with a welcoming smile and offering up good food and companionship.

Setting Up for the Party - Planning Checklists

Here are a few quick tips to setting up for the party.

The night before:
1) Set the table
2) Arrange seating, if needed
3) Pull out all serving trays, utensils etc. Have them washed and ready to use. This will cut down on a lot of time the next day.
4) Review your check list to ensure you have completed everything.

The day of the party:
1) If applicable, put up streamers, balloons, etc.

Entertaining Party Ideas - Setting the Mood

Setting the mood of the party can be handled in a simple manner.

1) Depending on the type of party you are having select some background music.

For example:
* Dinner party - play jazz or light music.
* Children's Party -- play different children´s music.
* Fun Fiesta -- Up beat music.

2) Scents make a big difference.

For example:
* Light scented candles
* Burn incense
* Display fresh flowers

Party and Event Planning Tip

Chairs. How many should I have? There are two schools of thought here. The first; the less places to sit, the more people will mingle with each other. This can be great for office type parties when networking is important. The second; at a "typical party," you may find that if it looks like a chair, it is a chair. Do you want all your end tables, arms of couches, and counter tops – yes counter tops to become chairs? If you ever waited in line at your favorite theme park, you know what I mean. Find some chairs. Your partygoers will be glad to bring a few if you ask. Ask the neighbors, your church or club. If you can´t borrow – rent.

Party Decoration Ideas - Easy Outside Illumination

To illuminate an evening gathering, turn cans destined for the recycling bin into hanging lanterns. Peel off labels, fill with water and freeze overnight; the ice will help the cans keep their shape while you make holes in the sides for candlelight to shine through.

On a 2-inch-wide piece of masking tape, sketch a simple repeating design. Wrap around can. Following pattern, lightly pound nails through can. Remove and discard the ice. Form 16-gauge wire into a handle with U-shape at each end. Make two more holes, one across from the other under top rim, attach handle, and place votives inside.

Terra-cotta pots can make your table setting shine. Use silver acrylic paint to coat the insides and top rims of 3-inch pots, allow to dry and place votives inside.

Party Planning Checklists

Party Checklist:

3 weeks prior to party
Select occasion for party
Select theme and staging
Create guest list
Send invitations
Date of party
Time
Place
Plan and select decorations
Begin collecting materials and creating props
Prepare menu and grocery list
Select and hire caterer/serving help (if needed)

A few days before the party:
Call any guests hwo have not responded
Buy groceries and beverages
Prepare and freeze/refrigerate food items that can be made in advance

One day before:
Clean party facility
Set up and arrange party room
Get out serving pieces
Decorate party room

Day of party
Set up appetizers
Set up food

--Taken in part from The Best Party Book by Penny Warner

Party Planning Ideas

In the excitement of planning a party, sometimes we forget details. Don´t let "Oh no, I forgot!" become your mantra. Writing it down makes planning a party easier and reduces your stress.

When you first decide to have a party, create a checklist. Write down everything you want for your party: food ideas, games, supplies needed, people to invite. Tape your list to the refrigerator or write it in a notebook. When you think of something new (hey, I want to put ribbons on the ceiling), add it. When you complete something, like sending out the invitations (a check for each person), check it off. This is a great way to keep your party on track.

Budgeting for Party Planning

No matter what your party, it is always best to set a budget prior to purchasing anything. It is a good idea to have a small notebook.

1) Start with a rough estimate for your budget. How much are you willing to spend?
2) Make a list of things you will need. (food, decorations and flowers, Invitations, music, etc. )
3) ALWAYS, ALWAYS make room for unexpected expenses. They will come up.
4) If time permits, shop around. With a little work you can find some really great stuff.
5) As you purchase things, write down their cost in your notebook or at least keep the receipts together. This will be a constant reminder of how much you have spent.
6) A good motto to have is "THINK TWICE, BUY ONCE". Always think prior to purchasing an item.
By following these simple guidelines, you can have a terrific party without going into debt!

Party Planning Checklists - Who has the Directions ?

Consider if your guests will need directions. Of course if you're a guy you can skip this tip (yeah, right!). In addition to your map and written directions consider some balloons or a small sign near your street sign. If your street signs are like mine- a 4x4 with the name written vertically only to be read if you turn your head sideways while staying on your side of the road, another landmark will be well appreciated. If you need motivation to do this, and this is for the graduate- guests bring presents!

Haunted Halloween Walk for Kids

Kids love Halloween and what better way to get in the spirit than to plan a few creepy outdoor activities. When planning a walk through the forest, take into consideration the age of the children. Younger children should have glow sticks to carry (if the walk takes place in the twilight or early evening), and they should have a safe, clean path to walk on. Steer children clear of any exposed tree roots, large rocks, or anything that could cause injury. Take the walk yourself, before the big event, so that you can strategically place markers to guide the way. Plant a tape recorder with ghostly music somewhere along the path! Make ghosts out of bedsheets and drape them over branches! Have friends patrol the path wearing Halloween costumes. The unsuspected kids will have a little scare and a laugh along the way. Make sure to promise them a reward for making it through the Haunted Forest! Having ghostly treats awaiting them will make it all worthwhile.

Party Decorations - Table Favors Ideas

A Flower and a Martini Please!
Place a red rose, bud only, in a martini glass. Put a small amount of water in the glass. Place several of these martini roses together in the center of the table or at individual place settings.

Easy elegance.

Party Supplies for Unique Graduation Party

Instead of sending the same old store-bought invitations for your graduation party try this:

Use a computer or hand-print your invitation on a piece of parchment, roll the paper up, tie with a ribbon and send in tiny mailing tubes

When to Mail Invitations for Parties

Make sure you mail out the invitations in time. 3-4 weeks ahead of the party is a good amount of lead-time. Any less than that expect that some people are going to have other plans. Be sure to make a follow-up call to anyone you haven´t heard from so you can make your final preparations.

Invitation Ideas for Parties

It´s always difficult when sending out invitations to try not to offend someone that is not going to be invited. It doesn´t matter what age they are either. Adults can get just as upset as children. In the children´s case, mail the Invitations and don´t pass them out at school. This goes for adults too. Don´t invite them to come when at work.

Potted Herb Party Centerpieces

Check out your local garden center before the flower shop. Living plants can often be cheaper in the long run. And check this out - no last minute running around, you can pick them up a few days before the party, and they can double as your party favor. The possibilities for enhancing your parties theme with live plants is endless. Mediterranean style food outdoors on the terrace by candlelight? Stagger groupings of different size pots of assorted herbs such as rosemary, thyme, dill, basil, and mint down the center of the table. Alternatively, (and to save even more money!) buy the smallest herb plants you can find, pot them in tiny teracotta pots and cluster them on all three levels of a tiered cake stand in the center of the table.

Summer Party Ideas - Beach Party

This is the coolest beach party invitation idea:

Purchase cheap plastic beach balls (try Oriental Trading Company...see our links section). Inflate the balls and write your invitation on the white section of the ball with a black or blue marker. Deflate the ball and send the invitation in a white manila envelope. You can decorate the envelope with beach scene stamps or drawings for extra impact.

Day Before the Party Planning Checklist

Day Before the Party - Party Planning Checklist

*Set the table
*Set out Serving Accessories
*Shop for last minute groceries
*Cut veggies, prepare dips, cook entrees that can be prepared ahead of time
*Set up the coffee pot
*Refrigerate drinks
*Clean and straighten the house, mow the lawn, clean the grill
*Decorate