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.
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!
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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!
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.
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!
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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.
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)...
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.
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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:
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...
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.
Top Ten Party Staples
One of the most useful bits of wisdom in party 101 is to have some inexpensive staples on hand that you can use for an impromptu gathering or a more elaborate, planned party. Keeping a few things around the house doesn't take up much space and can take a lot of stress out of preparing for the event. You'll be ready for anything, from an unexpected visit from the in-laws to a spur of the moment barbeque. You can entertain in style with these ten party staples.
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Decoding the Dress Code
Ever been dumbfounded by an invitation asking you to dress "festive"' If so, you know just how confusing dress codes can be. Before you don an 80s Christmas sweater and reindeer antlers, make sure you know exactly what "festive" dress entails. We've decoded the most common party attire lingo to save...
Create the Perfect Invitations
When planning your next event, invitations might be the last thing on your mind. And between design and etiquette, making the right choice can be a chore. That's why we've made it easy.
Read on for Part Two of our series on Creating the Perfect Invitation.
Tips for a No-Host Bar
Sometimes a "No-Host Bar" is the only option for party hosts when throwing a big bash. However, you may want to consider these tips so guests know what to expect.
Favorite Toasts For Any Occasion
Toast time is usually reserved for transition periods between courses of a meal or rounds of cocktails. Read up on how to prepare the perfect toast for any occasion!
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Party Favor Essentials: Splurge & Steal Guide
Most people like to pass out favors to their party guests. There's so much to consider when handing out favors including how many people are on your guest list, what your budget is, what type of party you're hosting and what your guests would actually appreciate receiving.
Tips For Being The Perfect Host
If you're planning and hosting a party, we know that sometimes you feel like all eyes are on you: there's no room for messing up. There are things that you're expected to do as a host, so let's make sure you get them right lest no one will want to come to another one of your parties!
Basic At Home Bar Necessities
If you have a bar in your home and entertain often, its a good idea to always keep your bar stocked with the basic necessities. But what are the basic necessities? In addition to having your own favorites on hand, here is a list of the liquors, garnishes and mixers every at home bar should never be without.
Unique Locations for a Celebration
Location is paramount when planning your special event as it says a lot about you and the type of party you want to have. Think outside the box for your next gathering and use this list of unique locations to get inspired!
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8 Expert Entertaining Tips from Shawn Rabideau
To alleviate stress when entertaining (no matter how big or small the occasion) Shawn Rabideau recommends the following 8 tips.
Verbal Blunders
Whether you're delivering an important toast or chatting up with groups of people at a party, there's no doubt that we may have a slip-up of the tongue every once (or thrice!) in a while.
Tips to Create a Lounge Space for your Party
Here are a few helpful suggestions on how to create your own Lounge Space for your party. Check out the photos from some events I've thrown for inspiration as well!
How to Plan a Successful Event
Well, certain things are self-explanatory, but I still believe that all the four following should be included.
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No Fuss Hors D'oeuvres
If you're new to party planning don't overwhelm yourself on one of your first attempts. Save yourself some time and stress and try serving these pre-prepared hors d'ourves, instead of cooking the entire menu yourself!
How to Create Party Idea Boards
There are a few ways to create an inspiration board for your next party. You can always cut and past images onto paper, or pin them to a corkboard. But, a much easier - and cost-effective - method is keeping everything on the computer.
Renting a Venue & How to Negotiate a Contract
Once you've settled on a venue for your celebration, the next step is negotiating a contract. Whether you're renting a private room, an entire bar, or a penthouse, you need to go over every detail with the manger or owner.
Digital Makes It Easier To Share Photo Memories
With a little help from some online resources, you can share your photos and do more with them than you'd ever imagined was possible a few years ago.
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Creative Thank You: Sending a Photo Postcard
Ever stared at a blank "thank you" note, pondering how to make it personal? I have studied words for years and still find myself at a loss when it comes to certain gift givers. So, I started thinking about new ways to say thank you that would be personal, but a little less stressful for me. What I came up with is certainly unconventional, but will no doubt be touching to its recipient: send them a photo postcard.
Creative Ideas for A Party Venue
Stuck on where to celebrate? The world is at your fingertips! Luckily, we're here to provide you with a few pointers.
Cocktail Therapys Cardinal Entertaining Tips
When preparing for a party, make sure you are organized. This will ensure everything goes smoothly. Get some expert tips on how to stay focused!
A Guide to Setting the Table
The style and complexity of place settings will vary depending on the formality of your dinner party. However, whether you are hosting a formal dinner party or a casual supper, there are a few basic rules to follow when setting the table.
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Add a Personal Touch to Your Party
Whether its a holiday celebration, birthday party, wedding anniversary, baby shower, bridal shower or plain old party, personal touches can make your event stand out from the crowd. Well thought out custom printing can raise the expectation level at any get together. Be sure to include party favors and decorations when considering custom printing for your party.
Get Well Baskets: What To Get
There is nothing more comforting, when you are sick than to receive a get well basket. These delightful gifts let you know someone cares and are hopefully packed with everything you need to feel better soon!
