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{ Tips for Party Planning! }

June 10, 2013 by Fotini Filed Under: birthday parties, hosting, hosting events, kids birthday party, kids birthdays, party, party planning, party planning tips, party tips 22 Comments

I’m sure you’ve heard me say many times before, just, how much I ADORE party planning! I love everything about it ๐Ÿ™‚ I know it stresses some people out, and if that’s you I have some great tips to make it less stressful, and more enjoyable!

Three months before event:
  •          Set date, time and place.
  •         Choose theme and colors.
  •          If you have specific details you want to include, write them down so you donโ€™t forget! I use a word document and just jot down ideas as they come!
Two months before event:
  •        Every party I host is on a budget, so browse the local Dollar Stores, Hobby Lobby, Jo Annโ€™s, Michaels and Target for great dollar finds!
  •         Order your invitations. A website like TinyPrints has a great selection to choose from!
  •         Write out your guest list and add up the number of children attending so you can plan for goodie bags.
  •         Plan party activities. Write out a list of games for the kids to play along with any supplies you will need to purchase. If you’re doing rentals, such as a bounce house, call to reserve your date.
One month before event:
  •          Plan your menu. Don’t feel obligated to feed everyone lunch if it doesn’t fit in your budget! Schedule mid-afternoon and offer a dessert bar.
  •     You can easily create personalized banners using a tool like PicMonkey and printing it onto your desired paper.
  •          Begin working on more time-consuming projects like banners, food labels, party dรฉcor, etc. Getting it done ahead of time will save you the stress in the end!
Two weeks before event:
  •          Prepare and send out invitations.
  •          Purchase tablecloths, plates, cutlery, cups, napkins and/or other party supplies.
  •          Buy items for the kids goodie bags and prepare. I like to do a variety of these go-to items: pencils, markers, glow sticks, a piece of my kids favorite candy, temporary tattoos, bubbles, chalk, homemade crayons, or a journal.
  •          If ordering a cake from a store or bakery, place the order and plan to pick up the day before the party.
One week before event:
  •          Head to the grocery store with a list in hand of all the food, condiments and drinks you will need.
  •     Start preparing or putting together any accessories needed for the party games. Get a good idea of what order you want to do each game in, it will make party day go much smoother!

Two days before event:

  •          If you’re hosting the party at home, do the bulk of your cleaning and leave vacuuming and/or mopping for the morning of.
One day before event:
  •          I make my kids’ cakes and cupcakes, so for me, I spend the day before making all the desserts. In case of any uh-ohโ€™s I have time for plan B!
  •          The evening before, I always have a plan set out for how I want the next morning to go until the party begins. Inevitably, things may come up, but at least you can stay on track and get things accomplished in a timely manner!
Party day:
  •          I always plan a special birthday breakfast for my little ones!
  •          Buy the balloons! I head to the local Kroger down the street to buy my balloons. The balloons only last about 8-10 hours, so you don’t want to buy them too soon!
  •          Buy some fresh flowers! They’re the perfect centerpiece J
  •          I start two hours before the party is set to start by decorating. Prepare and decorate the main table, dessert table, and gift table.
  •          With the entire dรฉcor ready, begin prepping the food. Wash and slice veggies, fruits and cheeses and place in fridge. Put drinks in ice or cooler.
  •          Finish up any cleaning, such as vacuuming or mopping.
  •          Get yourself ready, get the kids ready!
  •          Add balloons to the mailbox or at the end of your street for family and friends to see.
  •          Sit out any appetizers or munchies before the guests arrive.
  •          After the first couple of guests have arrived, sit out any condiments, veggies, side-dishes, etc.
  •          Weโ€™ve found the easiest way to please guests is to have a barbeque, so I let my husband man the grill!
  •          Sit back, relax and enjoy the masterpiece you’ve created!! 
I hope these tips will be able to help you enjoy your next party a little more!! 

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    June 10, 2013 at 10:38 am

    Great rundown. I think I definitely do this type of timeline.

