Party Planning 101

Any party, large or small, is built with the same basic elements--it's up to you to decide how elaborate plans become. Whatever you do, stay within your comfort zone so you and your guests are more likely to enjoy yourselves.

Planning

• What is the theme of this gathering--is it built around a holiday, special event, or is it simply for fun? Is it casual or formal? Sit down or stand around?
• When do you want it to happen--date and times?
• Where will it take place--indoors or outdoors? Your home or rented space?
• Who is invited--jot down a sample guest list and see how it adds up.
• How much can you spend--make a budget.

Presentation

• Communication. Send invitations at least two weeks ahead of time; four weeks ahead for major holidays. The style and wording of your invitation should reflect the theme of the party. Include the date, start and end times, location, appropriate attire, RSVP contact information or stamped return envelope (for a formal party). Is it a surprise party? Potluck? Cocktails only? If you're serving dinner, what time? The more details you give, the better. Include driving directions.
• Decorations. Use visual aids to set the mood. Keep it simple or go all out depending on the occasion, your imagination, and your pocketbook. Aside from the usual streamers and balloons, consider fruit and flower centerpieces, fabric or lengths of wrapping paper on a buffet table, tea lights along window sills or placed in jelly jars and hung from branches in your garden, and so on.
• Entertainment. Choose your tunes ahead of time and make a party mix. Games are optional, but decide when you want them to happen. Do you break out the volleyball before, during, or after the barbeque? If kids are included, think about ways of keeping them entertained as well. Hire a couple of babysitters, if necessary.
• Logistics. Do you need to rent a party tent, tables and chairs, a sound system, cups, plates, utensils, coffee urns, chafing dishes, or other party hardware? Can you hire someone to help serve and clean up? Can you enlist a couple of friends to help? While you’re at it, think about parking, restrooms, and where to throw the coats. And what about your pets? Does your 80-pound dog like to leap on guests?

Party Food

Is the party a casual finger food sort of thing or a multi-course gourmet feast?

• Go with what you know; now is not the time to spring untried dishes on innocent bystanders.
• Cater to your guests: vegetarian, low-fat or sugar-free options, tolerance for spices, food sensitivities, and the willingness or reluctance to try adventurous fare should all be taken into account. Ask ahead of time (include it on your invitations) if there are food issues you should know about.
• Offer your guests a variety of choices even if you're sticking with a theme or particular cuisine.
• Consider the balance of color and texture throughout your menu, even if you're going potluck. A menu packed with rich and creamy dishes will leave guests feeling heavy, while nothing but chips and crackers might leave them wondering where their next meal is coming from.

Tips for a Successful Party

It all comes down to good food, good friends, and a happy host.

• Avoid a last second kitchen crunch and prepare as many dishes as you can weeks or days ahead.
• Grant yourself plenty of time to shower and change clothes before the party. If you’re relaxed, you put your guests at ease.
• Start the music before the doorbell rings. This establishes the vibe of the party and you get to greet the first comers without sprinting off immediately to press "play."
• Try to lavish attention on guests as they arrive, set them up with refreshments, introduce them to someone friendly, and move on to the next new people. This encourages mixing and mingling. At some point in the party, play mix master again.
• No bartender? Arrange ahead of time for a friend to handle the drinks.
• Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages on hand and don't hesitate to cut someone off if they've had too much of the other sort. Confiscate keys, call a cab, or be prepared for an overnight guest.
• A great party takes on a life of its own; all you can do is set the stage, anticipate the needs of your guests, and let them get on with having a good time.