I've created this Party Planning guide to help take the stress out of planning a party. Whether it is big or small, by following this guide and being organized, you'll be able to stay stress free and get everythin you need to done before the big day!

One Month Before:

• Choose a Theme. If you’ve decided to throw a theme party, choosing it ahead of time will definitely make planning easier.
• Create your Budget. Knowing in advance how much you can afford to spend will enable you to throw the party without breaking the bank. Your budget will help you decide where to host the party and how many guests to invite
• Create a Guest List. If you are planning the party for someone else (a friend or family member) be sure to get their input on invitees. If it’s a surprise party, talk to their family and close friends and get their address book. If the party is for you, be sure to include all your favourite friends.
• Invitations. You can begin looking for invitations before the guest list is finalized. If you’re throwing a theme party, try creating a theme invitation to match. Check out my line of custom invitations. Once the guest list has been confirmed, you can send out your invitations. Make sure to include an RSVP date so you can move forward with planning.
• Plan your Menu. Sit down and decide whether you want to have a sit-down dinner, a buffet, hors d’oeuvres or snack foods. Then decide whether you’ll make the food yourself, or bring in a caterer. If you are preparing the food yourself, choose at least some items that can be prepared ahead of time. Foods that can be kept warm in a crock pot are also a great idea. We always have ribs, meatballs and chilli at our buffets, so all the work is done long before our guests arrive! If you have a theme, try to make the food fit that theme.
• Create 2 detailed shopping lists. 1 shopping list should include all the non perishable and frozen items, plus the decorations which can be purchased in the weeks leading up to the party. The second list will contain all your perishable items which will be purchased 1-2 days before the party.

Three Weeks to Party

• Book Entertainment, Catering and Party Rentals. Most places are able to assist you, but the more time that is given to them the better. Leaving adequate time ensures you will get your first choice.
• Inventory Time. Check out your selection of tableware, cutlery, linens, tables and chairs. If you need more than you have, check out the yellow pages for a local party rental company.
• Non-Perishable Shopping can be Started. Using your 1st list, purchase napkins, beverages and non perishable food items you will need for the party. This is where being organized will really pay off…no last minute trips to the store (remember to stock up on toilet paper)! I also find it easier on the pocketbook as you can spread out the expenditures.

Two Weeks to Party

• Place Special Orders. Order floral arrangements, specialty foods, cake. Waiting to the last minute could leave you out in the cold.
• Start Cleaning. A little planning goes a long way when preparing for a party. Now would be a good time to organize your front hall closet, find empty hangers for guests’ coats and do a thorough clean of the rooms you will be using for the party. I always like to give my bathroom a full top to bottom clean, including walls, baseboards, doors, behind the toilet and inside the cabinet. It is also a nice idea to have a small basket in the bathroom with items your guests may need, such as hairspray, spray deodorant, feminine hygiene products and dental floss.

One Week to Party

• Meet with Vendors. Firm up all final details with any vendors you have hired for your party. Be sure to discuss payment and confirm delivery times.
• Ask for Help take a tip from those in upper management, when you have lots to do, delegate. Get commitment from friends or family to help in the next week. Ask someone to help decorate; someone else can help set things up the day of the party. Having help will take some of the stress off you.
• Check RSVPs. Make phone calls to any guests who haven’t responded. Finalize your guest list.
• Create a Layout for the Event. Create a seating arrangement, if necessary and organize the logistics of the party. Things such as where to place shoes and coats and designating food prep areas is essential.
• Grocery and Last Minute. Even if you’re having the event catered, it’s always better to have some essentials such as milk, eggs, butter, bread and snacks available just in case. Also grab some last-minute items as they come up and stock up on toilet paper!
• Music. The right music will help determine the mood and tone of your party. Take some time this week and create a playlist for your mp3 player, or make some CD’s. Remember it’s all about planning and you don’t want to be doing this the day before the party!
• Continue Cleaning. Take one day to clean your house from top to bottom. If you want to cheat a little, only clean the rooms your guests will be seeing. If you did your cleaning last week, your bathroom and front hall should just need a quick once over.

Day before the Party

• Final Cleaning. Take this day to complete the finishing touches on your house. Dust, sweep, and clean the faucets in the bathroom. If you’ve done your cleaning in the past few weeks, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about the cleaning Make room in your refrigerator and freezer and clear out any unneeded items from your kitchen.
• Decorating. Try to get as much of the decorating done as you can. Call on your friend(s) you spoke with last week and delegate if you can. The more you do today the less you'll have to worry about tomorrow.
• Pre-Party Food prep. Prepare as many dishes as you can today. Make any sauces ahead of time, chop veggies, parboil your meat (if applicable.) Place all your beverages in the fridge so they are nice and cold when your guests arrive.

Party Day

• Get cooking! Have your list of all the items being served close by and prepare them in order of what doesn’t need to be served hot to food that does.
• Organize Chairs and Tables and set the table
• Delivery Schedule Should be On Hand. Have a list of delivery times so you can be ready for any rings at your doorbell.
• Serving Dishes and Snacks Ready. To lay our as guests begin arriving
• Ensure all guests have a planned way home. Know the designated drivers and make sure you have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks on hand. Try some fun “virgin” drinks like daiquiris and margaritas.
• Have fun and relax. You’ve done everything you needed to do. Now sit back, have a drink and enjoy your party!