Don’t underestimate the power of a checklist. It’s essential to any party planner. Start creating your checklist atleast 2 months out. You can start with a basis and then add to it when you think of new things. This makes sure you have everything in line the day of. Trust us, it’ll make your life a little less stressful.
A picturesque field surrounded by a fence filled with horses, complete with trees, bales of hay and an old barn can be the perfect backdrop for a party. A spring wedding, a barn barbeque, or a fall hayride are all options to consider if you have access to a barnyard and like the challenge of planning an outdoor event.
Once you have selected the site for the party, the first order of business is to walk the property. Depending on what type of event you are hosting, you need to bear in mind the layout of the land. An outdoor party can be as simple or as detailed as you choose. Decisions will need to be made involving food, flowers, decorations, and music, all while considering your budget.
It is always good to plan your menu in coordination with the party theme. A barbeque or fish fry with all of the fixings is a perfect compliment to a gathering at a barn. S’mores around a campfire or firepit can be entertaining and fun.
The type of party, along with the guests you will be hosting must be considered. A caterer may also be used to assist with food and can be a great asset, especially for larger groups or more formal events. If food is to be served, tables, chairs, dinnerware and drinks must be a part of the planning. Serving beverages from a wheelbarrow filled with ice or napkins tied with gingham ribbon are some of the perfect touches that fit so well with the barn theme.
Flowers and decorations are essential when planning any party. The theme of the party along with the time of year can help jump start ideas. Using hay, pumpkins and mums is perfect for fall. A western theme might require bandanas, burlap and mason jars with candles inside for a simple yet suitable way to set the scene. Lighting is a must for any party. String lighting may be purchased to hang in and around the barn to create a festive mood. Consulting your local florist is essential, as they can provide guidance regarding flowers or plants that are in season for your particular event. A good florist can take your party to the next level by recommending the right arrangements or making design suggestions.
There are other critical things to consider when planning an outdoor barn party, including checking your access to power sources. Electrical outlets need to be tested for lighting and for playing music. Whether you hire a live band or DJ or choose to use your own personal playlist, the right music can set the perfect mood. Finally, because the party is outdoors, it is wise to have a second date or a rain plan in the event of inclement weather. Advance planning makes for less stress on party day.
Keeping an organized list of things that must be accomplished is the key to success. A barn bash is a great way to entertain guests or celebrate with friends. This type of party is fun, festive and unique…a gathering that won’t soon be forgotten!
Are you wanting to host a dinner party? However, you are hesitant about the fact that your place is such a small space. This week’s Party Tip of the Week will give you some great tips on hosting one in your small area.
These 2 simple tips will help you host a dinner party, even if your space is a little tight. Don’t be confined by where you live. Your party will be just as great even if you had more space.
Are you planning on hosting any outdoor parties this year? Everyone loves them, but there are problems that arise. One example is bugs! Not only are they a nuisance when they’re biting you, they’re also swarming around the food. Have you ever thought of placing your food in cookie jars, mason jars or any time of decorative container with a lid? Having a lid ensures the bugs stay off the food and you also have a fun way to display your food.
With an entire year of parties behind us, another one has begun and it’s never too early to start planning for a celebration. Sit down with your calendar and figure out which holidays & events you have for 2015. Once you have your 2015 calendar planned, take some quick and easy steps to make sure you begin the year ahead of schedule.
A party can be overwhelming if you don’t plan in advance. Start your planning by blocking out an afternoon by spending quality time with your calendar. You will guarantee the holidays won’t sneak up on you.
By thinking this early, you can start shopping early for decorations, start finding vendors and even give the kids a little excitement.
This notebook will be where you can store ideas and inspiration, guests lists and to-do lists. With it all in one place, you will know where to put your ideas when you feel inspired. Simply write down a handful of key words about what you are planning to do for each holiday so you don’t forget any ideas that come to mind.
Perhaps one of the first things to do after marking down the holidays that you’ll be planning for is deciding on a theme.
For example, if you want to plan something for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, ponder the special people you will be celebrating. What are things they enjoy? How can I incorporate that into their celebration?