    Reply
    • Glamorous Mommy says

      June 10, 2013 at 8:43 pm

      Thanks Jennifer! I know everyone has their own way going about it, but this has what’s worked for me! Glad you can relate ๐Ÿ™‚ Have a great evening!

      Reply
  2. Lala H says

    June 10, 2013 at 8:43 pm

    this is such a great tip! my son’s birthday is coming up in 3 months and i could really use this one.

    Delightful Ideas
    Bag Giveaway

    Reply
    • Glamorous Mommy says

      June 12, 2013 at 1:39 am

      Lala I’m so glad you think so ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks so much for stopping by!!

      Reply
  3. Victoria Burke says

    June 11, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    I love party planning, especially since my son is still at that fun age where themes are so much fun and cool! These are some great tips! The one thing I do splurge on is the cake. The rest of the party I usually do my self and start making the stuff at 3 months. I am a procrastinator. So if I do not do start early it will not be done in time.

    Reply
    • Glamorous Mommy says

      June 12, 2013 at 1:40 am

      With me, if I don’t start at least three months in advance, it doesn’t turn out how I want it to so this really works for me too ๐Ÿ™‚ Glad you can relate! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  4. Abby Lawson says

    June 12, 2013 at 1:21 am

    Great list! This is so helpful to know what to do when! I popped over from The DIY Dreamer–thanks for sharing!

    ~Abby =)

    Reply
    • Glamorous Mommy says

      June 12, 2013 at 1:40 am

      So great to have you here Abby ๐Ÿ™‚ I’m glad you find it helpful!!

      Reply
  5. Krystal says

    June 12, 2013 at 4:26 am

    This is great I love that you suggest early planning. I always make my kids choose themes in advanced so if I find a great deal I can purchase it or find the time to make stuff during crazy schedules.

    Reply
    • Glamorous Mommy says

      June 15, 2013 at 1:05 am

      That’s why I start early too Krystal! It can be overwhelming waiting last minute!! Thanks so much for stopping by, enjoy your weekend!

      Reply
  6. Heather says

    June 13, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    I really like this timeline. Great tips!

    Reply
    • Glamorous Mommy says

      June 15, 2013 at 1:05 am

      Thanks so much Heather ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  7. Carrie from Carrie This Home says

    June 13, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    Great tips! I’m pinning this to my party idea board. I’m stopping by from Create It Thursday. (My post was #12 How to Repurpose a Frame–I’d love it if you’d check it out!) Have a great week!
    CarrieThisHome.com

    Reply
    • Glamorous Mommy says

      June 15, 2013 at 1:05 am

      Thanks so much Carrie, I’m headed your way now ๐Ÿ˜‰ Have a great weekend!!

      Reply
  8. Dee @ A Lapin Life says

    June 13, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    Great tips! Thanks ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Glamorous Mommy says

      June 15, 2013 at 1:06 am

      Thanks Dee, glad you stopped by!!

      Reply
  9. Katy @ Lolly Linens says

    June 17, 2013 at 1:58 am

    great ideas, thank you

    Reply
    • Glamorous Mommy says

      June 18, 2013 at 1:51 am

      You’re welcome Katy, thank you!!

      Reply
  10. Christine says

    June 17, 2013 at 10:49 am

    Great tips!!!! Now I need an even to plan ๐Ÿ™‚

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer!! See you tomorrow evening!

    Reply
  11. Jessica McKernan says

    June 25, 2013 at 6:00 pm

    I have a similar time line as well. I love planning, especially the kids parties where we can get creative with the themes. I always bake my kid’s cupcakes and then have sugar free candy around the house, that way they don’t go on too much of a sugar-overload ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Glamorous Mommy says

      June 26, 2013 at 8:46 pm

      Yes, sugar overload can ruin a party real quick, lol! I tend to use sugar free as often as possible! Glad you can relate to this post! Thanks for stopping by ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  12. Amy Terry says

    March 3, 2014 at 4:44 pm

    Most apt tips given here for successful event planning.

    Reply

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