Party Planning Guide
This post may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Holiday Your Way: Party Planning Guide is your complete checklist for planning the best, stressfree party.
Party Planning Guide
Have you ever wanted to host a party, but just didn’t know where to start?
Party planning and hosting is one of my favorite things. From choosing a theme to planning the menu and decorating, I enjoy it all.
Furthermore, I don’t really have to do it by myself. My husband loves to entertain. He loves the social side, but since he also enjoys cooking, I know I can depend on him to help with cooking. We never have a party catered. To me menu planning and executing that plan is part of the fun.
Even if you don’t have party planning experience, you can plan a successful, memorable party.
Parties are about bringing people together and having fun. Plan and prepare as much as you can beforehand so that you aren’t stressed the day of the event.
At the party, you have one job be relaxed. If the host is relaxed and having fun everyone else will too!
Party planning, where do I start?
Regardless if you’re having a child’s birthday party, afternoon tea with friends, or hosting an engagement party, the steps to planning are the same.
When you first decide to host an event ask yourself these questions so you can get the basics down first.
- Who is the party for? (business, family, friends)
- What’s the reason for the party? (theme, birthday, special occasion)
- When is a convenient date?
- Where will the party be?
- How many people are you inviting?
- What type of party is it? (brunch, lunch, dinner, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, buffet, sit-down meal)
Holiday Entertaining and your Party Planning Guide
- Create a timeline
- Choose a theme
- Set up a bar
- Consider a special event cocktail
- Plan the food
1. The first step is to plan out my timeline so I know I’m not behind and stressed at the last minute.
2. Next, choose a theme.
3. I like to have a bar set up in an area that’s not in the middle of everything. (Because it will be very popular!)
Here are some fun ways to set up your bar.
- Mojito magic: Wow your party guests with a DIY mojito bar
- Bloody brilliant: Building the ultimate Bloody Mary bar
- Wow your guests: 7 creative mixers for an impressive mimosa bar
- Find your inner barista: 20 Starbucks copycat drinks to try at home
4. When planning for a holiday party. I plan the food menu, but I also like to have a specialty cocktail like this Fruity Red Sangria.
Food
5. And, last but not least, you need great food. People will remember if you have great food. They’ll also remember if you have terrible food!
No Fuss Bacon Tomato and Cheese Cups
Easy Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
SPICY CHARRED STREET CORN {ELOTE} DIP
Baked Cheddar Roast Beef Sliders
What are some of your entertaining tips? Do you have go-to recipes for when you host? Also, see Cinnamon Roll Recipe Roundup and Easy Recipes To Feed A Crowd
I updated this post from an earlier version dated December 20, 2013.
Thanks for this great guide to holiday party planning, great tips and post 🙂 Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend Paula 🙂
Wow…what a great post, Paula! I love the idea of keeping track of the online RSVPs. (I just wish everyone would RSVP these days though!)
grrr, that is my pet peeve, Gloria. I hate when people don’t reply, how the heck are you supposed to plan for food and drink?