To work on my own perfectionist tendencies this week, I am writing  My Favorite 5 Party Planning Tips, in 500 words or less (and because I have another party to plan, so I’d better get to work): 

1.  Don’t over plan.

We went to a party last night that was so very enjoyable (J&J, thanks!).  The host mentioned the hostess was starting to worry about having enough food.  But so long as each guest brought something to pass, we would all have enough.  And we did.  And it was lovely. I have never been to a party where we ran out of food.  Ever.  Maybe it is because I come from a long line of Irish women who feed everyone, but maybe it is because everyone is willing to pitch in and have fun.

2.  My favorite party prep tool:  My ceramic place cards (google them if you like the idea, I got mine from Solutions.com a few years ago).  I got rave reviews for them last week.  Write things like seating arrangements, or food titles or specifics (“vegetarian dish” or “contains peanuts”), use them to plan the placement of your dishes on your buffet or dining table.  

3.  Embrace White:

We received a lovely Irish linen table-cloth and napkins as a wedding gift.  We have used it for any and all holidays along the way, because we can start with the lovely white base and change the theme with accessories /candles / etc.  My kitchen and bathroom towels – also all white.  Bleachable, matches everything.

4.  Remember why you are having a party.

You are having a party because…. you want to honor a particular person; it is a specific holiday; it is always nice to have everyone together; no one else would; who needs a reason?  You are not having a party to show off or prove your domestic prowess.  So do enough to make you and your home pretty and welcoming, and enjoy.

5.  Stay flexible, but have back-up plans.

Cookies in the freezer for drop in guests this time of year, and card table and folding chairs for extra people.  Table cloths are cleaned as we use them and returned to the server in the dining room for whenever.  We have on hand the ingredients to a tried and true appetizer that requires 5 minutes to assemble and microwave (though I do need to add a bag of tortilla chips to my grocery list…. done).  I try to relax and enjoy, but I can relax better knowing I am covered if something unexpected but great comes along!

Above all, enjoy your own party.  Make sure that you get out of the kitchen and enjoy your guests.  That is really the whole point, any way.  It took me a few years to figure this all out, but trust me, make sure you’re having fun, and your guests will, too.