How to Plan for a Large Party With Refreshments

Planning a party helps you stick to a budget.

The holiday season is typically a time for throwing large parties for friends and family. Or you may wish to host a large special event party for a friend or family member, such as a significant birthday, major anniversary, or shower. Large parties may seem a daunting task for those who have never hosted a party for more than a few people. A good plan is all it takes to make a large party a huge success.

Things You'll Need

• Notepad and pen
• Calculator
• Budget
• Magnetic whiteboard and marker
• Notebook binder, planner or index cards and box, if desired

Instructions

1. Write your guest list on one sheet of your notepad.

2. Budget the amount you can spend on the party on a separate sheet of the notepad.

3. Make a schedule for the party and decide the date and time for the party. This will ensure that you can invite the guests in time and get your food, decorations, tents or other requirements ready on time. Make a timetable for invitations, catering arrangements if you engage professional catering, purchasing food and drinks and arranging the furniture.

4. Draw up the layout of the party. Choose the location where you will keep food and drinks. Prepare for bad weather for an outdoor party and make sure that you have enough indoor space for the guests and for the refreshments. If you plan a party in a location other than your home, visit the location and plan the layout.

5. Plan the menu and list the drinks for the party based on your budget. If you plan a themed party, choose food and drink that will suit the theme of the party.

6. Write a quick numbered checklist in the order of things to do, first to last, on the magnetic whiteboard and stick it on your refrigerator for easy reference.

Tips & Warnings

• Enlist the help of a friend or a professional party planner if you feel overwhelmed.

• Keep a file of all your party ideas, notes and plans in one place. Use a notebook binder, a scrapbook-style planner, or index cards and box as well as your whiteboard.

References

• Partyology: Party Planning
• Party Planning Guide: Planning a large party