Another example is if your child wants a Batman birthday in August, you have enough months to slowly accumulate party items such as themed plates, cups, gifts, etc.
If you know what direction you are going in, then you can easily start buying the perfect items for your event.
Start setting aside money for your celebrations in the year ahead. It can go towards any festivity you have planned for the upcoming year. Small amounts of money here and there will make a huge difference if unexpected expenses arise while you are in the thick of planning. Keep adding to it consistently and the fund will be particularly helpful during the year.
These party planning tips will truly help your events be the best they can be in 2015! Happy planning and don’t forget to share your parties with Wedding and Party Network.
Do you ever get stressed out when you are entertaining at your house? Whether it’s a small get together or a huge event, it can still be very daunting. That is why Wedding and Party Network is offering 5 party tips for a stress-free event.
Thanksgiving isn’t far away, so it is time to start planning your Thanksgiving dinner! This season is all about bringing the rustic beauty of fall nature indoors. Wedding and Party Network has the top decor trends so you can make your dinner a huge success.
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Whether it’s a family reunion or a birthday party, make it extra festive with a theme. Wedding and Party Network has the top five summer party themes for this summer.
1. BBQ
Your theme could be what you are cooking. Use red and white checkered table cloths to give that picnic feel. Put silverware in popcorn bags to keep utensils together for each guest and have them ready if they want popcorn in the evening. Instead of cans, make your party extra special by getting glass bottled drinks, putting them in a tub of ice and have red and white paper straws nearby. Make a grill out of a watermelon or get a small play grill and display fruit skewers on it for the kids to play pretend and eat too.
2. Beach
Even if you aren’t near a coast, you can bring the beach to you with this summer party theme. Fill sand pails not with sand, but with snacks. Pretzels and chips can be shoveled out and onto your guest’s plate. Decorate tables with sand castle molds and give out sunglasses as party favors. Make sand dollar cookies with snickerdoodle dough and adding sliced almonds in a star shape right after you pull them out of the oven.
3. Camping
Turn your backyard into a camp ground. Have a Build Your Own Trail Mix station with kraft paper bags. Fill lanterns with pine cones and use Pirouette cookies as firewood to decorate. For dessert, cover ice cream-filled bowls with Oreo crumbs to resemble dirt. Top it off with gummy worms and give your guests a piece of the outdoors to eat.
4. Luau
One of the most popular themes for summer parties, but it is easy to do and a lot of fun. Decorate your tables with surfboards; make them out of cardboard and paint them in your preferred colors. Not only can you use those little umbrellas and cocktail stirrers for drinks, but you can also use them on cupcakes and other snacks. Incorporate pineapples into decorations and even on your food. Make ham and pineapple kebabs and a pineapple upside down cake as the finishing touch to your luau.
5. Farmer’s Market
With summer comes the farmer’s market, so why not turn that into your party theme? Use strawberry cartons as containers for snacks, fruit, or even serve a side salad in them. Continue the idea and serve finger foods like celery and carrots in plant liners. Have your guests go “shopping” for their lunch. Arrange wraps and sandwiches in baskets and fruit in crates. Have a big jug of lemonade with a 5 cent lemonade sign to add to your theme. As party favors, give your guests succulents and herb potted plants. It will remind them of their time at your farmer’s market.
Whatever you are celebrating (birthday, long weekend, etc.) take advantage of the sunny outdoors and make your party a unique experience for your guests. Check back with the Wedding and Party Network for more tips.
As the temperature rises, so does the cravings for corn dogs, pool days, and fireworks. It’s never too early to prepare for that Fourth of July party you’ve always wanted to throw. Wedding & Party Network has your four must have DIYs for this year’s best Fourth of July Bash.
1. A Bucket Full of Sparkle
It’s not a Fourth of July party without the sparklers, especially if there are lots of them! Get a pack, fill a small silver bucket and decorate with ribbon and streamers. *Note: make sure to keep lighters or matches away from the reach of children.
