First Party or Dinner Step-Planning

Planning a Party or Dinner

Always, always, always wherever you go, whatever you do,

keep your eyes open for unique party ideas!

Think of how you can use something in a different, unintended way.

The Key to a Successful Event is in the Planning and maintaining of lists.

Do This Ferociously!

 —People, the most important part of a party.

     Who will you invite?

> It’s not what is on the table but who is at the table that is important

>  Make each guest feel significant

>  Personalized Name tags, sharing a story about them, praising them, asking them for advice on a generic issue, something that highlights them.

— Timing-When you think of it, do it!

>  You may not pass this way again, without extra effort. Find the silverware you will be using, the napkins, place cards (print their names when you think of it, you don’t want to be doing this at the last minute.)

>  Do you need to order flowers, rent chairs, linens, confirm a band, choose a playlist, purchase candles, anything you think of except the food, which can be purchase and made closer or upon the date of your event

— Theme-Focus everything around

>  Design or purchase a welcoming wreath, picture, door decor to welcome your guests. I have posted an oil painting at my front door with a scene of wine and accoutrements that set the town for a elegant dinner, you could wrap a pool noodle with denim ribbon and another type of ribbon or embellishment and form into a wreath to set the tone for a casual event. For an ocean themed party I posted a paining within glass of a beach scene and filled a small bottle with sand and shells, and the message, “Welcome” within the bottle.  Seashells and colored glass beads were glued upon the top center and bottom right.  Your guests now have an idea about what is behind the doors. The excitement is starting to build.

— Table Decor—Aim for unique or classy

—  Keeping with your theme, be on the lookout for things that would complement your table. For the ocean theme: seashells, coral, stones, props, chargers, dishes, glassware, candles, napkins are all good things to feature.

¨ Invitations-Set the tone for your Tea

>  If you are able, design your own! In keeping with the beach theme above, I printed an invitation on brown paper (like sand), attached a seashell with raffia, and purchased some stickers that looked like ocean waves.  It was darling, if I do say so myself!

—Conversation stimulators--Know your plan, plan to know

>  Look up some fun trivia questions, like lines from a movie to identify what the movie was, or tell three things about yourself, one has to be a lie.  The other guests guess which one is the lie. Try to share one interesting thing about each guest with the others.

— Front door entry–Make it exciting, welcoming (See above)

— Menu/Avoid extreme foods like curry, spices, garlic, etc. Plan for allergies/sugar-free, nuts, gluten, etc.

— Atmosphere-In concert with your theme

>  Flowers, candles, table decor, for a garden themed party: felt watering cans, small terracotta pots with and artificial flower placed and secured within, small felt frog candy or treat containers, flower stickers placed all around your tablecloth, make or buy ladybug name tag holders.  Whatever your them is, build around it.  You will know when to stop.

—Music—Pre-chosen; ready to play

>  This takes time!  Don’t wait till the last minute,

— Entertainment/Speaker, games, etc.

>  Book them and confirm them a few days before the party

>  For games, make sure you have everything you need, and it is at the ready.

— Party Favors-Buy or make; package for giving

>  Oh my, so many ideas.  I will come back to this in a separate post.

— Special utensils required (Acquire or borrow)

¨ Guest book-Placed conveniently with pen

>  This is a great way to fondly remember your party.

— Dress up the powder room in tandem with your theme

>  Hand napkins or towels that coordinate with your theme, candles, fragrances, soaps, etc.

I am aware this is a great deal to take in and absorb.  Hopefully, be giving you one area of planning each time I post, you can concentrate on each area of planning and executing a special event.  I’m not foolish enough to think I have all the answers.  I am simply sharing with you what I do. I would LOVE to hear some of the unique things you do for dinners, luncheons or parties.

Until next time,