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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.
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A FEW FIRST STEPS
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- 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
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BUDGET
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- 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
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FEW WEEKS BEFORE
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- 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.)
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ONE TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE
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- 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
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TWO TO THREE DAYS BEFORE
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- 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.
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WHEN THE BIG DAY ARRIVES
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- finalize the decorations and place settings
- instruct any hired and volunteer helpers
- relax and enjoy yourself!
Copyright Ramona Creel, all rights reserved-- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.
Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. 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. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.
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