| Planning a party involves many activities that are | | | | planning your decorations, adding them to your |
| best organized by using a checklist. Included below | | | | shopping list, purchasing them, and then actually |
| are some tips for creating a party planning | | | | putting the decorations up on the day of the |
| checklist. | | | | party. |
| The party planning list should contain a list of | | | | If you are hiring a bartender and/or a caterer, an |
| items that need to be completed in order to | | | | activity should be on the list to meet with them |
| successfully host a party. The list should not only | | | | to discuss the details of the party. Another |
| contain the activities themselves, but also the | | | | activity should be included to follow up with them |
| person designated to complete each task. | | | | closer to the event to make sure everything is |
| If you are hiring a caterer to handle the food, | | | | going according to plan. |
| then the caterer would be the responsible party | | | | If you are purchasing a cake or other prepared |
| for many of the tasks on your checklist. If you | | | | food items, you need an activity on your list to |
| are handling the food yourself, your list might | | | | order the cake and also to pick up the cake. The |
| contain different activities such as:o Plan party | | | | same holds true for any foods you are having |
| menuo Create shopping listo Plan the food | | | | prepared for you. If you are having an outdoor |
| preparation checklisto Plan for tables and serving | | | | barbecue, you might purchase some ready made |
| dishes | | | | items such as meat, slaw, beans, iced tea, and |
| The checklist should start with some very basic | | | | bread. A task would then need to be included to |
| tasks. You need to first set a date for the party. | | | | order these foods and also to have them picked |
| You will need invitations. You need to set a party | | | | up on the day of the party. |
| budget. You will need to create a guest list. The | | | | Many of the items on your checklist depend |
| invitations need to be sent out well in advance of | | | | largely on the type of party you are having. The |
| the party. The party menu needs to be prepared | | | | main concept is to create a detailed party |
| listing everything that will be needed. The party | | | | checklist in the very beginning and include as |
| menu needs to be a secondary checklist to the | | | | many detailed tasks as possible. It is better to |
| main list as it requires some detail. Another item | | | | have too many activities and remove a few later |
| that should be on the list is choosing the location | | | | than to forget and leave something out. After the |
| for the party. | | | | list is created, prioritize it and designate |
| A party menu needs to include items other than | | | | responsibilities for each task. Use the list |
| just food. There are other things that will be | | | | throughout the pre-party phase to keep you |
| needed such as napkins, serving ware, ice, cups, | | | | organized and on track. |
| coolers, and beverages. If you are serving | | | | A party planning list is a key tool in helping you |
| cocktails, the list needs to include the specific | | | | plan the best party possible. On the day of the |
| liquors, wines, beers, and mixers that will be | | | | party, you can relax and enjoy yourself knowing |
| needed. | | | | you did a great job organizing a fun and |
| The primary checklist will need to allow for | | | | successful party. |