{ Tips for Party Planning! }

I'm sure you've heard me say many times before, just, how much I ADORE party planning! I love everything about it :) I know it stresses some people out, and if that's you I have some great tips to make it less stressful, and more enjoyable!

Three months before event:

•          Set date, time and place.
•         Choose theme and colors.
•          If you have specific details you want to include, write them down so you don’t forget! I use a word document and just jot down ideas as they come!

Two months before event:

•        Every party I host is on a budget, so browse the local Dollar Stores, Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann’s, Michaels and Target for great dollar finds!
•         Order your invitations. A website like TinyPrints has a great selection to choose from!
•         Write out your guest list and add up the number of children attending so you can plan for goodie bags.
•         Plan party activities. Write out a list of games for the kids to play along with any supplies you will need to purchase. If you're doing rentals, such as a bounce house, call to reserve your date.

One month before event:

•          Plan your menu. Don't feel obligated to feed everyone lunch if it doesn't fit in your budget! Schedule mid-afternoon and offer a dessert bar.
•     You can easily create personalized banners using a tool like PicMonkey and printing it onto your desired paper.
•          Begin working on more time-consuming projects like banners, food labels, party décor, etc. Getting it done ahead of time will save you the stress in the end!

Two weeks before event:

•          Prepare and send out invitations.
•          Purchase tablecloths, plates, cutlery, cups, napkins and/or other party supplies.
•          Buy items for the kids goodie bags and prepare. I like to do a variety of these go-to items: pencils, markers, glow sticks, a piece of my kids favorite candy, temporary tattoos, bubbles, chalk, homemade crayons, or a journal.
•          If ordering a cake from a store or bakery, place the order and plan to pick up the day before the party.

One week before event:

•          Head to the grocery store with a list in hand of all the food, condiments and drinks you will need.
•     Start preparing or putting together any accessories needed for the party games. Get a good idea of what order you want to do each game in, it will make party day go much smoother!

Two days before event:

•          If you're hosting the party at home, do the bulk of your cleaning and leave vacuuming and/or mopping for the morning of.

One day before event:

•          I make my kids' cakes and cupcakes, so for me, I spend the day before making all the desserts. In case of any uh-oh’s I have time for plan B!
•          The evening before, I always have a plan set out for how I want the next morning to go until the party begins. Inevitably, things may come up, but at least you can stay on track and get things accomplished in a timely manner!

Party day:

•          I always plan a special birthday breakfast for my little ones!
•          Buy the balloons! I head to the local Kroger down the street to buy my balloons. The balloons only last about 8-10 hours, so you don't want to buy them too soon!
•          Buy some fresh flowers! They're the perfect centerpiece J
•          I start two hours before the party is set to start by decorating. Prepare and decorate the main table, dessert table, and gift table.
•          With the entire décor ready, begin prepping the food. Wash and slice veggies, fruits and cheeses and place in fridge. Put drinks in ice or cooler.
•          Finish up any cleaning, such as vacuuming or mopping.
•          Get yourself ready, get the kids ready!
•          Add balloons to the mailbox or at the end of your street for family and friends to see.
•          Sit out any appetizers or munchies before the guests arrive.
•          After the first couple of guests have arrived, sit out any condiments, veggies, side-dishes, etc.
•          We’ve found the easiest way to please guests is to have a barbeque, so I let my husband man the grill!
•          Sit back, relax and enjoy the masterpiece you've created!! 

I hope these tips will be able to help you enjoy your next party a little more!!