Thinking of planning a party? Maybe you're hosting game night, a birthday party for your kids, or a holiday dinner–regardless of the occasion, you'll have to plan ahead. If you're wondering how to prepare for your party, consider this simple party checklist of 10 steps your new cheat-sheet.
Take a few minutes to read through these helpful tips and tricks for planning your next party. Being prepared will help you organize, plan and feel less overwhelmed with all of your hosting to-do's.
You might also want to read: Simple Tips for Entertaining Like a Pro
Prepare For Your Party Checklist
I love the idea of having friends over and the hustle of getting everything ready. But, for a lot of people this just feels overwhelming and a reason not to play hostess. Hopefully I can make the planning and prep less painful so you will feel more encouraged to go ahead and invite people over.
It's easy to get overwhelmed with what may seem like a lot of details in the planning. However, if you break the planning and preparation up into 10 smaller steps it feels a lot more doable.
Here are some of the basic steps to hosting a party
- Decide on the menu. This will indicate how formal the evening should be. You can create a seated meal, or a simple appetizer buffet. Get as fancy as you're comfortable with or just keep the party food it super low key.
- Create the guest list. Will it be an intimate gathering or more of a party?
- Decide on a date and time. Keep in mind your menu. For example, if you're not serving dinner your party should make sure your party ends before dinner or starts after.
- Invite your guests. The final number will help you know how much food you'll need to prepare so ask them to RSVP. Sending out a quick Evite makes this really easy for guests!
- Create a shopping list. Don't forget the beverages, napkins, and even candles.
- Make your cleaning list. I love having people over because it is the only time I am truly motivated to deep clean my house. Look at it as an opportunity! Give yourself enough time. I like to space out my to-do's over a week or two.
- Plan some entertainment. Browse through your favorite tunes to find some appropriate music. Maybe go as far as making a dinner party playlist. Rent a movie for the kids. Dust off a game or two.
- Make ahead anything that can be made ahead! This is my hostess "superpower!" Make desserts, cut vegetables, make the casserole or soups ... you get the idea. Make anything (and everything!) you can ahead of time. This makes for a less stressful day-of.
- Create a timeline so that you are not preparing up to the minute your guests arrive. Getting stuff done ahead of time will allow you to have enough time to get yourself ready. That way you're not feeling rushed minutes before the doorbell rings.
- Enjoy! This is supposed to be fun, remember? Relax and enjoy your company.
How to prepare for a party at your house
If you're hosting a party at your house you'll have a much longer list than the 10 steps above since you will also have to make your space suitable for guests. When I'm preparing my house for a party I like to get started as early as I can with tasks like:
- Stock up on toilet paper and paper towels
- Clean ahead of time: baseboards, porch, patio, spare rooms
- Tackle these spaces the day before your party: bathrooms, kitchens, the floor
- 30 Minutes before: Light candles and set out beverages to welcome guests with
You might also want to read:
Browse Party Food Ideas
Browse Cocktail Recipes
Related Party Tips & Ideas
Tell me: What's the biggest thing you struggle with when planning a party? Leave a comment below!
Diana says
Thank you for talking us down from overwhelm! I remind myself that my space is not a museum and my guests aren't expecting it to be. Nobody is going to pull out the white gloves. Yes, I clean but I don't need to obsess about it.
Elina Brooks says
My brother is coming back after working overseas for years, and since his arrival coincides with his birthday, we were planning to throw him a party. I found it useful when you suggested creating a timeline to help us get stuff ahead of time so we won't still be preparing up to the minute the guests arrive. I'll be sure to do as you said once I find out where to avail of a birthday party package soon.
Elaina D'Agostino says
Thank you for your advice about planning the entertainment and that we should browse through our favorite tunes and set up a dinner party playlist. In our case, I think it's best if we hire professionals to handle the music for us. After all, there are approximately 100 guests, and we want to give them the opportunity to make requests.
brianna guljar says
i dont know
Sammy says
Cooking my mother's pizza
jeff says
This party steps are really going to help me. I will reply again if your steps actully work.