The original title had “easy” and “stress-free” in it, but who am I kidding?  Yes, parties require some work and perhaps some stress, but let’s keep both to a minimum!

     Also, there are a few things that have to happen prior to 2 weeks before a party, like guest lists  invitations (4 weeks) and space rental (as early as possible), if necessary.  I shared the date with out-of-town family and friends months ago.  But the point of today is to help you plan and have a great party with concerted effort and minimal stress.  Yes, it can be done.

     I am working on a very specific event this week, a First Communion Party the first weekend in May.  These ideas can work for any event, though, birthday, anniversary, graduation, just for fun – You name it!

     We have two weeks until our big event. I stood in my living room today, imagining what it will look like when everyone is gathered.  Friends and family.  Food and beverages.  Fresh flowers, balloons (my little guy loves balloons), candles, a display of photos and Sacramental items on the sofa table.  I will keep that vision in my head during my planning. 

     Remember your “WHY”.  We’re having a party to celebrate my youngest son’s First Holy Communion, so our “Why” is to commemorate him and this special milestone in his life.  Remember, too, WHY people are coming to your home.  It is to enjoy your company and hospitality, not too look in your dresser drawers or under your bed.  Focus on the essentials, let the other stuff go.  Everything else falls into place if I keep the “WHY” in mind.

     Do NOT let every hour for the next two weeks be about the party.  Too often we obsess over details until we dread or resent the event.  You have a life, a job, a bedtime.  Live your life, have fun with your planning, and relax.  

House Prep and Planning Ahead Week (this week)

• Monday / Tuesday:
  • Today we head to the craft store for supplies for his Communion banner.
  • Over the weekend, I made sure everyone has clean, dressy clothes that fit (they’re growing so quickly these days!!).  Now we just need to iron the clothes, and ignore them until the big day!
  • Check your kitchen inventory.  Save money and make room this week by using what you have.
  • Determine your menu, and what you can outsource.  For example, my son chose his menu for his party.  I will order the ice cream cake and fried chicken.  The rest I will cover myself.
  • Based on tentative numbers of people attending, make your grocery list
  • Ask friends and family for any extras you need – folding tables, extra chairs, chafing dishes, coffee urn, etc.
  • Plan / order / shop for gifts and treat bags or favors, if you need them
• Wednesday – Start major cleaning projects (windows, carpet shampoo, big things)
• Thursday (our trash day) – more major cleaning, if needed, but also removing clutter by dropping off bags of donations, e-waste recycling, garbage and other recycling
• Friday – clean the fridge and freezer really well, make a note of food items you have that you can use for the party, start the ice maker

 Week Of Party:

• Monday – check your guest list for final RSVPs, place your food orders based on your menu and number of guests.  I will also purchase flower planters for my deck and front porch.
• Tuesday – Wrap up major cleaning projects, plus yard maintenance 
• Wednesday – Now that things are cleaned up and de-cluttered, and the fridge is clean, do your grocery shopping for food, paper goods, liquor, beverages, etc.
• Thursday – weekly cleaning, yard maintenance rain date, photos and Sacrament display
• Friday – food prep and final touches, et up tables and chairs.  Dinner in the crock pot.  We have house guests for the weekend, so I’ll change bedding and lay out towels, too.
• Morning of event:  Final cleaning and prep, pick up ice and ordered food (send a spouse or friend!), wipe down the front door and hang porch flag, blow up and hang balloons
• Last hour – get yourself ready, wipe down the bathrooms, vacuum, take out trash, empty dishwasher, light candles and put on some music

 See, I told you – You Can Do This!  Remember your WHY, and do a little bit every day.  Relax and enjoy!