Think great parties are just thrown together? Think again.
It doesn't matter if it is a birthday party for a group of 5 year olds or a sophisticated cocktail party for the trendy set, it doesn't just happen.
To have a great party to you need a check list to make sure that all the little things are done so you don't have to worry and can enjoy yourself along with your guest.
Here is my Ultimate Party Check List.
There are three printable pdfs that make up the Ultimate Party Check List
Ultimate Party Check List page 3.pdf
Here is a quick run down of what is on each page and a few ideas to think about.
Here is a quick run down of what is on each page and a few ideas to think about.
Page 1
Date of Party
It might seem obvious but make sure that you are having your party when people are able to attend. Pick a date that is not in conflict with major events or traditions unless that is what you are celebrating.
Guest List
Be very specific in your invitations who you are inviting. If you don't want your friends to bring their kids then tell them. They will want to know.
The Invitations
Mail Telephone E-mail Text
Doesn't matter how you are inviting them you have to make sure that they get the invitation and that if you know if they are going to be showing up. RSVP regrets only seems to be standard now, so if you don't hear from them then expect them at the front door. Make sure you have the date, time, address and map to your home available either in the invitation or on-line.
Page 2
Access to Home
You want to make sure that it is easy to get to your front door and that no one will be tripping on anything left out or having to negotiate piles of leaves or snow.
House Number Visible
They want to easily see that they are at the right place so make sure your house number is easy to see from the street.
Lights On
If the party is in the evening make sure that the porch light is on. I also turn on all the lights at the front of my home so our house glows and looks welcoming.
Door Decorated
It doesn't matter if it is a childrens party or a sophisticated affair for the adults, decorating your front door starts the party mood even before they enter your home.
Place for Coats, Shoes, and Boots
If your front closet is tiny then use your bedroom or laundry room as a cloak room. If the weather is bad you might want to put something down on your floor to protect it from wet or dirty foot ware.
Inside Decorated
It is up to you how much you decorate but if it is for a children's party balloons and streamers always look great. Even for an adult party decorations can set the tone.
Food Area
You are going to have to decide where to set out the food. It can be in your kitchen or living room but make sure that there will be easy access to it.
Table Decorations
How fancy do you want to get? Obviously if this is a themed party like a baby shower, birthday or some other event there are thousands of great ideas on the internet to help you make the table decorations look special.
Plates
Where there is food there has to be plates. Make sure that you have extras.
Cutlery
If you are only having finger food then you can skip this. If not make sure again that you have extra.
Napkins
These can be part of your decorations if you are having a themed party.
Serving Dishes
For all the goodies that everyone will be eating.
Serving Utensils
To get at all the goodies you will be eating.
Food
Make sure that you write out your menu so you will be well prepared to figure out what you will need to buy and how much time you will be spending cooking.
Drinks Area (Bar Area)
You might want to consider having this in a different place than your food table as people will be going back to get drinks more often than they will be going to get food.
Ice
To keep your drinks cold
Cold Beverages
Soda pops, juices, water should be at any party even if you are serving liquor as not everyone likes to drink. Your choice or whether to serve wine, beer or alcohol really depends on the crowd you are inviting and the time of day.
Hot Beverages
Having tea and coffee at a party is lovely especially for those that enjoy it after a meal. If it is a kid's party consider putting on a pot of coffee for any adults that might stick around.
Glassware
Of course plastic drinking glasses are fine for a large party or a party with children but if you have them then why not use your proper wine, beer and beverage glasses.
Mugs/Cups
If you are serving tea or coffee.
Extra Chairs
Standing all night at a party can be tiring and not everyone feels comfortable sitting on the floor. If you have extra chairs around your home consider bringing them into the party area.
Page 3
Clean Up Table
To have a small table off from where you are serving food for people to leave their dirty plates and glasses on if you don't want them going into your kitchen. If you do this then make sure that you keep your eye on it and remove dishes before it begins to look like a mess.
Garbage Container
I am not talking about bringing in your trash can. If you have a garbage container that has a swing top to it then place it out by the clean up table for people to get rid of their napkins and other trash.
Immaculate Bathroom
Your bathroom will have to be the one room in the house that has to look absolutely spotlessly clean. Try to keep an eye on it through out the party.
Soap Dispenser
In the bathroom it is cleaner to have a soap dispenser than a bar of soap when many people will be using it.
Toilet Paper
Always have extras out where it can be easily seen.
Tissues
I have extra boxes of tissues in the bathroom but also through out the party area.
Extra Paper Towels
For all those spills that might happen.
Music
Don't leave this to the last minute. Music set the mood and can really make your party exciting. Even if it is a children's party or a bridal shower make sure that you have some music in the background.
Entertainment
Depending on your party you might chose not to have any sort of entertainment but imagine how surprised your guests would be if a magician showed up to entertain them. For children's parties the entertainment can just be organizing games for them or some other activity.
Print off these three lists and check off what you need to do and have done and your party will run so smoothly your guest will wonder how you do it all.
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Copyright Ingrid Talpak 2011
Morestylethancash
Copyright Ingrid Talpak 2011
Morestylethancash
This is a great list! I need to keep it on hand! You never think there is that much to do until it comes time to do it. Great post! Found you at tip junkies link up.
-Mackenzie @ www.fridaynightdatenight.blogspot.com
This is great I'd love you to add it to what we wore and made party over at http://raegunwear.blogspot.com
That is a seriously comprehensive list - I love lists! Thanks so much for sharing at Taking A Timeout Thursday. Can't wait to see what you've been up to this week :)
-Trish @ Mom On Timeout
http://www.MomOnTimeout.com