Who doesn’t love a good par-tay? Of course it’s always nice to be the attendee and have no responsibility. However, planning them can sometimes be a lot of work. Knowing the who, what, when, where, why and how — and the timing of pulling it all together can be hard! Phew. It can wear you out just thinking about it! Today I thought I would share a few of my party planning tips with an easy timeline I typically use that seems to make the planning a little bit easier — and a super easy party planning checklist that will allow you to keep your notes in one place! Woo Hoo!
When planning a party, it’s best to start pulling some things together a little earlier than waiting until you’re couple of weeks out. It really does ease the stress! If and when possible, start around two months out with these general guidelines.
2 Months:
- Pick your theme
- Set a date, time and location
- Decide on budget
- Send Save the Dates
Picking your theme, budget and location is a HUGE start! These details will help you move forward with some direction in mind. For the Save the Dates, I recommend sending an e-mail or a Save the Date via evite. Did you know you send them through evite? It’s pretty fabulous!
1 month:
- Purchase or Make Party Decor
- Decide on Menu
You have to admit that planning and shopping for the party decor can be the most fun. I like to mix some DIY into mine — but when purchasing supplies, it’s much more fun to shop some of the awesome on-line stores too! Why? Well, I like the idea that it isn’t something everyone else is using, does that make sense?
When planning the menu, keep in mind that shortcuts are okay! Give yourself permission to take them too — whether that be buying some of the items as takeout or asking friends to bring a dish! You don’t have to do everything and not all of the food has to be homemade.
2-3 weeks:
- Send out invitations or E-vites.
The time has come to officially send out the invitations! Keep the costs down by sending evites! I’ve used evite on several occasions and it’s such a lifesaver and allows you to do so much more than just the invite out. And did I mention all of the awesome designs? Here are a couple that caught my eye:
Day of:
- Pick up/Set up food
- Decorate
- Par-tay!
If all goes well, this day should not be overwhelming. You’ve planned accordingly and today it’s simply tidying up the to-do list {hee-hee). Be sure to take some time to enjoy the party yourself too.
Here is a basic and simple printable checklist that will help you in your planning:
Good friends. Good food. Good times had by all.
Whose ready to plan your own par-tay?
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Melanie says
Great tips! I always start planning way early.
Jillian @ Hi! It's Jilly says
Great tips! Love the cute little printable. Pinning for sure! 🙂
JaneEllen says
Great helps for entertaining. haven’t had a party or get -together at our house in long time. I’m more for people just dropping in and get with it. I get so nervous I’m no good at anything.
Have to say tho we had some people I worked with one time for Thanksgiving and it was so much fun. Our daughter and her family came too, it was so relaxed, we ate, talked, had great time. We have a small living room so even tho it was crowded we still had great time.
The kids don’t come for holidays anymore so we’re alone, maybe we should think about doing something this holiday season. You’ve got me thinking at least. Great tips, and inspiration Kelly. Thanks for sharing all terrific tips and helpers. Happy summer days
Shanley Cox says
Great ideas! I love that you shared some printables, too! Just in time for summer bbq’s and bday parties.
Alyson says
Love this! I am all about organizing, especially when it comes to party planning. These printables are fantastic!
Danielle says
So many great tips Kelly! I Love how Evite and Sandra Lee are partnering!
Colleen Pastoor says
Fun Printable! I always make a new pinboard for parties (usually secret so I can delete them after) to keep everything in one place.
Carrie says
Great tips and love the printable!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
Great tips for taking some of the stress out of party planning. And totally agree – nothing wrong with taking some shortcuts!
Glory/ Glorious Treats says
Lots of great ideas! I think having a good plan like this is totally key to not getting super stressed at the last minute!! Great printables!
Heather says
I love throwing summer parties and need all the tips I can get! Love these! Thanks for sharing at Monday Funday link party! Pinning! ~ Heather
Mandee Thomas says
Stopping by from the Pin Junkie Link Up. Lovely printable 😀 If you would like to, I would LOVE for you to share it (and any other printables you have) with my “Free Printables” Google Plus Community! goo.gl/RPWDbD
Nane Tolson says
Good check list for a direct sales home party and also for a party in general! Thanks for the great graphics and printable!