5 Tips To Plan The Perfect Party
“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Cottonelle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CottonelleHoliday http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.”
Growing up in a big family meant that events were always big. We got together for just about every holiday because my family loves to throw a good party, but it’s a lot of work! There’s more to planning a party than just food and music. After putting on so many parties over the years, you learn a thing or two. For me, the most important part of planning a good party is, the planning! I like to write down all of the details and to keep myself organized. Today I’m sharing with you my top 5 party planning tips along with a few printable lists to help keep you organized too. Let’s get started!
1. Make a guest list. The first thing I like to do is write out my guest list. You can’t have a party without guests, right? Even though I think I can keep it all straight in my head, the reality is that I can’t. So I use the sheet below to keep track of who will be attending so that you know how much food and supplies to purchase. Also, be sure to include a date for your guest to RSVP by so that you can have an accurate head count well before the big day.
Print: Guest List
2. Plan the food & assign dishes. Planning the food is my favorite part! For large parties I usually put most of my efforts into the desserts since that’s what I love to do the most. Now, one of the most important things that makes a party successful is delegation. I know that I cannot do it all and I’m not going to try to! Since cooking is not what I love to do, I will order the main course from the local grocery store or plan for something that can be made ahead such as a ham or a slow cooker dish. Then I’ll ask my family and friends to bring side dishes and/or appetizers. This not only cuts down on prep time, but it also reduces the day of work and stress.
3. Purchase quality party supplies. Before the party starts you have to make sure that you not only have enough supplies, but that you have made good choices too! I like to use disposable utensils and plates but I always buy the good stuff. In the past when I’ve bought the less expensive kind I always regret it because they just don’t hold up and I end up with twice as many broken forks and soggy plates. Another thing that I don’t like to skimp on is the bathroom supplies. I used to get the double roll of toilet paper so that I don’t have to spend all of my time running back and forth to change the roll. But now Cottonelle has a triple roll which means even less trips to check the TP!
4. Give the kids party duties: To take the stress off of you, assign your kids (or nieces and nephews) each a room to be responsible for and let them know what their duties are for the night. You can complete the To Do List below to remind them of what they need to do and put it on the fridge. I like to get the kids a small gift to give to them if they keep their area of the house clean all the way to the end of the party!
Print: Party To Do List
5. Make a shopping list. Now that you know how many guests you will have and what food you need, all that’s left to do is go shopping! Making a list before you head out is a must, you don’t want to make any last minute trips to the store! Now that most Target Stores in my area also have grocery sections, it’s my one stop shop for everything that I need including the Cottonelle triple roll that I mentioned above. I love only having to make one stop for all of my party needs!
Print: Shopping List
Now that you’re organized, you’re ready for your party! If you want to try out the Cottonelle triple roll for your self to see just how many trips to change the roll you don’t have to make, be sure to head out to Target with this coupon to get yourself a FREE box of Kleenex (while supplies last) too!
What is your best party planning tip? Feel free to share by commenting below!
