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	Party Planning Checklist
	By Ramona Creel

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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.)

• 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

• 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.

• 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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