I’ve learned a few things over the years about parties.  I used to get really stressed and want everything perfect…only to be exhausted and disappointed by the time the party arrived.  So after years of trial and error, I thought I would share a few of the things I’ve learned to make throwing a great party a little easier and less stressful {of course both of those will depend on your personality! 😉 }

1.  Keep food simple.

You don’t have to use elaborate recipes to make good food or a great display.  You also don’t need to have TOO much of a variety.  I always like to have a few savory dishes and a few sweet ones.  This philosophy is true for drinks as well.

There are plenty of great simple recipes…just check Pinterest if you’re stumped!  And don’t underestimate the tastiness of pre-made, purchased foods.

2.  Shop your house for decor.

You will probably be pleasantly surprised at what you will find when you start looking around.  You can sometimes tweak a theme to make it work with what you already have.

(The chalkboard is from my dining room and the stool that the drink dispenser is on came from my daughter’s room.)

3.  Use nature or fruit to add drama.

A simple tree branch can add so much drama to a center piece.  Fruit and vegetables are also an easy way to add to a centerpiece.  I spent less than $15 on flowers for this party and a few bags of apples…that can be used after the party for lots of yummy desserts.  For the baskets, I just added some brown paper to the bottom and placed a few apples on top.  It looks full, but you only have to use a fraction of fruit.

4.  Use removable hooks and twine.

The easiest way to add decor that needs to hang temporarily, is to use a removable hook or twine.

All the lights were attached to the siding using Command hooks, and the map hanging under the pergola was hung with twine.  Everything was easily and quickly taken down after the party. {Tear down is always  SO much quicker!}

5.  Let others help!!!

I think this is the most important and hardest one for me.  Nine out of ten times your guests will ask “What can I bring?”  LET them!  I know for me it’s hard to let go of some of the control because I have a vision for what I  want it to look like. The majority of the time when people offer they are sincere about their intentions and genuinely want to help.   Take some of the stress away from yourself and let someone else fell good, it’s almost always a win-win.

With that being said, be honest about your expectations.  I’m pretty particular about how I want things to look and my friends know this about me, so normally they ask me what my expectations are without me even mentioning it.  If the friend is a neighbor or lives really close I ask them to bring their item in advance so I can get it set up before all the guests arrive.  I always appreciate people’s help and it makes a party easier when you aren’t doing everything yourself!

To see more details from this party click here.

 

I hope your next party is a little easier and a lot less stressful!!

{“It’s party time.  P.A.R.T. why?  Because I gotta!”  Jim Carey in The Mask} 🙂

~Angela