I'm an inveterate list maker! I have lists for my lists.
That's probably overkill, but a fun and memorable party involves good planning.
And, the best way to be sure you don't forget the big, important things or the small things you need to use a party planning checklist.
It's like having a guardian angel for your party's success.
Top of Your List Good party planning always starts with the basic decisions that drive all the decisions to come.
Who will attend? How much can you spend? Where will you hold the party? Why are you giving the party, etc.
These should be at the top of your list.
Invitations are Next You can start getting creative with your planning from the get go.
Your main concern at this point, however, is to get the preparation and sending of your invitations on your checklist.
A party with no guests is no fun.
So, inviting people far enough in advance and giving them all the details they need to know it critical.
Home Party or Catered Affair? If you are a confident host or working toward that, by all means, plan to "do-it-yourself.
" If your party is fancy or if you just don't have the time or interest in doing it all yourself - put it on your party planning checklist to hire help.
If you are going to have an intimate home party let your personal touches dictate the event - go for it! Nothing is more enjoyable than putting a party together and having fun pulling it off.
That doesn't mean you can't get your guests involved however.
Let them in on the fun.
If you do plan to hire professional help - and for large, elaborate parties that is often the best strategy - be sure they are experienced, reputable, and flawless in their execution.
Check references and ask for sample menus and tastings for really big bashes - like New Year's Eve.
These are all items to include on your checklist.
Put it on your checklist to engage the caterer far enough in advance that they can prepare effectively to do an outstanding job for you.
Your Personal Touch Put your personal touch on your party.
If you have a recipe you are "famous" for, by all means prepare it.
If your nickname or the nickname of your guest of honor is "Bunny, Honey, Duke, Dutch, or Blondie, or something theme-able" use it as the theme of your party.
Add little extras (favors, decorations, activities, etc.
) that showcase your personal touch and you can put a personal stamp on the event and create the fun and memorable party you want.
Your party planning checklist needs to cover all the things you need to do to stay organized and remember all the details.