2. Ice, Ice, Baby.
There is no escaping the July heat, but stay cool with specialty ice. Fill ice trays with blueberries and strawberry slices, add water, and freeze. These are perfect to put the finishing touch to party drinks.
3. Much More than a Jar
There is much you can do with mason jars and at this party you can use them as a silverware caddy and drink glasses. Get enough mason jars for each guest. Fill them with a red, white, or blue bandanna (as their napkin) and a spoon, fork, and knife. Each guest has their silverware and drink glass all in one.
4. Say It With Some Fruit
Nothing goes better with your Fourth of July feast than some fresh watermelon. Make it festive by cutting thin slices and, using a number four cookie cutter, cutting little 4s out of the fruit. They will be much easier to munch on and your guests will be impressed with your attention to detail.
With these easy DIYs, get your party started and have fun celebrating Independence day with family and friends.
Check back soon for more party ideas and tips from the Wedding & Party Network.
The Kentucky Derby is just days away! It is a well-known fact that the guests of the Kentucky Derby like to go for drama when choosing their attire for the event. It is one of its charms that although it is a sporting event, it is used as a display for spring fashion. If you get the chance to actually attend, you can bet you will find many people who are, to put it lightly, dressed to impress. If you are a big fan of the derby, throw a party and have your own fashion show with food and beverages true to the event.
The Hats
Possibly what sets The Kentucky Derby apart the most from other sporting events is the abundance of hats that are worn there. Ladies use this time to be a spectacle, designing or having designed hats of all shapes, colors, and sizes. There really are no limits. You can make them as individualized as you want. Those who are seated typically go with more elegant and traditional styles while women on the infield tend to get more eccentric. The hats are a southern tradition and give ladies the opportunity to utilize this very classic fashion accessory.
Come on, when else can you devote so much time to a hat?! Even men have recently gotten into this tradition. If you are having a Kentucky Derby party, make the hats a major focus! Make sure your friends get as obnoxious as they want with them so that it will be as fun as possible. They can be decorated with flowers, ribbons, or whatever else you can think of! At the end of the night, trade hats with someone and bring it home as an impressive party favor.
The Southern Belle
Your party can be the time for all your girlfriends to express their inner southern belle. You can wear a dress, pantsuit, or even shorts, although a dress is more common. Women definitely coordinate their Derby outfits carefully, making sure that each accessory has its place. Pastels are a very southern option. Also reds and blues for a more bold approach. Take this opportunity to go through your mom or grandmother’s closets and find some unique pieces!
The Men
Oddly enough, it’s all about the pants. Men can get away with wearing pink, key lime, and even yellow on their lower half. The key is to be able to be seen from afar and with pants like that your man sure won’t be missed. He may even stand out more than you, and at the Derby, that’s perfectly acceptable! Let it be acceptable at your party too. The men (and women!) will love it. Men are also challenged to mix it up by choosing a dress shirt with stripes or another pattern, then finish it off with a blazer and a funky bow tie.
The Food
The menu at the Kentucky Derby is filled with southern flavor. Your party should be no different! For an easy interpretation, you can do a backyard barbecue with all your favorite southern comfort foods. You can do appetizers such as chicken wings, shrimp dips, and cheese platters. Beside your main dish you can have friends help you make grits, fruit salad, sweet potato hash, or other foods of the like. One really yummy, and pretty easy, main dish is Andouille Sausage and Black Eyed Peas. If you’re grilling you can do steaks or fajita chicken. For dessert, get really southern with apple crepes, various puddings, or devils food cake.
Now that my mouth is watering, let’s all go to the store and take full advantage of this excuse to indulge in not only fashion, but food, this weekend!
The holidays are stressful enough, so hosting a holiday party should feel fun and easy! To make it even easier, here are some Wedding and Party approved Christmas party themes that are certain to get you compliments, and might even become a new tradition!
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The holiday season has a magic all its own, so it’s no surprise many couples find themselves beneath the mistletoe. Spending the holidays newly engaged makes visiting with family and friends especially special and sentimental. From engagement party ideas to planning a stunning winter wedding, we’ve compiled a list of ways to celebrate your merry season!
