Party Preparations

Summertime is a wonderful time to have a party. I love to throw a party every July for my special friends. The very idea of giving a party can be overwhelming to some people. Like any event that seems overwhelming, it is not so daunting if you break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. I start with my vision in mind. What do I want this party to look like and to feel like. I usually have a theme but the theme could be as simple as “catch up and have fun.” This year my theme is “re-purpose.” I will have everyone bring an idea or item that demonstrates that idea. I want people to have fun, relax, reconnect, and have dialogue. I want the atmosphere to be comfortable, casual, and connected. Now I brainstorm as to what has to happen to make this work. I start with the guest list. Then I plan my invitations. I also look at what I want to serve and my party location. My list may look like this: make invitation list, design invites, print invites, address and mail invites, get person to help one day with yard work, pressure wash deck, have deck painted, prepare yard (3 Sundays), clean teak furniture, paint some deck furniture, plan menu, prepare/order food/beverages, put up tent, clean house, decorate, spray yard, put out food/beverage stations. When looked at all at once, it seems overwhelming, but I break it down and do it over a month’s time. I will either hire out some help or ask for some help or usually both. One day I just put my invitation list together, another day all I do is design the invites, another day I print them off, another I address them and put them out. Now my intention is set and the party is on! The other items are mostly done on weekends and are broken up so that no one day is consumed just by these tasks. By the day of the party there is little to do but finish decorating, some last minute food preparation, preparing the food/beverage stations, and spraying the yard area for bugs. When the guests come, I am ready to party with them.

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer

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