Five Steps to Throwing a Party

Decorations help make a party feel festive.

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Throwing a party can be as simple or complicated as you would like, depending on how extravagant you want it to be. Regardless of the complexity, use the same basic framework to plan each aspect of the party and make it an event that all of the guests will enjoy.

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Selecting a theme for the party can help you plan a cohesive event around a particular focus. The theme should be tied to the occasion, if there is one. If not, consider the season of the year or the type of people you would like to have at the party to determine a theme. For example, if the party is a child's birthday celebration, pick one of the child's interests or hobbies for the theme. If it is a summer evening party, consider a garden theme or a regional theme for the cuisine and decorations.

Date and Location

Schedule the time and arrange the venue for the party. Avoid holiday weekends, when guests might be out of town. If there are any specific people who you feel need to be there, you can also ask them if they are available on the date you are interested in. If you would like to hold the party at a venue outside your home, look into banquet halls, restaurants, community centers and hotel conference centers. Consider how many guests you need to accommodate and how much space you need for activities, such as dancing. Check the availability on your desired date and book the venue you decide on.

Invitations

Designing a creative invitation can increase potential guests' interest in the party. Send them between two months and two weeks in advance. The more formal the gathering is, earlier you should send the invitations. Choose invitations that match the feel of the party and hint at the theme. Casual handwritten invitations are fine for a summer gathering, but a more formal event deserves printed invitations with some special touches, such as raised lettering or metallic accents.

Schedule and List

A well-planned party needs a schedule so you know what will happen on the day of the party. Write the sequence of events, from your arrival at the venue to set up all the way through to the guests' departure. Next to each event, list the items you will need to purchase or rent. These include decorations, food, drinks, table settings, items for the games or activities and party favors to give the guests as they leave.

Setting Up

The day of the party can be chaotic unless you are well prepared. Friends and family members might be willing to come early and help you set up the party by hanging decorations, moving furniture, setting up a dance floor or decorating the table for a meal. Prepare the food or coordinate with the caterer to have the food delivered and set up at the correct time. Plan the party day schedule to allow yourself at least a half hour to get yourself together before guests arrive, so you can be relaxed and looking your best.

ReferencesParty Spot: Party Planning -- Checklist of To-DosParty Spot: Birthday Parties -- Getting StartedPhoto Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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