It takes preplanning and thought to host a party that everyone will talk about months after the event. If you do things right, you can ensure that all of your guests will have a great time building memories. Here are the steps to planning an enjoyable party.

Step 1: Location, location, location.

Where you have the party will make the difference in how many people you can invite, what activities you can provide, and many other options. You can have a party indoors, outdoors, at your house, at a friend or relative’s house, a rented hall, or a restaurant. The season and occasion will obviously influence this choice.

Step 2: Choose a theme.

How about a costume party? A dinner party? A dance? A slumber party? The theme is a crucial element because it will determine what guests will wear and how they will pass the time at the party. If the theme is poor, it won’t be as much fun for everyone, so choose wisely. Make sure guests know the specifics of the party theme well in advance of the date.

Step 3: Set financial boundaries.

Exactly how much money are you willing and able to spend on this get-together? Set your budget early and stick to it as closely as possible. If you are planning with someone else, this is an important detail to agree upon.

Step 4: Select the day and time.

Try to pick a day when a majority of the people you would like to invite will be able to attend. Check local event schedules and ask close friends what date is best if you are planning a holiday party. If in doubt, plan your party early in December to avoid losing guests due to trips and other scheduling conflicts.

Step 5: Prepare invitations.

Form a list of people that you would like to attend. Make or purchase invitations and send them out. Go green and email invitations with many of the free invitation websites available. Be sure to include the occasion, date and time, location, and contact information so they can let you know if they will attend, not attend, or bring a guest (if guests are allowed). Depending on the type of party, you may send invitations weeks or months in advance. A wedding invitation, for example, should go out two months ahead, while a birthday party may only need two weeks notice, unless it is close to a holiday.

Step 6: Plan the food.

Start planning what you will serve and who will prepare each dish. Plan to include menu items that you can prepare the week before the party. Don’t forget drinks like punch, coffee, or liquor. Even if you are serving a meal, you might want to have snack foods available, such as vegetables or chips with dip, fruit salad, or cheese and crackers.

Make sure that utensils will be available: plates, napkins, cups, and plasticware or silverware. If you are concerned about the amount of trash this party will create consider a green alternative. Rent glassware and china from a rental company. They will drop off and pick up dirty dinnerware after your party.

Step 7: Plan the activities.

If it is a dance party with a DJ, dancing will naturally take place. Make sure you book the DJ well in advance and have an area cleared for guests that are inspired to move and groove. Think back on previous parties and you might realize that certain friends require a large amount of space to bust their moves! Consider setting up games in another area to keep guests occupied and mingling.

Step 8: What music will you play?

Select appropriate music for the theme of your party. If you don’t have a DJ you can play your own music, and download requests from iTunes. You may also want to ask some guests to bring their music. Another option is to play the radio.

Step 9: Location Preparation.

If you are having the party at home, make sure you have cleaned up and organized at least a day or two before. In the final hours before the party, you will be decorating, setting up games, and making sure the mood is right when guests arrive. Make sure that the lighting is appropriate. Check the restrooms for extra toilet paper, tissue and soap.

If you are having your party off-site, arrive at the location two hours ahead so you can be sure that things arrive and are set up as planned.

Step 10: Have the party.

Address any rules and safety issues with your guests. If you have a pool without a barrier, consider asking guests to let their small children play in the play area that you have arranged with a babysitter in another part of the house. If you must depart the location at a set time, provide this information in your invitation. Otherwise, just enjoy yourself. The whole idea is for everyone to have a good time. Now that you know how to plan a party, go ahead and have a blast.

By: Kathi Burns

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