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NEW! - Keywords For This Page: Event Planning - Holidays
Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.
 | A FEW FIRST STEPS |  |
- determine the type of party (formal, special occasion, holiday, etc.)
- decide if you want drinks, finger foods, buffet, full meal, or other
- choose a party theme
- decide how many guests you would like to invite
- set a date, time, and place for your party
- determine a date by when guests must RSVP
- book your location and pay any deposit
- make a shopping list -- including small items like napkins and candles
- make lists of tasks that can be done in advance and those for party day
| BUDGET | |
- decorations, including flowers, plants, or props
- food and beverages
- other services (caterer, parking attendant, wait staff, etc.)
- invitations and postage
- rental space
- entertainment (music, DJ, etc.)
- tables, chairs, and other equipment rentals
- other miscellaneous expenses
| FEW WEEKS BEFORE | |
- put together your guest list and gather addresses and phone numbers
- order invitations
- purchase decorations, paper goods, and other supplies
- contract for any services (caterer, entertainment, etc.)
- plan your menu and purchase non-perishable foods and drinks
- contact any friends or family you want to help with the party
- address and mail your invitations
- pick out the music
- contract for any equipment rental (chairs, tables, etc.)
| ONE TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE | |
- confirm any friends, family, and hired service people working the party
- pick out your party outfit and have it cleaned
- finalize the space layout and decorations
- shop for bulk of perishable food
| TWO TO THREE DAYS BEFORE | |
- clean your house if party is at home
- begin decorating
- gather your supplies and equipment together
- shop for any last-minute food or supplies
- touch base with contracted services
- assign specific tasks to your volunteer assistants
- make preparations for cleaning up, returning equipment, etc.
| WHEN THE BIG DAY ARRIVES | |
- finalize the decorations and place settings
- instruct any hired and volunteer helpers
- relax and enjoy yourself!
Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box and a link to www.RamonaCreel.com.
Ramona Creel is Professional Organizer, NAPO Golden Circle Member, and the original founder of OnlineOrganizing. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook profile, and subscribe to her blog feeds.
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