Planning a party should be enjoyable, not a stressful task.
Party planning can be a stressful experience for the host, as getting organized and making sure your household is ready to accommodate your celebration can be overwhelming. Preparing a list of the basic supplies you need will help you calmly carry out any party so that you can enjoy the festivities. Does this Spark an idea?
Theme
Before you buy typical, necessary party goods, decide on a theme. If it is a birthday party, you will need a birthday cake. If it is a New Year's celebration, you will need noisemakers. If it is an ethnic holiday, such as St. Patrick's Day, you will need memorabilia. Having a clear idea of what your party is will help you purchase appropriate supplies for the gathering.
Invitations and Thank-You Cards
Invitation cards feature party details, including what kind of dress, whether guests can bring friends and if so, how many, where the party is being held, if people can stay over and where attendees can park their cars. Guests should also receive thank-you notes after the soiree. If you met a special individual at the party who became a friend or significant other, thank the person who brought the guest to the celebration.
Drinks and Food
No matter the occasion, some sort of snack is necessary. The most common party food is usually chips with dip. You can make other appetizers such as hors d'oeuvres or desserts such as brownies or cake. Drinks should include non-alcoholic beverages, especially for drivers, as well as alcoholic beverages. If you want to cut down on cost, provide some alcohol but ask guests to bring their own drinks, such as wine or beer. Make sure there are plenty of plates, utensils and napkins as well.
Music
Music sets a party's mood. The type of music you will want depends on your theme. If the gathering is casual, then anything can be played at a low volume. If the occasion includes dancing and is a high-energy celebration, then loud dance music is appropriate. Remember to be courteous of neighbors and adhere to reasonable noise levels and any quiet hours.
Cameras and Video
An often overlooked supply for any party is a recordable device. With video and camera tools included in smartphones and devices such as Flip video cameras, both you and your guests can take pictures of the fun evening and post them on each other's social networking sites. The benefit of these gadgets is that they will help record the events of the occasion so you can always look back at the celebration you hosted.
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