How to Create Party Idea Boards

An idea board is only as good as the images you put on it. As you start creating your board, consider these sources for the best selection of images to represent your party theme.

• Blogs Party and event planning blogs highlight everything you need for a party inspiration board from creative favor packaging to real party photos. Many blogs such as Snippet & Ink post regular boards you can use as samples to create your own.
• Magazine websites Magazines are great resources for images. Those focused on weddings are obvious stops, but many lifestyle publications also run party features. You can also find photos from home decorating magazines to inspire an event location or party setup.
• Flickr Browsing this photo-sharing site turns up photos related to everything from party decorations to cool cupcake designs to children's party outfits to pure inspiration shots. Just search "birthday party" and see what fun stuff you can find

Using a software program, such as Photoshop, makes it easy to add, arrange and edit pictures to fit your board. Here are basic instructions to help you get started.

• Find and download your images. (Many images are protected by copyright laws. Bookmark each one so you'll be able to find the source later, if needed.)
• Open a new document, and save it under the name of your party.
• As you use them, open each image in a separate window. Using the Move tool, drag the image onto your idea board document.
• To resize, use the Free Transform tool on the Edit menu.
• After all the images are on the board, you will have a creative reminder of your party theme anytime you need to get back on track throughout the planning process.

If you don't have access to Photoshop software, programs such as Polyvore and Google's Picasa let you create similar style boards online.

There really are no rules about what to include on an idea board for your party; it's all about images that inspire you. Remember the images you choose for your board don't have to be of actual items you use. An idea board is simple for inspiration as you go through the party planning process.

• Choose images to represent the mood you want whether it's of a party scene or a flower arrangement.
• Look for specific things you want to replicate such as an invitation layout, a place setting or a game idea.
• Consider images that are non-party related, too. If it conveys a certain mood or color scheme, any image can help create the perfect party.

Here is an example of an idea board I made for a Sesame Street themed birthday party:

The inspiration behind this kid's birthday theme is the friendly characters of Sesame Street. Just by glancing at the board, you can sense the goal of this theme - fun and bright without too much character overload.

• The first row shows a candy buffet with plush characters, colorful cupcake arrangement and unique envelope ideas for invitations.
• A simple paper banner is on the second row along with title block made by using the software's shapes and fonts tools.
• The third row has centerpiece suggestion, a potential invitation, party hat design and birthday outfit design.
• The last row shows character cupcakes and an inspiration shot for decorating the party venue.

Remember: Not all the ideas would have to be included at this party. They are simply intended to inspire the creative process during planning.