Tag Archives: Event Planning

Planning A Theme Party, Part 2

26 Wednesday Feb 2014

Posted by in Entertaining, Event Planning, Table Design

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We had a blast at John’s party this past Saturday!  Everyone came over around 11 am for a quick “picnic” lunch.  Then, off to the Rodeo!

Here are some tips to use the week before an event:

1.  Finalize the menu – I usually figure the menu out long before the week of an event, but there are often a few dishes I need to finalize as the date approaches.  Do this as early as possible, so you can buy the groceries (if you are cooking).  As I said previously, I buy the dry ingredients in advance.  And, keep a list!  I cannot stress how important a list is – it will help prevent last-minute trips to the store for forgotten items.  Make a final trip to the store the day or two before the party for fresh fruits and veggies.

2.  Confirm with vendors – Call anyone helping you with an event – the caterer, transportation, event location – and confirm your reservation.

3.  Arrange flowers and decorations – You will feel a lot more prepared if you arrange flowers and any decorations the day before your party.  This includes having all serveware, dinnerware, and stemware out and organized.  This way, you can focus on other things the day of a party.   Flowers will open up over night and look just gorgeous for an event.

4.   Finish any last minute bar prep – Unless you are hosting a big party, there is no need to offer a complete bar.  I decide ahead of time what we will be serving for cocktails and during a meal.  For instance, John was in charge of mixing the Bloody Marys this past weekend.  He had a bar set up with all of the spices and olives, pickles, and bacon for garnishing.  They were amazing!  We also had a party tub of ice cold beers, sauvignon blanc, and waters.  The drink options fit the time of day, the party theme, and there was something for everyone.  At dinner parties, I’ll usually offer something when guests arrive (like champagne) and wine for dinner.  If you offer specific choices, people usually pick from that list.  Of course, if a guest doesn’t want what I’ve offered, I’ll expand.  At the end of the day, I want my guests to have a great time.  The drinks and most garnishes can be purchased ahead of time.

5.  Make a List – Not only for the items you need to buy, but also for timing purposes.  Write down what needs to be done when.  This is especially important the day of an event.  For example, if you need to put food in the oven at a certain time – put that on the list.

6.  Cook (if you are cooking) – Figure out how to approach your menu.  Some dishes can be make a day or two in advance, which is so nice.  In fact, I usually plan a menu around when each dish can be made so that I’m not so stressed the day of the event.

7.  Enjoy the Party! – If you are well prepared, you’ll be able to enjoy the party with your guests!

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Planning a Theme Party, Part I

13 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by in Entertaining, Event Planning

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Each time I throw a party (regardless of the size), I learn ways to streamline the preparation the next time around.  My husband’s birthday is quickly approaching, and we wanted to celebrate with a small group of close friends.  I decided to center the party around the Tucson Rodeo, which will be in town over his birthday.  We’ll start with lunch at our house, and then head to the Rodeo.  Here are some basics to consider when planning a theme party:

  • Get excited! – The most important aspect of any event is the feel – and a warm, inviting atmosphere is the goal.  Your guests can tell when you are emotionally invested in the party and happy to be hosting.  And, your interest and dedication throughout the planning process will show.
  • Party Basics – Choose your destination and make sure it fits with the theme.  Also, be sure to consider if you will need to provide transportation.  And, think about the type of food you’ll serve – depending on the time of the event.
  • Create Invitations – If it’s economically possible, I always prefer paper invitations.  First of all, it’s fun to get an invite in the mail.  Second,  an invitation has the ability to set the tone for the event – and a paper invitation just makes more of an impression.  This is especially, but not exclusively, true for a theme party.  The invitation will be the first thing that your guest sees, so use it to grab her interest.

John's Invitation

  • Carry the Theme – while it’s not necessary to go overboard to make an impact (less is usually more), the details really matter.  So if you’re having a theme party, keep things consistent with that theme, and be creative!  For example, the rodeo party will start with lunch at our house.  I’m not doing any crazy decorations, but in keeping with the theme, I’m serving a picnic type lunch – sandwiches, chips, fruit, Bloody Marys, Texas sheet cake for dessert, etc.  The table cloths will be casual.  I’m even using – gasp – paper plates and cups – which is completely unexpected for me, but works with this casual theme.  So, once you decide on the theme and the location – start thinking about the food and other details where you can incorporate fun ideas.  The internet is always a great resource if you are having difficulty!
  • Make a List – keep a list of all of the things you need to do, people to call, and items to buy.  Try to cross off as much on the list as possible before the week of the event.  There will always be more to do the week of a party than you anticipate, so get things done ahead of time.  When I host a big holiday, which involves many meals and lots of cooking, I always buy the dry ingredients ahead of time to limit my last minute shopping.  This makes me feel so much more organized.