Parties are a lot of fun! If you go to one it’s less stress, but throwing a party doesn’t have to be an occasion you fret over. Planning is the key to keeping it simple, organized and once that’s done then the fun will lend itself. You can just enjoy your guests. So, if you’ve never had a party the best beginning is to start a guest list. This way you’ll have some idea from the start how big you’d like to make it. You will also know how much food to buy or prepare if you prefer. If you would rather not get involved with providing the food, you can offer a casual party where you ask the guests to bring a covered dish of their own. Many enjoy a variety of tastes homemade by friends and family. Some of the food is the best you will ever come by!
If it’s a theme, make sure your guests are aware so they know they need to bring a certain “style” dish that’s suitable. Maybe you want people to also dress the part. The creativity never ends! You can decorate; buy plates and napkins for the occasion to add to the zest! Party platters can be ordered, so you won’t have to assemble yourself. Food in warm weather should be properly stored while guests are there, so it’s recommended to have coolers of ice available to put any foods that could turn sour like mayonnaise or any other foods that don’t do well staying out too long. Of course the coolers act as beverage holders too. Have plenty of ice on hand, and coolers to keep them in. If guests bring their own drinks, be sure there is room for them.
Should you send invitations or just ask people directly? With social media and messaging, plus texting it might seem more personal if asking in those formats. Plus, you can get RSVPs much faster to give you an idea of how many guests to expect. It really comes down to formality. If it’s a more posh affair, then by all means you will want formal invitations. But, friends gathering to just have a great outdoor time, then it’s perfectly “Miss Manners” approved to send an SMS or IM to a close friend. Maybe they don’t get invited often to parties, so this could be the one thing that made their year!
You have the guests, the location, the food and the theme, so what’s missing? Make sure to check the weather for sun vs. rain. Nothing spoils a gathering like rain, especially if you don’t’ have a back-up plan to relocate your guests. If you have room, you could move the cars out of the garage and create a party room there as long as it’s cleaned up and made tidy. Keeping the tables of food and coolers in the garage or barn may be a better idea anyway. This way the guests can migrate there if by chance there would be a surprise storm moving in. So, are you ready to start planning? Don’t forget to have the flowers planted, the lawn mowed, and get citronella candles so the bugs will stay away. You want your guests to enjoy their time, and you want to be worry free.
