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Party Planning Basics

Before you start planning your fabulous party it's important to set a budget so the thrill and excitement of the party doesn’t empty out your pockets. Here are the basics to budgeting.

10 No-Fail Party Tips

So much can go wrong when planning a party - people who responded no suddenly appear, the dog gets into your buffet stand or maybe a glass of wine spills on you newly cleaned sofa. Here, we share 10 tips to help you avoid such disasters.

Raise a glass...
and give the perfect toast at any celebration...just follow our tips!

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Cocktail Recipes

Kid Friendly Foods

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Party 101-Tips for Planning a Party

Planning a party has never been easier! We have Party 101 basics as well as expert tips that will guide you throughout your party planning process. Our tips and suggestions are so easy to follow, it will feel like you have a professional ... Read More party planner helping you!

If you've never planned a party before or are a seasoned party planner, our advice is here to help you put together an event that's not only flawless but a memorable affair for all of your guests. Learn how to make a organized guest list, prepare a budget and stick to it, sending invitations, hiring a DJ, finding the perfect caterer, and among other tips to make sure your party will go off without a hitch!

In our Party 101 section, you will find everything you need to make sure your party is not only fun but successful. Party 101 is the perfect place to gather some great ideas on planning a great party and get tips from experts who have thrown countless unforgettable parties.

Learn from the pros as you coordinate your event and plan a party that is perfect. Our experts will share everything they've learned from their years of experience so that you don't make any mistakes! They have seen it all and have all the shortcuts and tips you need to make the process easier and much more organized. You'll find plenty of resources at Party 101 to aide you in planning your memorable event. Read Less

Best Multi-Tasking Party Tools

Be prepared for any party by making sure your kitchen is stocked with a few multi-use tools. You don't have to have a kitchen full of dishes and tools to host a fabulous event!

Anatomy of an Invitation

This guide will help you provide your party guests with all the information they need to be prepared for your big bash!

Party Planning Budget Basics

It's important to be excited about throwing a party. The more excited and effort you put into the preparation, the better time your guests will have. However, don't forget to create a budget. Although it may not be fun, a budget will help you keep track of what you need while keeping costs down.

10 No-Fail Party Tips

Celebrations Expert Lara Shriftman has the top 10 tips you'll need to be throw a fantastic fete everytime. Check out her pro tips and be prepared for when life throws you one of those curve balls.

Like what you see? Check out more easy party solutions at our Party Store! >

Top 5 Party Tips for Hiring A Caterer

Food is the most important element of any party, so it has to be perfect. If you've decided to hire a caterer this time, you'll want to follow these tips to make sure both of you are on the same page.

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Caterer

Sampling a Caterer's Work

What to Expect When You Hire a Caterer

The Fine Print When You Hire Caterer

Top 5 Party Tips for Hiring a Deejay or Band

Ok so sometimes your iPod playlist just won't cut it. When hiring a deejay, use this guide to ensure you and your guests will be heating up the dance floor!

Finding A Dee Jay or Band

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Dee Jay or Band

See the Dee Jay or Band in Action

What to Expect When You Hire a Dee Jay or Band

The Fine Print When Hiring a Dee Jay or Band

Top 5 Party Tips for Hiring a Photographer

Hiring a photographer is no easy task when you haven't ever done it before or when you're expecting to shell out big bucks. It's helpful to rely on the recommendations of friends and family, but also important to keep your own expectations, budget and likes in mind. Here are 5 must-ask questions for no matter who you hire.

Finding A Photographer

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Photographer

Is the Photographer Right for Your Party?

What to Expect When You Hire a Photographer

The Fine Print When Hiring a Photographer

Top 5 Party Tips for Hiring a Serving Staff

A wait staff can add a level of sophistication to any party, but make sure everyone is on the same page and everything runs smoothly by following these steps to hiring the perfect staff!

Finding Serving Staff for your Party

List of Questions to Ask When Hiring Serving Staff

How Many People Do You Need as Serving Staff for Your Party

What to Expect When You Hire Serving Staff

The Fine Print When You Hire a Serving Staff

Like what you see? Check out more easy party solutions at our Party Store! >

Tips For The Gracious Guest

So you've been invited to a party, but now what? You can't just show up to the event, can you? Is it really just that easy? For those of you who want to achieve the level of "gracious guest," there are a few cardinal rules to follow. It's not just the host who has to worry about etiquette. Make sure you avoid being the guest who won't be getting an invite to the next party - we've got the tips

Candy Display Table Ideas for Parties

As children, we are drawn to candy stores like moths to a flame. The Andy-Warhol pop art hues, pretty glass apothecary jars filled to the brim, and the ensuing feel-good sugar high are treasured pieces of childhood nostalgia.

Creating A Candy Display Table Concept

Displaying the Candy Buffet

Photo Display Ideas for Parties

One of the easiest ways to celebrate a guest of honor, for a graduation, birthday, or most any occasion, is by displaying photos of his or her life's moments at a party. Rather than piling a bunch of photo albums on a table for guests to browse through (certainly an option for the time-challenged)...

Photos on a Tri-Fold Board

Big Photo Signing Board

Photos on Fabric T-Shirts or Placemats

Photos in Frames on Guests' Dining Tables

Unique Invitation Ideas

For people who love planning parties, it all starts with the invitation. This one simple item says so much from what time the fun begins to what style of event to expect.

Try a Boxed Invitation for Your Special Event

Creative Ways to Send Invitations

Put Invitations on DVD

Mail Event T-Shirts as Invitations

Like what you see? Check out more easy party solutions at our Party Store! >

Ultimate Guide to Being a Party Guest: Host and Hostess Gifts

To gift, or not to gift' That is the question on the minds of many partygoers. Here's our definitive guide to gifts for the host and hostess, with the help of etiquette expert Emily Post:

All Occasion Hostess Gift Guide

Thoughtful Thank You Gift Ideas for the Host

Thank-You Note Template

Lara Shriftman is co-author of Party Confidential, Party Confidential: New Etiquette for Fabulous Entertaining Hate the thank-you note' We'll make your job a bit easier by laying it out, word for word. All you have to do is fill in the blanks!Be sure to look at more etiquette tips to prepare for yo...

Thank You Template

Thank You Notes: No-Brainer Formula

Creating Beautiful Buffets

A beautiful buffet can be easily created and you can use items you already have at home. Your tablescape can be cheap, easy, beautiful, and put the well-deserved emphasis on your food. Not to mention, your guests will feel much more special when they see a lovely display set out for them.

Elevate Your Dishes

Buffet Layout and Decor

Selecting the Right Dinner Menu

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