To plan your perfect party, easily, is to learn how to make the most out of what you've got to work with. The goal: to make a valiant effort to create the perfect party, that always begins with a list. The list.
The almighty list.
What would we do without a list?
I personally love lists. Because the way I see it, making a list is the start of a promise of the good things that can come - the best rental company, wonderful floral shops to explore, bakeries to see. Being a party planner and caterer too, I seriously love the lists that I add to my Barnes & Noble NOOK Tablet that read things such as Smith anniversary, Perlinger wedding shower, or new apartment complexpool party.
My list is typically made up of a mix of various party ideas I'm coveting, basics that need updating (typical traditional showers, old party ideas that could use a face-lift), long-term (and cost efficient) graduation party concepts (oh no... lasagna is still on the menu!), and items from previous years that continue to be chic, great looking (or tasting) ideas.
Without a list, you - and your wonderful concept, could easily be hopelessly lost.
And the fact of the matter is, devising a list that is well-edited, fully integrated, that epitomizes your style, will cover everything you need, look exciting, fresh, and strategically make your endeavor of hosting a party a lot easier.
Now I realize - all of you "anti-list" people out there are probably thinking, "Why bother making a list?"
But here's the thing. Yes, you can shop for things, flip-flopping around all over the place and somehow still wind up having a party you're complimented on, left and right. But as I always say, Investing in a few impulse buys can end up contradicting your initial goal and plans. Plus, wouldn't you rather keep the extra money you can save in your pocket and at the same time be known for pulling off a party that looks great - rather than for "that" baby shower or "that" wedding? You get the gist of getting "that" kind of reputation, I'm sure. Not. Good.
I love parties... when you can see the hosts' thoughtful style; a party planned by a host who knows what works best for their theme and isn't afraid to be somewhat repetitive with their design ideas and food choices while updating and refreshing them in unexpected and inventive ways. Now of course, most of us can use a little help every now and then... even some of us pros.
Here are a few tips on how to create an anything but ordinary party...
Party Rules
For your creativity to become fully exposed and for your ideas to live and build your party repertoire by, I suggest using these tools to scrutinize all of your party purchases. If the suggestion fits all three categories, then it's a "go"... you're green lit to go all out.BE COMPLETELY HONEST ABOUT YOUR BUDGET & PERSONAL LIFESTYLE, AND BUY ONLY WHAT YOU NEED AND LOVE FOR YOUR PARTY THEME
What you purchase and use should be in sync with what you need and how you like to throw and host parties. A steady diet of an over abundance of party decor tchotchkes and flowers may be okay in some instances but not for every party or special occasion, not if you're someone who likes "classic" style - and one who barely has time to put much effort into planning a party or is a person who is allergic to certain types of flowers. Not to fail to mention... think of the costs.
Luckily there are so many other party decor and floral choices out there that no matter what you see and like, or feel that you can't live without or need, you should be able to find things that you love, that complement how you like things to look at your parties.
Cater-Hater tip: Serve food that you love and use what makes you feel good about the look of the event you're hosting too. Don't be a copycat. Don't buy the same things your friend had at their party. Buy items that feel like your friends idea or concept; on the order of what they've done. Sure, what they say is pretty much true; "imitation is the highest form of flattery". But at the same time, being true to yourself and your unique sense of style and originality is everything. Also, be sure what you purchase has a cohesive aesthetic.
If you're one of those ultra-creative types with an endless amount of ideas and a limited budget, I recommend that you limit yourself to two party style ideas, such as whether or not you'll choose to use fresh roses or choose something less expensive (carnations maybe?) or spring for those really cool new liner plates that have just come in at your favorite party rental store.
FIND A COLOR STORY AND STICK TO IT
There's always room to add a bright-orange accent piece or something "party fabulous" in electric blue; whether it's a pillow, or a tablecloth or table runner, or by adding a splash of color via a gorgeous floral display. But, in most instances... remember that the major part of your party decor (or your "base" shade) will look best in a neutral color palette - this includes black and white.
The trick to finding a great color story is to choose four complementary shades to add to your neutral color; then to hone them down to your favorite, one that looks best for the occasion. Choosing the appropriate color story for your special occasion this way will allow you to figure out your optimal mixing and matching concepts, which will keep your ideas flowing, and your party looking fresh. And, when you're re-using things some of your guests may have seen before, this will help keep things feeling new.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY, ALWAYS
Or, as some would say; buy best and buy less, whatever your "best" may be.This best rule of thumb has been stated over and over, and over again. And honestly, in my opinion, this is the most important party mantra there is when it comes to planning successful private parties, corporate special events, and weddings. The real deal is that when you find something seriously fabulous (that you can't live without and love) that fits perfectly into the landscape of several of your future party plans, and when you can and when it's available for you to do so, buy it in several colors or buy it in bulk. Expensive "onsies" are items that are sort of a waste. Quality is everything! A few quality items added to your party arsenal can make anything (and everything) look like a million bucks. What can I tell you? That's just the truth about good quality pieces.
