Planning a Party or Event

Planning a Party or Event?

Of all the things there are to consider when planning a party, be sure your guests will feel comfortable and welcome. This will ensure a successful party and your guests will always remember how much fun they had!

There are many resources online for party recipes and decorating ideas. There are two basic things every party planner should understand. The food and place make or break the event. In all your planning, make those your key factors and you can't go wrong.

Here are some other ideas to consider as you plan your shindig:

First, when planning a party make sure you account for the number of guests you plan to invite. This seems obvious, but it will determine a lot of other things about your party, like how much food you will need, plates, cups and utensils and seating.

Second, what time of the day is it taking place? This also plays a part in determining what kind of food to offer and how much. For instance a party at lunchtime or dinner time would require a more substantial menu than a mid-afternoon or evening party, which would be more suitable to finger foods or snacks. You would want to have seating for everyone for eating a lunchtime or dinner-time meal, preferably with some kind of table to set their drink glass on. This is not quite as important for a mid-afternoon or evening party. A general rule for non-meal time parties is to offer something salty and something sweet.

Third, the length of the Party will determine how much food and drink you will need, plus it plays a big part in the seating needs. Your guests will not want to stay too long if they don’t have a place to sit.

Barstools are a favorite for party seating, especially for more casual parties. They are a great way to add seating and style to your kitchen or party room. And as most people who have hosted a party know, you can plan to have your party in the living room, dining room or even a party room, but the bulk of the people will stay in the kitchen for most of the party. For this reason, having sturdy, comfortable, and stylish barstools in your kitchen can really make your party a hit.

For sit-down dinner parties, always use real plates, glasses and utensils. Paper plates should only be used for more casual parties, or if the number of guests is more than you have plates. Even with outdoor barbeque parties, real plates are much easier to eat off of for your guests, than paper plates. There are some very sturdy “paper” plates available for outdoor parties if you’re having a lot of guests.

The drinks you offer will depend on the ages, likes and dislikes and time of year of your party. It’s not necessary to provide every guest’s favorite drink. But always offer water along with other drinks. A pitcher of water with some glasses on a tray off to the side on a counter is great way to handle that. Then the guests don’t have to ask.

Planning a party or event should be very easy and fun. . Who doesn't enjoy impressing your friends with delicious food and a comfortable setting?