Supply lists help hosts organize the perfect party.
Although many movies make it seem like parties materialize out of nowhere, the truth is, real life parties take weeks of preparation and planning. One way to simplify the planning process and ensure no important (or unimportant) details are forgotten, is to create a checklist of the items you will need to ensure the success of your gathering. Does this Spark an idea?
Guest List and Invitations
Invitations are the first ingredient to cooking up a successful party. Guest lists allow you to comb through your friends, family and acquaintances to choose the perfect combination of personalities to ensure a lively time. Proofread your invitations to make sure all the information is correct, including the party's occasion, the time, date, location (with directions) and duration; you can also mention important theme information, such as what people should bring, wear or for which they should be prepared.
Decorations
Decorations must be included in the list of party supplies. Based on the theme of the party, prepared party planners decide what decorations they'd like beforehand, and take their budget, as well as preparation time, into account. Balloons, streamer, and accents, such as table cloths, colored paper plates, napkins and cups can be purchased at discount party-supply stores. Congratulatory banners and other themed crafts can be handmade.
Games and Party Favors
The games and party favors you need depends on the theme of the party. Baby and bridal showers will need games that make light of marriage and motherhood. Games for kids' birthday parties should be fun, age appropriate, and tailored to whether the party will be indoors or outdoors. Intimate adult dinner parties may benefit from board or card games. Parents throwing parties for older children and teens may want to consider Internet or video games. Party favors should be inexpensive; kids should get something to play with while older kids and teens should get something they can use. Adults should get a keepsake to commemorate the occasion.
Refreshments
Refreshments should be near the top of the party supply list. Hosts need to decide what kind of drinks they're serving: beer, wine, mixed drinks, water, punch and soda. Depending on the type of party you're throwing, you may have a mixed crowd of under-age and legal-age drinkers, so it's prudent to have a supply of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You must also decide whether you're serving finger foods and appetizers, or a full meal. Whatever you decide, sit down a week before your party to plan your menu and shopping options.
Music
Music should be chosen depending on the theme of the party, as well as the age group, personal tastes and maturity level of your guests. A couple of days before your get-together, create a play list and make sure your speakers are working. You might want to contact your closest neighbors and let them know to expect loud music coming from your place on the night of the party; apologize in advance for any inconvenience.
Thank-You Cards
Thank-you cards are a time-honored tradition of courtesy. Make sure to get the physical or email addresses of all your guests. Thank them for attending, as well as for any gifts or refreshments they were thoughtful enough to bring.
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