Party Planning 101- part 3

Back to the planning!
Once you know the  theme and have decided upon the colors and general feel you want for the party, you can can move to the next steps- research, brain storming and making a party checklist.

Research-
Thank goodness for the web.  There is amazing inspiration everywhere.   Don’t limit your research to parties with the same theme.  Look at parties you like.  Take the inspiration from them and adapt it to fit your party.  For example, if you see a dessert table you love, it will most likely be very easy to you the same layout and possibly even similar dessert at your party.  What do you do to organize all this research- pin it of course!  I’m not sure what I did before Pinterest.  Here is my Pinterest board for Charlotte’s Apple of My Eye Party.

Brainstorming-
This is the messy party.  In a notebook, I just write down every idea I have for the party including guest list, ideas for crafts and food, phrases and words that relate to the theme that I could possibly use for labeling and even a rough sketch of the dessert table.  Here are my messy notes for Charlotte’s party.  Obviously, I don’t even worry about penmanship or neatness.
Checklist-

Then, I use my brainstorming notes to make a party checklist/to do list.  I always start with the guest list and then list the areas/tables at the party (dessert station, craft table, beverage table, etc.)  Then, I separate out each of these areas and list all of the things I need for them- supplies, printables, etc.  As I complete each item, I change the font color.  It helps to me feel good when actually see that I am making progress.  I always use black for initial list, then another color for in progress (pink) and a third color for totally complete (green).  When the party favor is made and wrapped I change the guest name.  This list is actually always changing as the party prep progresses.  Usually I have to delete some of the food or desserts that I have planned simple because I have to much. 
Over the top, crazy organized?  I would agree :) but after I spent the entire duration of my daughter’s first birthday in the kitchen chopping and prepping food, I promised myself that I would always be completely done with a party by the time it started and I have been.  I never choose foods or activities that require a lot of last minute work.  I was really sad that I missed celebrating with her.  That is what a party is all about. 
If you want me to send you a blank party check list like this, leave a comment with your name and email:)  Have a great weekend.
XO

Comments

  10. Rebecca says

    I just discovered your site and LOVE it! I’m starting to think about my daughter’s first birthday party (she’s 5 months old now). Please send me a copy of your checklist: r_cashier@hotmail.com. Thank you!!

    Reply

  12. Anonymous says

    Hi-
    I would love to get a blank party check list emailed to me….I’m getting ready to start planning my son’s 1st birthday party in two months and any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much, I LOVE your site!
    kate.l.ham@gmail.com

    Reply

  16. Angela says

    Hi Jenny! I just started following your blog and love it!!! I am in the process of planning my daughters party for the end of June and thought I was on the early side! Ha ha. Could you please send me your checklist? angelalangenfeld@gmail.com

    Reply

  17. says

    Hi Jenny! Would you mind sending me a checklist? I am planning my daughter’s first birthday and I have probably a hundred scraps of paper that I have started and started again and again! Thanks in advance!!!!!
    Linsey (thehunniepot@gmail.com)

    Reply

  20. Anonymous says

    HI, just came across your blog and really enjoy it! I’d absolutely love your checklist, seems really helpful! Thank you so much!
    Amanda (amandacote14@gmail.com)

    Reply

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