This blogpost takes place for my favourite subject,
Hostessing- Party Planning 101!
From the littlest get together to the grandest i am passionate about all things parties, from planning and designing to crafting and decor- this is my niche and i love every tiny detail!!! I believe that is evident from my 'CELEBRATE' Pinterest Board. If i have a super power in this life its the rate in which i can throw together a party with my whole heart (and help from pinterest) 
first of all what is it your planning for? Birthday, Girls Night, Thanksgiving, Baby shower or backyard BBQ.. for instance- I'm currently in the process of planning my own 'little boo bash' for a family friendly halloween party.
So now you have the WHAT? Get real and have a budget in mind for the event. I have strayed too far off course with this one (my husband can attest) Be real, there are lots of ways to cut costs but have a number in your mind and start there!
A cohesive idea for your party is here you are going to want to go next and my favourite part. get creative, have fun and by all means- head to PINTEREST. It doesn't always have to have a theme but speaking from experience that makes these celebrations so much more fun! Make sure you set a colour scheme/theme and stick to it- this will make your party stand out and feel 'professional'
Next step is to plan your guestlist- this will have an effect on the rest of the party planning process. You might find you need to cut the gestalts or find an alternate venue. So the people attending are the most important part- it wouldn't be a party without them right?
Venues can range from play places for birthdays, to picnic sites for family get togethers, hosting in my home is my favourite as i enjoy close gatherings and i enjoy crafting and all the little details i have control over in my own home. But this is going to be dependent on what kind of party you are having, what would be most appropriate and of course budget.
Once you have these straightened out - time if figure out your dates, for each party this will differ- for a small holiday party, it may matter most about dates but less about other things. However for bridal showers and birthday parties, dates can be set first. Venues of course have a serious impact here - so have a few you prefer beforehand. Once set - confirm dates with important guests (i.e.:guest of honour and any other important peeps)
...Now onto the FUN stuff!!!! Food, Decor & Drinks, Oh my
Thinking realistically about your budget will lead to the rise and fall of these next details. Its all wonderful to have a champagne bar but if all you have to serve with it is chips- people might be thrown off.. (not me though, that just sounds like a party for 1)
There is no formula for the food/drink category. Each party is its own in regard to nibbles, just plan appropriately, think of your gues tlist first- who is the party for and be wise.
Don't plan on having crepes at a play place or lasagne in the park.. although there are no fast rules, i love finger foods at ALL events, dips and meatballs, thats a selfish thing, but true.
Same rules go for drinks, think of your guests firsts, have options for alcoholic and non- alcoholic.
Decor can be as simple or elaborate as you like, remember that pesky budget and your venue for this category. Venues may dictate what is appropriate decor and don't be afraid to get crafty- there are some wonderful DIY projects that are easy on the wallet that can add personalization and enhance the 'feel' evening.
In this category i almost always like to have a special door hanger/wreath for the occasion - don't forget the outside of your venue, it is the first thing your guest will see so spread a little cheer there too. Don't think you have to buy everything new- have a boo around your home for some items that can be repurposed for the event. My personal favourites are lanterns & linens- they can be so versatile and really help out with that party decor!
Have Fun! It is a party after all - so incorporate some games, activities or entertainment based upon your individual party and guest list. Activities are a must for children's parties wether it be crafts or games. Tye your theme into this one as swell.. its easy enough to do. Entertainment could simply be the music you have, an icebreaker game or a special guest such as a magician.
Finally, remind them what a wonderful time they had and that you appreciated celebrating together. (As if we all didn't love those fun loot bags we used to get at birthday parties when we were children) If your hosting a childs party- I'm sure you have some great ideas but that doesn't have to end just because we are adults! There are so many wonderful give-aways for bridal showers & weddings, holiday parties and bachelorettes. Have fun with this but for goodness sake- make sure its something you would like receiving yourself. None needs any more crap for the junk drawer.
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