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Saturday, 13 July 2013

8 Tips to Make Your Party the Best Ever

8 Tips to Make Your Party the Best Ever

Source: Photo courtesy of Teresa Speer

Plan Ahead, Work Less and do not Stress so You can Enjoy the Party More

If you plan ahead for the big event, you not only eliminate most of the stress involved in planning, but you will not have to work as hard either. The tips provided below are basics, follow them, write down every detail and you will be on your way to a fabulous event design.
8 Tips for Creating a Great Party
1. Plan ahead, it just makes sense. Choose vendors in advance in order to ensure you receive the best deal possible. If you wait until the last minute they might feel that they have you at a disadvantage and try to charge you more. Also, your chosen caterer or other vendor may not be available. Plan ahead, by doing so you give yourself the opportunity to save money for your party. Set-up a separate account if possible and start saving for your event.
2. Be organized, it is the only way to ensure every aspect of your party runs smoothly. By listing yourself you will be organized. List any equipment you have available and any that you need to purchase. This will also help you to save money if you have equipment on hand that is necessary to the success of your event those items will not have to be rented or purchased saving you money. Listing every detail will ensure that none are forgotten. Create a time line for the set-up and order of service to ensure everyone involved in your event is in the know. Listing will keep your party on track.
3. When you send out invitations be sure to include an RSVP. Follow-up on any guests that do not respond. You want firm numbers so that you know how much food and beverage you will need to feed everyone.
4. Decide on a menu, choosing foods that will taste great, but not put too much of a dent in your wallet or require massive amounts of prep time. Stores like TJ Maxx are great for cheap finds in their food section. Their selection varies so be sure to check back often. You can find stuffed grape leaves, roasted vegetables, olive or artichoke tapenades, various relishes and olives all of which are tasty and less expensive to buy there than at some of the big grocery chains. Costco and Sams are great shopping options as well. Have a Tapas party which allows for a selection of foods to tempt all palates. Use large platters to display the food items you purchase at TJ Maxx and similar stores. Shop at a deli where you can purchase salamis, prosciutto and other assorted meats and cheeses along with crackers and breads. Be creative with your choices. Be sure to place platters of food throughout the different areas in your house where guests will be mingling. Have napkins on hand as well. If you are serving hot or cold appetizers along with other food choices remember 1 dozen appetizers serves 5 people and 5 dozen appetizers serves 25 people. If you are serving appetizers only have at least 4 to 6 per person.
5.To save money on beverages serve beer and wine or have a signature drink available. Always have non-alcoholic options on hand such as; bottled water, sodas and juice. Hire a licensed bartender that has experience. Be sure to hire someone to drive home any guests that may have imbibed too much.
6. If you can afford to do so hire someone to help maintain the party ensuring that food stays replenished, food stations are kept clean along with the spaces where guests will be mingling.
7. Set the mood with candles while music softly plays in the back ground. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and place votive candles in appropriate glass holders so that no flames extend above the top of the holders. Craft stores such as Michaels offers inexpensive craft ideas at reasonable prices. Once again be creative.
8. Be sure to make arrangements for parking. Let neighbors know that you will have guests at your home and their vehicles will be parked in the street.
Remember to plan wisely. You do not want to plan a party for more people than you can actually afford to feed so keep your budget in hand. I have seen many parties that were not successful because the food ordered was not enough to feed the number of guests in attendance. Food was reordered in some instances, but the guests had to wait for a long period of time before the kitchen had more food prepared. If you are preparing the food yourself you do not want to scramble trying to figure out how to feed guests that have not been fed.
In order to make your party a successful one keep in mind:
A. Who is suppose to make it happen?

B. Never wait until the last minute to accomplish a task.

C. Do ahead of time as much for your party as you can.

D. Allow yourself time to rest before your party begins.
Party planning tip: If you are hiring a caterer they will be more that happy to work with the budget you allocate, if not, do not hire them.
Design your event,
Teresa
If you want to learn more about planning an event read my book, "Events You Design".There are many points to planning a celebration, “Events You Design”, guides you through them while showing you how to take your vision and translate it into a spectacular affair. There is no book on the market like “Events You Design”. From small budgets to big budgets, novice to professional caterers and event planners, from birthdays, wedding receptions, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries to whatever party or gathering you have in mind, this book has hundreds and hundreds of ideas for creating the perfect get together. This is a must have edition on event planning and decoration, organization, logistics, time lines, etiquette, photographs, floor diagrams, food and beverage, cakes, desserts, lighting, aisles, tents, chuppahs and arches. These are only a few of the topics discussed to help you choreograph the perfect celebration!

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