10 Days to A Great Party!

The original title had “easy” and “stress-free” in it, but who am I kidding?  Parties require work and perhaps some stress, but let’s keep both to a minimum!

Plus, there are a few things that happen prior to 10 days before a party, like guest lists, invitations (4 weeks) and space rental (as early as possible), if necessary.  I shared the date with out-of-town family months ago. 

Our “Great Party” is for a First Communion next weekend, though these ideas can work for any event:  birthday, anniversary, graduation - You name it!

Remember your “WHY”.  Our “Why” is to commemorate my son and this special milestone in his life.  Remember, too, WHY people are coming to your home.  They’re coming to enjoy your company and hospitality, not look in your drawers or under your bed.  Focus on the “Why”, let the other stuff go.  DO NOT obsess over details until you dread the event.  Live your life, have fun with your planning, and relax.  

• Wednesday:
  • Craft store for the Communion banner.
  • Choose dressy clothes for family members.  Clean / iron the clothes, and set aside until the big day!
  • Check your kitchen cabinet and use what you have to save money and make room.
  • Determine your menu and what you can outsource.  For example, I’ll order the ice cream cake and fried chicken my son chose, and make the rest.  Then make your grocery list
  • Ask friends for any extras you need - tables or chairs, dishes, etc.
  • Plan / order / shop for gifts or favors, if you need them.
• Thursday: Start major cleaning projects (windows, carpet shampoo, big things).
• Friday:  More major cleaning, if needed.  Remove clutter by dropping off donations, garbage and recycling.
• Weekend: Deep clean fridge and freezer.  Take note of food items you have that you can use for the party, start the ice maker

 Week Of Party:

• Monday – Check final RSVPs, place food orders based on your menu and number of guests. 
• Tuesday – Wrap up major cleaning projects, plus yard maintenance.  Purchase flower planters for deck and porch. 
• Wednesday – The house and fridge are clean and de-cluttered, so do your grocery shopping for food, paper goods, liquor, beverages, etc.
• Thursday – weekly cleaning, yard maintenance rain date, photos and Sacrament display.
• Friday – food prep and final touches, set up tables and chairs.  Crock pot dinner.  We have house guests for the weekend, so I’ll change bedding and lay out towels.
• Morning of event:  Final cleaning and prep, pick up ice and ordered food (send a spouse or friend!), wipe down the front door and hang porch flag, blow up and hang balloons
• Last hour – get yourself ready, wipe down the bathrooms, vacuum, take out trash, empty dishwasher, light candles and put on some music.

See, I told you – You Can Do This!  Remember your WHY, and do a little bit every day.  Enjoy!

This is part of the April edition of Colleen CPO's Blog.