Here are a few tips to make every party you give a success,
no matter what the theme.
1) One person is needed to motivate
your party guests to have fun. Pick an extroverted,
fun-loving person to take charge of all the games and activities.
Enlist the help of a family member, friend, or neighbor if
your personality makes it uncomfortable to take on such a
role. If possible put yourself in this role, and you will
have a great time and will probably be very surprised how
good you are at this task.
2) Decide how much of your party will be homemade
versus store-bought. If you love to design your own
decorations, props and costumes, have fun. If you prefer to
purchase a "party in a box," go for it. Most of
us choose a combination of the two methods. If you are unsure
of your abilities, or have little time, there are professionals
who can supply you with everything you need.
3) Pick colors for decorating that are appropriate
to your theme and use them throughout. Fun colors,
bright colors, happy colors have their place as well as soft
pastels, or more subdued tones. The important thing is that
you continue their use throughout the party and that you enjoy
the way they look.
4) A theme keeps your party easy to plan
since many choices are logical due to what is appropriate
to your desired outcome. Many choices are made for you already
the minute you pick a theme. You can still personalize your
party by special little touches, variations of colors, and
creative details. Click here
for more on Theme Parties
5) For best results, preplan all party details including
trying out the games ahead of time to make sure they will
run smoothly. Check games and activities for safety.
6) Gather all supplies to make your costumes and
settings as far in advanced as possible. Try on costumes
to determine if they look the way you want them to and allow
for freedom of movement. Check costumes and setting props
for safety.
7) Buy all non-perishable party items, foods, and
supplies well in advance. Buy your perishable items
as close as possible to the party time to avoid storing large
quantities of food that needs cooling or freezing.
8) Check to see that you have enough seating, table
space, and room for planned activities. Decide where
guests will put their coats, boots etc. and arrange a table
or special place for the cards and gifts to be placed.
9) Make sure your camera is in working order
and you have fresh film and batteries before the start of
the party.
10) Gather all costumes, props, game stuff, music,
supplies early the day of the party so you have time
to find something you forgot.
11) Plan menu as soon as you decide upon a theme.
Send out invitations about two weeks in advance,
theme weddings can be sent out earlier. Write up a grocery
list when you know how many guests you will be serving.
12) Keep a party notebook full of lists, notes, and
anything you will be referring to for costume or setting.
It should include the main theme ideas and those for settings
and costumes. Add to this notebook your invitation information,
number of guests, names, phone numbers and addresses for the
guests you invite. Also include menus and shopping lists for
groceries and other supplies. Put in any game or activity
plans and information. Include recipes, resources, pictures
etc. used to plan the party.
13) Plan a party well in advance. This way
you can take advantage of party goods bargains when you see
them. You may also search second hand stores, flea markets,
and garage sales for costume gems and props to make your party
come alive.
