Maureen and I are busy planning out our year right now – which entails parties galore!  We thought it would be helpful to create a party planning checklist for those of you new to the party world.  We put together a list of tasks so you can easily organize any themed event.  We get questions all the time as to how we create our parties from start to finish, so we hope this will be useful to some of you!

Download this link for your Free Printable:  andersruff – FREE PRINTABLE PARTY CHECKLIST

 

Here are the basics!

1 TO 2 MONTHS BEFORE:

SELECT PARTY THEME & COLORS  {it is important to carry out the colors & theme throughout the entire event, starting with the invitation – and ending with party favors, all coordinating perfectly}
CHOOSE LOCATION, DATE & TIME
ORGANIZE GUEST LIST
ORDER INVITATIONS AND MATCHING PRINTABLE DECOR {Can’t find a theme in our shop?  Contact us for custom requests – we take as many new themes as we can, based on our availability}
START PINTEREST BOARD {Follow us on pinterest for party ideas!}
ORDER CAKE
FIGURE OUT ANY ADDITIONAL PARTY DECORATIONS & PARTY FAVORS  {This may include items like:  paper straws, tissue paper, favor boxes, hanging decor, drink bottles, napkins, wooden utensils, backdrop, fabric, linens, etc.}
PLAN MENU {don’t forget all your yummy sweets & treats, if you are planning a dessert table}
START DIY PROJECTS  {We try to start prepping our DIY projects as soon as we can so we aren’t waiting until the last minute for time-consuming details}
SEND INVITATIONS

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1 TO 2 WEEKS BEFORE:

CONTINUE WORKING ON DIY PROJECTS
MAKE GROCERY LIST {We like to purchase packaged goods along the way, when something is on sale… we continually keep our eyes out for good deals!}
IRON LINENS OR PURCHASE THEM
CALL BAKERY, FLORIST, OR ANY VENDORS TO CONFIRM ORDERS
PLAN GAMES & ACTIVITIES
FINISH SHOPPING FOR EXTRA SUPPLIES
ARRANGE FOR EXTRA HELP IF NEEDED {When someone offers to help you – find something for them to do, don’t be afraid to say yes to this}
CONFIRM GUEST LIST
START SETTING ANY PARTY DECOR THAT NEEDS DONE IN ADVANCE {We start setting our parties 1 -2 weeks in advance as we complete tasks, but this is only possible if you are hosting in your home}
CLEAN HOUSE  {again – only if you are hosting in your home}

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DAY OF PARTY:

PICK UP FOOD/ICE {Good task for spouses}
FINISH LAST MINUTE COOKING
DO ANY LAST MINUTE STRAIGHTENING {Good task for kids}
FINISH LAST MINUTE TABLE SETTINGS
ENJOY PARTY!

Make sure you check our shop for new themes – we add them as new designs are completed.  If you don’t see it in the shop, feel free to contact us – we may have it in our inventory or can create something new for you!  If you have any party theme requests for us, leave us a comment.. we are always looking for new party ideas!