| Parties are one of the most colorful things in life. They | | | | good food, and superb entertainment are essentials of |
| are opportunities to meet new people and reunite with | | | | a good party. Decorations help create the festive |
| old friends. They present a reason to enjoy good food | | | | mood, so make sure to include balloons, banners, and |
| and fine wine, be entertained and simply have fun. If | | | | other designs in keeping with your theme. For catering |
| you find yourself entrusted to plan a party for a loved | | | | services, look to friends and family for |
| one, then you may be aware of the amount of effort | | | | recommendations. Also, a good host or a great |
| it takes. The good news is that creative party planning | | | | entertainment package is important if you want the |
| is a skill that can be learned -- yes, even by the worst | | | | party to be a lively event. Consider jugglers, magicians, |
| party poopers. Here are four simple steps to help you | | | | fortune-tellers, live bands or DJs. Where appropriate, |
| throw the party of a lifetime. | | | | prepare games and dances that encourage guest |
| | | | participation. |
| 1. GET ORGANIZED: Planning a party can be a | | | | 4. HAVE FUN: Planning a party just right can be an |
| daunting task, even for the experienced party planner. | | | | intense affair, so much so that often those new to it |
| Start by preparing a checklist. After deciding the when | | | | may forget the very reason for throwing a party. It is |
| and where, consider the kind of party you'd like to | | | | important to note that while you may boast the most |
| have; think of its size. Your party will largely depend on | | | | organized lists and months of preparation, the |
| your budget, so make sure you plan everything | | | | unexpected is bound to happen. When it does, |
| realistically. Also, set a timeline for the party. Should you | | | | remember to take it in stride. The goal of the party is |
| book the venue ahead of time? Should you hire a | | | | not to make sure you have enough shrimp to last the |
| caterer? When sending out invitations, remember to | | | | whole evening; the goal is to make sure your guests |
| include details such as an RSVP contact number, the | | | | have fun. To accomplish that task, you should start by |
| attire and theme, directions, and whether gifts are | | | | setting the example. |
| appropriate. | | | | Party planning is a skill that can be learned. The |
| 2. PICK A THEME: Picking a theme will make your | | | | success of the party is almost always proportionate to |
| party more exciting and memorable. Your invitations, | | | | the amount of preparation and planning. Of course, |
| decorations, entertainment - the entire atmosphere of | | | | getting the right people to provide the food, |
| your party -- should be in line with the theme. Themes | | | | entertainment and decorations are critical factors that |
| can also guide your gift selection and required attire. | | | | affect the outcome. But even the best planned parties |
| Some theme ideas include 50s kitsch, 80s disco, | | | | have unexpected turns. As the party unfolds, don't |
| sports, and so on. Have fun with it. | | | | dwell on "surprises"; focus instead on the celebration of |
| 3. DON'T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Decorations, | | | | family and friends. Relax, and have fun. |