How to Plan a Party

Hosting a party can be fun and exciting, but if you've never been the party host before, you may be unsure of how to proceed in planning your fabulous party. Follow these tips to plan and throw the perfect party!

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cool attitude
• candles/colored bulbs
• finger foods
• alcohol (opt)
• music
• stereo
• flowers
• cards
• games
• Guests

1. 

   Decide on a party theme which can add an fun element to your party. Some party themes include and are not limited to: 20s, 60s, 70s, 80s, James Bond, Graduation, Christmas, New Years, Birthday, Black Tie, Cocktail, Pimps & Hos/CEOs & Corporate Hos, Mardi Gras, Cowboys, Costume, Vegas, Murder Mystery...etc. Once you decide your theme, make your invitations and send them out 3-4 weeks in advance. Consider sending out Evites to save on paper and postage. That way you can also send people updates and reminders as the party date arrives.

2. Set the mood of your party with lights from Pretty Glow

   Set the MOOD.
   Lighting is very important in setting the mood of your party. Big white candles are elegant for any theme. Do your lights have dimmers? Then dim the lights! If not, use soft colored bulbs with candles. DO you want it to feel cool or warm? Use blue bulbs for cool, or soft pink bulbs for a warmer feel.

3. 

   Serve the right FOOD. When hosting a party, it's best to go with bite-size everything. It's less messy and awkward. Some ideas to try:
   Mini Cupcakes
   Mini Quiches
   Mini Burgers
   Mini Sandwiches
   Cherry Tomatoes
   Mini Tarts
   Serve whatever you want, but keep it small. Also keep in mind that people LOVE comfort food. Have a buffet of mini foods, appetizers, yummy desserts and a fun bar with specialty drinks. Cheese platters always seem to do well and don't forget to include some fresh fruit! However, when deciding what food to serve, take into consideration you party theme, as you may have the opportunity to get creative and serve food that goes with the party theme.

4. 

   Be COOL.
   You are the hostess, so even if you are stressed out or frazzled, play it cool. Make introductions as guests arrive to keep people mingling and having a good time. Take a deep breath, envision yourself being the perfect party host and then go for it.

5. 

   Look HOT.
   If you feel overdressed for the party...perfect! You should look the best! Looking and dressing your best will make you FEEL your best. Dress fancy and you will shine as host or hostess. Plan a trip to the salon before your party to freshen up your look.

6. www.daprisuniquegifts.com

   Scent.
   If the mood lighting candles you are using do not have a scent, find something that gives off the scent you want for your party. Just remember to stay away from sicky sweet smelling candles & potpourris.

7. www.myfloralarrangements.com/

   Flowers.
   Find a bold bouquet(s) to spruce up the place. One on the buffet table would be great as well as any other side tables or coffee tables. If your party is in the summer season, head to your local farmers market for bunches of flowers for a deal. If your party is in the winter season, go for poinsettias.

8. 

   Music.
   Keep music going constantly. No one enjoys awkward silence at a party. Play a variety of music including all time classics from the Jackson Five, Jimmy Buffet, Journey, Bob Marley, Guns N' roses, Aerosmith, Madonna, to Jay-Z, Gnarls Barkley, Brittney Spears, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and whatever else you like in-between. Make a playlist on your computer or Ipod, hook it up to the stereo system and let it go all night!

9. 

   Entertainment.
   Keep a few games on hand for people to play if conversation gets dull or the party is lagging. Have at least 1 deck of cards. "Catch Phrase" is great because you don't have to set up any game pieces. You can just divide into teams and play, the game device keeps track of score. "Scene It" is fun too or check out the book "50 of the Finest Adult Party Games". There's nothing like games and competition to help loosen people up and feel more comfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a small wine tasting party. Serve a couple varieties of wine along with a platter of cheeses, grapes, cherries, crackers, and nuts.

• Put some fresh flowers in a cup in the bathroom and have a great lotion on hand for guests to use.

• If things start to die down, stay positive and upbeat. Introduce a game.

• Hire a bartender or ask someone good with drinks to be in charge of the bar if you can.

Resources

• Pretty Glow Party Lights