10 Steps to Planning the Perfect Party

I know I have mentioned this in other blogs, but my husband and I are very social people. We love entertaining whether it be for a big event or just a small get together. I will say, that we have done it so much, that we usually end the party with a high five and a glass of whiskey. He is all about the food, music and beverages and I am all about the decorations and sweets 😊. Let me just say, it works.

Although getting food prepared and making sure people are entertained can be a lot of work, decorating is just… yeah, it’s a lot. People that appreciate details can appreciate a nicely decorated party. After all, it is all about the experience, right? With that said, all of my parties are meticulously planned and people seem to have a good time, so here are some things I will share with you that I most always have at every party.

1. Choose a Theme

The very first step to planning the perfect party is come up with a theme. Every party needs a theme, whether it is just a small romantic dinner party or a full-on crazy kid party. At the very least always have a color scheme. Once you have chosen a theme, it is time to start planning.

2. Pick a Day and Time 

You will want to pick the day and time so that you can book your space and send out the invitations. Once you determine the location you are having the party, its time to send out the invitations. Purchase some invites, create them yourself or purchase a digital download from Etsy. That is what I do. It is inexpensive and super easy. Also, don’t forget to pick up some stamps. Once you send out the invitations, it is time to start designing the party!

2. Design Your Centerpieces

The next thing that comes with planning the perfect party is determining how many centerpieces you will need. In order to do this, it is important to know how many tables you have, what shape they are and how large they are. This will determine how many centerpieces you will need. Ideally, for every 6-foot table, I try to have 1 large and 2 small centerpieces on either side. For round tables that fit anywhere from 8-10 people, I usually have one centerpiece, but I make it grand. Centerpieces are my jam. Whether you are having a small dinner party or a mini wedding, centerpieces are always a must.

Once you know how many centerpieces you need and you have your centerpiece ideas, it is important to understand what the tablecloths will look like. Does the table include a tablecloth? If not, does the actual table work with your theme? Do you need to purchase a tablecloth? OR does the table work with the concept and you just may need a runner.

I like to have at least one or the other but I usually do both to add dimension to the table. Table cloths are cheap especially if you are only using them for parties. I plan a lot of parties so I purchased some linen black tablecloths and some linen white tablecloths and I just reuse them for all my parties. 

3. Create a Dessert Table

Now that you have established what the tables look like, it’s time to move on to the dessert table. When planning the perfect party, a dessert table is a must. This is also a great way to add a lot of eye candy, (literally) to the party! When creating a dessert table, again there should always be dimension. For example, I always put my cake on a pedestal cake stand because let’s be honest… bigger is always better 😊. I also like to always have some sort of cupcake tree or display pedestal. This allows for a lot of different heights which always looks great. If you plan on having cookies, this Nora Fleming Platter is my absolute favorite. You can purchase the platter and then swap out the decorative mini for each special occasion!

When it comes to dessert, I usually only do a cake, cupcakes, cookies and then some small bites that people can just walk up and grab. For the cupcakes, I always try to do some cupcake toppers. They are cheap, easy to make and add the perfect flare.

Occasionally, I will do candy jars, but believe it or not, you can easily drop major dime on the candy to fill those jars. Most of the time, the candy looks too pretty to eat, so it ends up serving as a decoration, unless you provide bags and serving utensils.

Additional Elements to The Dessert Table

The other common elements I always have are a backdrop, which can be as simple as some tissue pom poms, or a Happy Birthday banner. I always try to have something at the very least behind the table if the space permits. For the Happy Birthday banner, I try to go with a standard one and I add my own flare. That way, I can reuse the banner for each party.

Now again, a tablecloth is always necessary to make the dessert table look official. The last part of the dessert table is the front of the table. I usually have some sort of tutu skirt, ribbon garland or pennant banner.

4. Order the Food

Then there is the food. Depending on the type of party, I always make sure there is a mix of apps, main dish options and fillers. Beverages and alcohol will be added depending on the type of party.

This is the route I typically follow for most parties. For birthday parties I add the following:

5. Choose a Cake

So, for many years, I hired a cake lady to make all my cakes. They were absolutely beautiful and tasted delicious. I always wanted my child to have a great cake, one to remember every year for his/her birthday. As time went on, I got a little smarter with my spending. For those that can afford it, I still vote awesome cake! For those that are on a budget, I found that you can get a solid tiered cake for under $30 from Sam’s Club and then you can just purchase items and fun things to stick on and in the cake. Sometimes, I even went as far as to purchase fondant and create simple cut outs. It’s way cheaper than buying an already decorated cake! 

6. Put Together The Favors

I always try to have something for people to take home with them as a token or thank you coming. Typically I spend around $3-5 on each favor. I find it is difficult to spend any less. This can usually go far with favors. I will add a thank you label to all favors. I find this to be a good gesture for all that attended the party.

7. Purchase a Birthday Outfit

If it is for a kid birthday party, I always make sure the birthday kid has a cute outfit that matches the theme. After all it is about them! 😊

8. Purchase Some Birthday Party Accessories

The last few are obvious but still an important part of the décor and one that ties everything together, balloons and a Happy Birthday banner. I usually do clusters of three balloons on either side of the Happy Birthday banner, a cluster of balloons at the head of the table where the birthday kid is sitting, and then various clusters in other places. I also like to purchased themed paper cups, napkins and plates, along with silverware and straws.

9. Pick the Entertainment

If you chose entertainment, make sure you do not need any additional permits or permissions.

Bonus Extras

For first birthday parties, I also always make sure to add a party hat and bib, highchair banner and smash cake that follow the theme! Also, don’t forget the birthday candle!

It is always a good rule of thumb to try to write down what each person got the birthday boy/girl. This way when it’s time to send thank you notes, you no exactly who to thank and what to thank them for. 

Those are some basic tips for planning a party! I promise, if you follow these elements, your party will always be remembered! If you are looking to plan a party at a venue or place other than your home, make sure to read 11 Questions You Need to Ask When Selecting A Venue.

For a list of items needed when planning a party, see the list below!

Amazon

1. black tablecloths
2. white tablecloths
3. pedestal cake stand
4. cupcake tree or display pedestal
5. Nora Fleming Platter
6. decorative mini
7. tissue pom poms
8. Happy Birthday banner
9. fondant

Etsy

1. party hat and bib
2. highchair banner

Other

1. Balloons
2. Cake
3. Candles
4. Cupcakes
5. Cookies
6. Favors
7. Birthday Outfit
8. Centerpieces
9. Cupcake Toppers
10. Banner/Tutu Skirt/Pennant Banner
11. Paper cups
12. Napkins
13. Plates
14. Silverware
15. Straws