Pre-Party Pampering: The Regimen
Hosting a party is hard work. Between prepping food, cleaning the house and mixing cocktails, it's easy for a hostess to get harried before her event. Since the whole point of a party is to enjoy yourself and have fun, the best way to decompress and prepare for your guests' arrival is with a little in-home pampering. Plan ahead and leave some time to get ready for the party. You can be a relaxed, well-pampered hostess with these easy tips.
Personalize Your Party
Photos really make a party more personal and guests appreciate seeing their friends and family grow over the years. Use one of these photographic displays to set your party apart.
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How to Create the Perfect Seating Arrangements
If you ever get stressed out about seating charts, or the mere sight of a big venue with empty spaces frightens you, then this plan is made for you! We have great tips to help you stay organized while you plan your seating chart for your next event. Just follow a few simple rules in this formula and you'll find yourself cool as a cucumber.
Coming And Going: Guide To Entering and Leaving Parties
Arrivals and departures are often a source of angst for an attendee. When do you come? How long do I stay? How do I make an early exit? Where exactly is the line between "fashionably late" and just plain late? Entrances and exits must be strategic and calculated. While deciding when to arrive and leave is often dependent on the type of even, it is also relative formulaic.
How to Tie the Perfect Bow
Have you always wanted to tie professional bows, but never figured out how? Watch this video and never struggle with yards of ribbon again!
Creating a Guest List
When planning a party, the guest list is one of the primary considerations. Use our guidelines to help create a guest list for your next event! We break it down for you in terms of intimacy, event space and budget.
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DIY Photo Cards and Announcements
In the past, custom stationery and cards were out of reach for most people. Whether you were choosing a style to be embellished with your monogram or having something completely new created to your specifications, the cost was often exorbitant and the process was time consuming. A lot has changed since then, with the advent of digital cameras and printing services on the Web.
List of Simple Pieces for Easy Entertaining
There are a few things that every good hostess needs to ensure simple and easy entertaining. We have a list of products that will prepare you for a party any place, anytime.
Crimes of Conversation
If you're new to planning and throwing parties, you will definitely want to check out this tips on how you can avoid potentially awkward conversations and guarantee all of your guests feel comfortable at your next get-together.
Bartending Basics
If you want to become an expert at-home entertainer, then you'll have to become an expert bartender, too. Learn how to keep your guests satisfied and look good while doing it!
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Organizational Tips for the Everyday Party Planner
New to party planning or simply trying to refine your skills? Check out these great tips for getting organized to ensure your party goes off without a hitch!
Progressive Entertaining
Progressive parties are a lot of fun. They are kind of like musical chairs for adults with houses. If you are participating in one of these parties for the first time, get all the tips you need to make your home the best leg of the night.
How to personalize a Restaurant Party
You've decided a restaurant is the perfect location for your party--it will save you a lot of stress! But how do you make sure your event still feels personal? You can with the tips in this roundup.
Every Party Planner Needs a Business Card
It’s no secret that networking is the best way to acquire new clients and create new business contacts. Think of how many contacts you may have missed or lost because you didn’t have a business card on hand!
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Make Sure Your Stationery Matches
Matching stationery may not seem like a big deal, but it gives your brand organization and closure. Here are some tips to make sure you pick the perfect matching stationery to match your personality.
Benefits of Business Cards in the Modern World
Just because we have smart phones, mini laptops, and digital-everything, doesn't mean we have to say goodbye to some of our favorite things like hand written letters, personalized stationery, and of course - business cards. Here are some great reasons for not saying goodbye to business cards, and saying hello to a personal way to introduce your brand.
How To Prepare for Unexpected Guests
When unexpected company comes knocking, it can throw the host or hostess for a loop. Without time to shop, plan and prep, it's common for a gracious host to turn into a harried one.
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Setting the Scene
Making sure everything is carefully thought out and set up before your guests arrive, is a great way to make sure things run smoothly. Use these tips on giving yourself plenty of time to prepare for the big event.
Step 4: Shop for the Party: Party Week
After weeks and weeks of planning, the party is right around the corner! Avoid any last minute head aches by making sure you've taken care of everything on our list and yours. Here are some last minute things to keep in mind while getting ready for your bash.
Tracking RSVPs
Any party 101 course would tell you that the RSVP is a great tool to use in planning your party. RSVP stands for "repondez s'il vous plait", French for "please respond". By requesting for your guests to respond to your invitation you can get an accurate head count and know how much food to prepare, how much room you will need and other aspects you need to finalize. The problem comes when you lose track of who is attending and who is not. Here are some ways to organize and keep track of your guests.
Top 5 Ways to Avoid Party Crashers
If there was a course named party 101 the first lesson would undoubtedly by how to avoid party crashers. Inevitably, most parties have more attendees than were invited and for a variety of reasons. A guest might bring along a friend and that friend might invite another. Before you know it your guest list has doubled! Here's a few good tips on how to avoid uninvited guests while not hurting anyone's feelings.
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Types of Party Vendors
Party 101 wisdom proves that the more you know the better you can entertain. This is why it's important to be familiar with all the different types of vendors and know what they can-or can't-do to help you with your party. Recommendations from friends can turn you on to some really great vendors but there's nothing like personally interacting with several vendors and doing some research. It may take a bit of time but it will save you time, trouble and money in the future.
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