Be Thankful for Great Advice from Someone Who Has Been There
as published in LifeStyles magazine

It seems that every month has a holiday that deserves celebration. Not to mention how summer turns into barbeque and wedding season.   I would like to share with you the basic key points that will ensure every event you host – not just during the holiday seasons – will be a knock-out success.  All of these tips can be used for any event from planning a child’s birthday party to a “grown-ups only” cocktail party.

Deciding on a theme or decorating scheme for your party sometimes can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part of hosting.  Don’t let it hinder you.  There are tons and tons of websites out there written specifically for helping you determine your theme.  There are even sites that supply you with game templates, recipes, music, parties-in-a-box and more.  If you find yourself against this road block, just turn to the web for help.  I know you will find something you like.

Once you’ve determined your party theme, date, and time, you MUST make an action plan.  This means set deadlines and back them out from the date of the party.  I would suggest creating a checklist with a heading that includes the date/time, theme, and RSVP date for your event.  Then make a list of all the specific things that need done and determine how far ahead they should be completed.  Let me share with you the typical timeline I use for any event, whether it is for work or for home: 

Send invitations no later than three weeks before the party.  There are many ways to send invitations these days including websites such as Evite.com where you can actually manage who is attending and bringing how many guests.  I prefer to send traditional invitations and follow up 10 days prior to the party with an email.  This seems to give me the best turn out.

Request RSVPs be returned by one week prior to the party.  If using a caterer, this is very important.  They have many details to work, so be considerate to their ordering deadlines and ask for a drop-dead date to report the final number of guests.

Determine theme, menu, and special circumstances that will need addressed such as room set up, special dietary needs, audio/visual equipment, etc.

Shop when life permits, but have the majority of items purchased by one week before the event.  Remember to allow shipping time for items ordered by catalog or online.  Dollar stores are a great place to find unique items at low prices.

Purchase food and drink items 2-3 days prior.  Non-perishables of course can be purchased anytime.  Try to designate an area of your home or office where you can stash party supplies and keep them all in one place.  It is a huge time saver.

If you are hosting from home, spend the evening before the party cleaning, setting up furniture and decorating.  Do everything you can the night before.  I usually enlist the help of family members and spring for pizza.  Works like a charm!

THE DAY OF THE PARTY

Begin preparing food and start with the dishes that will take longer to cook or will stay good in the prepared state.  Try not to have too many complicated dishes on your menu.  One “WOW” item is plenty.  They are just going to eat it anyway.

Finish cleaning and make final touches on decorations.  I mean it, FINAL touches – don’t go making changes the hour before the guests are to arrive.  If working with a caterer, check in as they are setting up and make sure they have everything they need to help you.

Clean yourself up and take a moment for you.  This seems to elude many hostesses but is very, very important.  Your guests can sense your stress and a stressed hostess is an unsuccessful hostess. 

Make sure your camera(s) is charged and ready.  I have to make a special note to check my camera battery.  Better yet, ask a friend or family member to be the designated photographer for the event.  This alleviates a pressure from your shoulders, and ensures there will be some photographic memories of the event.

Finish setting out refreshments and food.

Create an outlined agenda for your event if it is more then a social gathering.  Let me warn you, it may not progress as expected.  Be prepared to “wing it” if necessary.

Most importantly, don’t sweat the small stuff.  If something doesn’t go exactly as planned, fix it if it needs fixed, then let it go and move on.  My sister often reminds me to let things roll off my back like water off a duck’s back – so when you feel overwhelmed, just say, “Quack! Quack!”

Good luck and happy hosting!

To Your Success,

Got a Question or Two, or Three? Ask Me!