Party Planning for Success
Party planning is an essential part of making a day a tremendous success. I usually start with a list. Menu items first, grocery items second, and then what party decorations, tableware, service ware, etc is needed.
The last party I hosted, I held a late afternoon / early dinner party that I billed as offering simple fare. Guests contributed side dishes and I took care of meats and drinks. Sounds simple enough, but it turns out that even if all you are doing is putting meats on a tray, you have to plan and you need party supplies.
For example, once I realized that everyone invited planned to attend, I also realized that I did not have sufficient cutlery or a complete set of dishes to serve that number of people. So, I stopped at the party store near me, strolled the aisles for party decor. I started in the solids, thinking that it would be best to pick up solid color plates and napkins rather than themed-party supplies. That way I could use them again throughout the summer. But once I strolled around the party store, I couldn't help myself. There were so many party decorations and designs that I just had to have. And soon my basket was filled with a tablecloth and matching beverage napkins for the table where drinks were to be set up, a set of dinner napkins, large dinner plates, the cool plastic ware that looks like real cutlery. As I started toward the checkout, I spotted the cups that matched the plates. So, of course, I had to have them. Then I picked up some small bowls for the dips. They're plastic, but not quite disposable - if you know what I mean.
The event was for mother's day, so I counted out all the moms who were to be in attendance and headed over to the greeting card section, selecting special cards for each of my family and friends who were attending. I was starting to worry that I would overspend, but when all was said and done, I was very pleasantly surprised at how affordable it was to make the party easy on myself by lightening the cleaning load with paper plates, disposable napkins and cups. Best of all, when the party was set up and waiting for guests to arrive, I looked around and was very pleased at how everything looked.
So plan my friends. And when you do, put our party store on your list as the place to stop for all you need.
- Pat Markham
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