How To Organize A Party

By Polly Hamilton
Organizing a party is a detailed process that, done well, will leave you with lasting, happy memories and a very successful evening! There are several steps to take which will help you to organize a party:

Step One: What sort of party do you want? A Birthday; an anniversary; a work do; or just a party for party's sake? This decision will determine how you go about organizing your party.

Step Two: How many people do you want to invite to your party and who do you want to invite? This will again determine the answers to the following steps. You have to work out how to invite the people you want, without being forced to include too many unwanted guests.

Step Three: Where will you hold your party? If it is a small gathering it is appropriate to have it in your house, but you may have problems such as, new furniture that drinks could get spilt on or room mates who don't want a party. You have to think of locations that are the most suitable to your particular gathering. Here are some helpful suggestions on how to choose a location. A 20th wedding anniversary would go well in the back garden: intimate and relaxed! If you are celebrating your child's 2nd birthday perhaps you could hire his kindergarten or play centre, many places like these hire their premises out as it is a very fitting and familiar environment for young children to run around and have fun.



Step Four: What food should you serve at your gathering? Take into consideration: who are you inviting, vegetarians, children, teenagers, etc? Where will the party be held, your garage, the beach? Some places will cater as part of the deal. If you're having a large party at your own place you might consider hiring catering. What time of day will you hold your party? If it is Christmas breakfast you'll need champagne and pancakes, if it is a New Years Eve bash you'll need beer and plenty of finger food. And finally, what season is it? People might think it odd if you serve a roast turkey on a hot summer's day and equally odd if you serve only cold foods at a mid-winter dinner.

Step Five: The invitations! These must include vital facts: why, where, when 'til when, who to bring and what to bring. Firstly, why: you need to explain to your guests what the party is for, especially if it is a surprise party. For example: You are invited to celebrate Grandpa Jo's 70th Birthday Party! Secondly, where: consider that some guests need a map, but a street address should be enough. Thirdly, when 'til when: guests need to know when to arrive, when it will be polite to leave, and sometimes what time breakfast/lunch/dinner will be served. Fourthly, who to bring: this is fairly simple, instruct guests to bring a date if needed, otherwise don't mention it in the invitation. Fifthly, what to bring: some people ask people to bring a dish, in this case you write this on each individual invitation. Consider what people are good at cooking, and what they will be able to afford. If you include all these details on your invitation, you will have a very comprehensive invite! And don't forget to put the R.S.V.P date and your number for people to contact you!!

Step Six: Relax and enjoy the fun part: creating the atmosphere. This is the part which is too specific to each party to teach someone how to do. You need to think about music, decoration, lighting and food presentation. As long as you make sure all of these are appropriate for your guests, location, and the sort of party you are throwing, you will have success! Good luck and enjoy the experience! Remember, you may be the host, but you are there to party too!!

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More info on how to organize a party!