KEY PARTY PIECES
The fact is this: what one person considers a key piece, another person may not. But, there are some core items that no stylish party maven should be without; things considered to be your reliable, go-to party items.
There's no steadfast rule here; as far as how many chafing dishes or platters you should have on hand or what type of china is best to use. You need five basic party serving pieces to use, that will work well in conjunction with whatever you already have and use as your "basic" party serving pieces. I like to have at least three types of platter options (a white plastic platter for outdoors, a white standard china platter for casual affairs, and a more ornate [typically larger] white china platter) for every party.
Here are a few necessary party planning food and decor options...
STURDY TABLES
Always necessary, says Cater-Hater.
TWO LINEN OPTIONS In a neutral shade; preferably white or off-white. These items should be "standard" issue and nothing too fancy or ostentatious, since what works best are perfect for day or night, go with anything linen tablecloths, table runners, or seat or chair covers. One "LBT" (Little Black Tablecloth), tablecloth in black and also one "LWT"; a white tablecloth.
TWO SERVING PIECES
The "NWP" - a large Nice White Platter and a handsome chafing dish which go without saying - contribute greatly to any party, special corporate event, or wedding reception.
THE GO-WITH-EVERYTHING VASE A clear glass vase tailors with an elegant or casual party attitude is always fresh and new and on every party planners mind. Love, love, love vases in a short, medium, and tall heights because of their versatility. Add water and fresh flowers, or whole fresh fruit, or candles. There is no right or wrong here.
3.15" Clear Glass Cube Vase - Glass (set of 24)
THREE TO FIVE INVITATIONSA couple invitation styles for dinner parties (one casual party and one dressy or holiday affair), one for a generic shower invitation, another one to use for a graduation invitation, and birthday celebration invitation, and you're covered for just about all occasions.
Sweet 16 party invitation - Courtesy of Pure Elegance
ALL-SEASON PARTY FOOD & BEVERAGE UPDATES
Also known to true party mavens as "the fun part" or "the fun stuff". Once you've followed the basics and have a grip on what core items you need to have in place, it's a cake-walk and now time to relax, because parties of course should be fun, and the fastest way to give your party "wardrobe" a jostle is with a directional menu that helps to dictate your party's theme.
Here are some ideas for you to consider...
HIGH-WATTAGE LOOKS, SERVING DELICIOUS FOOD
Food loves color and color loves food. Be colorful with your culinary style and be bold with flavors. Bold becomes neutral when paired with food basics; spice up your meatloaf, recreate mashed potatoes, etc.
Meatloaf & mashed potato cupcakes - Courtesy of Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy
A CHEESY GRILLED CHEESE It can go with almost anything... experiment adding cheeses and other items that push grilled sandwich boundaries to the max. You'll be surprised what can come of it.
With grilled cheese, you have tons of options
Honey mustard barbecue sauce provides an edge that will give you immediate bar-be-que cred, big time. Tomato-based barbecue sauces are delicious too, but this sauce is so worth it.
ANY COCKTAIL... YOUR FAVORITE COCKTAIL
Hands down, the best way to put a new spin on any cocktail or your favorite cocktail is to throw the ingredients in a blender with ice and make it frozen-style. Tres cool.
Frozen avocado margaritas - Courtesy of Cooking Stoned
These updates can take you from boring to new and sublime. Plan your perfect party , easily - get things done right... so things will turn out just the way you want them to be. Have fun with it. Oh, and Happy Party!
I do this... I write to help to create to opportunities for all of you who choose to pursue your passion to have parties, also taking into account today's economic constraints.
I think if we keep talking about the cost of parties (I write the blog posts, you write comments), together, maybe we can break down some of the party industry's price barriers and shame some of the people who've taken your money and delivered a poor quality product right into growing a conscious and treating you right (nice thought, huh?).
Opportunities to be inspired about parties are everywhere. Yet, people looking out for your wallet are few and far between. My goal is to inspire you, causing you to question the way things are that have been the status quo for too long. When we stand together and speak up, we can be a powerful force.
Leave a comment and share your thoughts, ideas and suggestions below. Remember to be as specific as possible because what you have to say helps us all.
Always... be encouraged and encourage others too,
“Truthbomb #240: We need you.” - Danielle LaPorte
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