Parties at Home ... Better & Back In Style!

Someone asked me whether they should plan their own party and how they should go about it.

Great question. Because I know a lot of people have tried, some successfully and some not so successfully.

Besides the fact, that people are looking for ways to beat the economy - causing many to review the options of entertaining at home.

The whole point of this model is to share information that you'll find useful and to give you a few helpful, money-saving tips that are easy to execute.

First things first.

Your budget. If you plan to throw something extravagant, be realistic about what you can afford. Don't over do it. Think about keeping your guest list to a minimum. You could always wait a few months or so, then plan to host another event - inviting a different group of people, for a different reason, to a party with an entirely different theme. I've done that before; hosting several mini-parties over the course of several weeks. I was able to spend more time actually at my party instead of working it. For me, it was the perfect solution for spending time with several of my favorite people. And, it worked out perfectly, economically, too.

When?

The sooner you get the word out that you're hosing your shindig, the better. Send your invitations 4 to 6 weeks prior to your party date for the best turn out. This way, your party will be written on their calendars and you'll hear no last-minute excuses. Sending electronic invitations is always quick and easy. Yet, these days because almost no one mails out invitations anymore, receiving a written invitation might be a nice beginning - with your beautiful invitation setting the tone for a great evening. Here's where you state the "particulars"; you know the drill ... the dress code (if there is one), what you would like them to bring (if anything) and if you're requesting a response or R.S.V.P. (Abbreviation of French répondez s'il vous plaît).

And consider ...

Where?

Just like in real estate - location, location, location. You don't need to spend money to have a great time. Invest sweat equity instead. That is to say, you spend the time necessary to save money and produce a great environment with plenty of tasty food and good drinks.

If cost efficiency is of the utmost importance to you, I urge you to use your own home if you think you will have enough space. As an off-premise catering expert, it's only natural that I would suggest this, first. Saving yourself money and keeping it private can work to your advantage as room rental rates can be expensive and sharing common areas at a multi-room facility may not be appealing. Many facilities (hotels, for example) require food and beverage fees as a part of their entire package so make sure you ask the right questions before you sign facility contracts. If you decide to entertain at home, consider the downside. You might end up with wine stains, as well as the possibility of breakages.

If you're planning an office party, I suggest that you save yourself the room rental fees and just have it there. Save room in your budget for floral arrangements or put up some colorful, festive balloons. Remember, balloons aren't neccessarily only for children's parties and they don't cost a lot, so using them could actually work out for you quite well. I'm a "decor queen", so I say - go hog wild! Get a big bunch of them filled with helium and have long streamers added to them, and let them float all over the ceiling. Your best effect will be created when you use a lot of them. At the end of your party, rid yourself of your balloon decor by making balloon bouquests for your co-workers to take home to their children. Remember, "go green". Releasing them into the sky isn't good for the environment. If you can afford the expense, floral arrangements in a room always make a beautiful environment. And like with the balloons, my suggestion is that you keep them colorful. Office environments are sometimes drab and uneventful, and a punch of floral color will really dress the place up. Think about adding Boston ferns or potted plants around the room, too. They add a real nice, budget-friendly party aesthetic and make nice parting gifts as well.

Finally...

What for? And, why?

Is it a birthday celebration? Anniversary? Graduation? Retirement? Or, just because? That part is easy. For me, most all of the time it begins with the food and beverages and then everything else stems out from there.

Are you cooking the food yourself? Or, are you planning to hire a professional caterer?

You could save yourself some of the work and "go potluck", asking each guest to bring one dish or a dessert. Choosing this option, if you're planning a theme meal - say Mexican (food) for example, be sure to tell your guests. And, for any bachelor friends that you might have that may not be into cooking, let them know that it's alright if they bring a restaurant carry-out. That way, they aren't stressed out about cooking something for you to serve and you aren't either.

Set a beautiful buffet table. Use your biggest and best serving platters and if you set it up right, your guests will be impressed by your presentation and "oo-oo" and "ah-hh". If you feel that this is too overwhelming and don't feel like doing any of the work or clean-up, contact a professional caterer. There just might be a few out there like me, who specialize in remarkably affordable off-premise events of all sizes.

That's it. Although, there is so much more I could say. This is what a basic home catered party is all about. Spend time, not money. And then keep all the money that you save to spend on you and your guests.

You can do this. Have fun and good luck!

I'm here, if you have any questions. Just ask.


Other related posts:

Cater-Hater?
Using Twitter to Find a Caterer or Event Planner
Good Catering and Event Planning Party Deals
Get Cheap and Shameless Catering Deals
A Truth about Hiring Party Professionals
Are You a Party Visionary?
Break the Rules to Save Money

Image source: armst

Articles Recommended by Cater-Hater & Zemanta

• Steal This Idea: Paper Menus-Turned-Take-Away Bags (thekitchn.com)
• How much to spend on baby's first birthday? (queercents.com)
• Party Animals (timesunion.com)
• Are You a Party Industry Visionary? (carloatyourservice.com)

Special Offers for Cater-Hater Subscribers!

We respect your email privacy