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"Entertainer's Guide to Unforgettable Parties"
You want your next party
to be memorable, but not because you were found
passed out on the lawn or wearing a lampshade on
your head. When guests are encouraged to relax and
enjoy themselves, in your home or on your turf, they
will always remember what a great time they had, and
you will get all the credit!
Tack this list up onto
your corkboard as a reminder to include all the
essential elements into your next get-together. You
can have a fun party whether your budget is
grandiose or limited, just by following this 10-step
planning method.
1
Choose a
theme
Themes help people feel at ease, since it gives each
one of your guests a common reason to be at your
party. Try one of these ideas for
your next theme party. A theme makes it easier
to create activities or choose the menu.
2
Choose the date and time
Choose a date that won't conflict with competing
holidays or events. Christmas and graduation
time often require your guests to be elsewhere.
3
Create a budget
Knowing what your budget is, will help you make the
right decisions about things like location, #of
guests, menu, decor and entertainment! For instance,
you may have a steak cookout for 6 or a potluck for
25 on the same amount of money. Keep in mind that
you need not spend a fortune on entertainment or
stuffing them with rich foods. A great party
just needs opportunities for your guests to relax
and be themselves.
4
Create a guest list
Choose your guests carefully. You don't have to
invite the whole neighborhood, just because you
invited a few neighbors! Invite the ones who enjoy
each other's company, otherwise you may end up being
the referee at a long forgotten feud. If you want just
adults, make sure the invitation states that only
adult activities are planned. If you include
children, make sure there are
activities available
for them. You might consider hiring a couple of
neighborhood teens as 'activities directors" if you
want a hybrid party.
5
2 months before
Order favors,
decorations, games, music and invitations
Write out an event timeline (including pre and
post-dinner activities ). Have at least 2 'ice
breakers' or change of pace activities for an
adult party, 4 or more if children will attend. For
an all adult party, make
sure there is plenty of time to mingle and relax.
6
1 Month before
Send out invitations, be sure to request an RSVP no
later than
one week before the event. A request for an RSVP
means your invitees must let you know whether they
are coming or they are not coming. Either way, they
need to respond, so you can make plans. This is
especially true if the event is a sit-down dinner,
where space might be an issue. Likewise, it would be
inconsiderate to say you are not coming and then
change your mind at the last minute.!
7
2 Weeks before
Create a menu plan.
Choose foods that can be prepared ahead of time and
frozen.
Limit the number of recipes that need to be prepared
on the day of the party.
8
1 Week before
Finalize the headcount, call anyone who hasn't
RSVP'd yet.
Assemble all decorations that can be easily moved
9
2-3 Days Before
Purchase or pick up and prepare food & beverages
Prepare the make-ahead recipes.
Pre-plan the location of the decorations
Have the house cleaned
10
Day Before
Have the house cleaned (at least get help)
Decorate, hey what's one more day of partying?
The Day of the Party
Prepare last minute foods & beverages
Put up all outdoor decorations, if necessary
Inflate all balloons
Relax and enjoy your guests and let them enjoy you!
Accessories
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Calendar of
Party
Ideas | Costumes
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Decorations
Games and
Activities |
Makeup
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Masks
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Planning
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Recipes
| Themes
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