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There are five basic things you should consider when you begin to plan a party. These things should be done even before you send out invitations.
1. What is the reason for your party? Are you celebrating a special occasion such as an anniversary or birthday? Are you paying tribute to a particular holiday, such as the Fourth of July or Christmas? Are you hosting a party because you feel obligated to entertain friends to whom you "owe" a social occasion? Keep the reason in focus as you continue to plan.
2 What type of party do you have in mind? Are you contemplating an outdoor barbeque or a formal sit down dinner? Consider such things as your own energy level and just how much work you can handle. Also, think about how many people your home can accommodate. Perhaps an outdoor setting would offer more space. Will weather be a factor in your planning?
Are you comfortable using paper or plastic tableware, or do you prefer a more formal setting and your best china?
Will your party have a theme carried out in your decorating and choice of tableware? Patriotic, Western or Hawaiian are popular party theme choices. Guests can enjoy dressing in costume for the event and it helps them get into the party mood.
3. Set a budget and stick to it. Party expenses can easily get out of hand. The cost of food, linens or table ware, flowers, beverages and decorating items can easily add up to more than you expected. This is the time to decide if you want and/or can afford serving help.
4. Study your calendar carefully when choosing the date for your party. Clear several days before the party to give yourself plenty of time for preparations. For instance, you don't want to have an appointment for a root canal the day before your party! Nor do you want to schedule your party the same day as someone else's party or a big concert taking place in your community.
5. How many guests will you invite? Are you inviting friends, family or a mixture of both? Will your guests get along with each other? You don't want your party to turn into a battleground! People who love to expound on their illnesses or doom and gloom of the state of the nation can really spoil a party. If you must invite them, be sure their negativity is countered with lots of cheerful, outgoing personalities.
Now it's time to send out the invitations. Invitations sent by mail are still the best way. Invitations sent by email may be more "green", and cost effective, but it's still nicer to receive an invitation in the mail. The line "R.S.V.P." or " Regrets only" can be used to encourage the guest to respond promptly. Invitations should be send out about two weeks before the date of your party.
Follow these planning tips and your party will be off to a great start.
Maxine Holmgren is the author of over 15 mystery tea party plans available at http://www.mysteryteaparties.com/.
She has written party guides and is a speaker on such topics as tea etiquette, how to host a tea party and health benefits of tea. The laugh filled mystery tea party plans are popular with event planners, activity directors, and fund-raisers as well as tea rooms and individuals.