Choosing to put on a party is a very generous and thoughtful act. It shows you care about your friends and family and want to provide them with a good time. But for many, party planning can quickly turn into a stressful experience. Make sure preparing your gathering is as fun for you as the occasion will be for your guests with these stress-free party planning tips.
Start early
It’s hard to keep your cool and have fun when you have a long list of things to do and a small amount of time to accomplish them in. That’s why the biggest favour you can do yourself when it comes to party planning is to get started early. Invitations can be sent out weeks or months in advance so you can get a head count early in the process and plan accordingly. If you are holding the event in your home, many groceries can be purchased a couple of days in advance, and decorations can be put up whenever is convenient in the week leading up to the event. If the party will be taking place somewhere else, find out how soon you can gain access to the room so you can get everything set up as early as possible.
Prioritize
It’s only natural when you plan an event that you want every aspect to be as special as possible. But it often isn’t possible to make each and every dish and decoration absolutely perfect without inflicting a lot of stress on yourself. To throw a wonderful celebration and still keep your sanity, make a list of which aspects are most important to you. By prioritizing the tasks at hand, you ensure that those items you worry about most are attended to first and the least important ones are dealt with if you have the time.
Get some help
There is no shame in asking for assistance when you are hosting a party. It often isn’t possible to accomplish all the necessary tasks on your own, so don’t be afraid to reach out. If it’s within your budget to get professional assistance (such as a caterer), consider doing so if you feel the peace of mind is worth the added money. Or, as a more budget-friendly option, ask a close friend or family member to come over early on the day of the event to help you get things set up. He or she can also assist you with the serving of food and drink if that is necessary.
Breathe
When you start to get overwhelmed with all the creating, articulating, planning, organizing and executing that comes with throwing a party, take a moment for yourself, and breathe. Remember why you are doing all of this. Remind yourself that preparing for a party should be a fun endeavour in itself, and it’s only worth doing if you are enjoying yourself. And try to keep in mind that no matter what happens, your friends and family will be grateful for the opportunity to see one another and are sure to appreciate your generosity in hosting.
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