When hosting an event, there’s a great deal of consideration and planning that needs to happen first. In order for the event to go as smoothly as possible, there are lots of decisions that need to be made, groceries that need to be bought and prepared or ordered, and projects to be completed. When it comes to flawless event planning, the biggest thing to focus on is just that – the planning.
For example, the first questions you’ll need to ask yourself is where the event is taking place. Will it be at your house or some other venue? If it’s at your house, the list of questions continues. If it’s at another venue, which? Is it available for the time you need? How much in advance will you need to book? The list goes on and on.
It’s also worth noting that depending on the type of event you are planning, different decisions will also have to be made along those lines. For the most part, this relates to decoration. However, it’s also relevant for what food you eat, who you invite, and the extent to which you prepare. Throughout this, we will touch on different examples to show just how intricate the process can be.
Together we will break down how to plan the perfect party at your home, though many of these suggestions can carry over wherever you have your event. For flawless event planning, follow these basic guidelines.
Prepare the House
While this may seem like a no brainer, it’s important for multiple reasons. Firstly, not only should cleaning the house be a priority on a typical basis, cleaning the home when you’re expecting guests is all the more expected. If you have children, put away the toys. There shouldn’t be toys or belongings spread throughout the house in each and every room. Though your guests may not act like they care, it will affect. Minimally, tidy things up. You absolutely do not want a sink full of dirty dishes while your guests are over. Similarly, you don’t want people walking into your home barefoot and wincing at the dirt or grime they stepped on. Sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors. This is the bare minimum, but that doesn’t mean it can be easily overlooked if not done.
Aside from cleaning, flawless event planning sometimes requires more intense projects to be done. For example, if you’re expecting people to spend time indoors and your kitchen cupboards are cracked and broken or your countertop has chips in it, you may want to consider investing in some smaller kitchen remodeling projects to improve your space and impress your guests. The same could be said for your appliances, especially if you plan on doing the cooking. Should your fridge leak and not keep food or your stove only has one or two functioning burners, consider upgrading or investing in refrigerator repair so that you can ensure the food is ready on time and will stay good until needed.
Similarly, if your event is happening in the summer and you do not have air conditioning or yours is broken, air conditioning repair or installation will be an important part of your flawless event planning. You do not want your guests overheating, feeling uncomfortable, or wishing they were somewhere else that had AC. You want your guests to not even think about the heat and just enjoy the event. If they are too hot, it will definitely be less enjoyable for them. Preparing the house is more than just making sure the rooms are clean, it’s making sure the environment will be suitable for as many people as possible.
While this may be a bit on the extreme side, if you haven’t replaced or repaired your roof in years and are noticing there is damage to it, consider hiring a roofing contractor to help you with your roof repairs before your event happens. Though this may not have such a direct impact on your guests, unless, of course, your roof is leaking, it’s very possible it would be noticed. And though your guests are likely not going to be judgemental, if you are hosting a fundraiser or work event, you are going to want to present yourself in the best light. Falling or crooked shingles is not the best look. A leaking roof is definitely not a good look. These are the type of more in-depth projects you’ll have to consider.
Something else to consider as part of your flawless event planning is whether or not your garage space will be used. Perhaps the garage is intended to be used as extra space for those to step away and recollect themself. Or maybe it’s where the extra drinks are stored. Potentially, you’ve set up the garage as a place for the kids to be loud and messy, but away from guests. Either way, garage door screens are a great way you can keep the door open for air to flow and make it easier to keep an eye out there, but still have a sense of privacy and protection from potential insects. Consider how you want to use the space and what will help you to accomplish that most efficiently and effectively.
Outdoor Preparations
However, the indoors is not all you have to consider when flawless event planning is your goal. Your outdoor space, depending on when the party is happening, can be incredibly important. For the sake of the example, let’s say your event is happening in the spring or summer months.
In order to ensure you have enough seating and shade for all your guests, chair and tent rentals should be on the list of things to do. Whether they come and set it up for you or you know how to, you’ll need to call ahead and plan time ahead of when guests arrive to get it all set up. Chair and table rentals are an essential aspect of the party-planning process. Small and large-scale events, such as baby showers, birthday parties, weddings, conferences, and reunions all require seating for guests. Depending on how many guests you are expecting, rental seating may not be required. However, a tent is probably a good idea. This allows for extra shade and gives people direction for where to be.
An important part of flawless event planning is the less noticeable directions you’re able to give through the setup of your event. This can also be seen through how the food is displayed. Depending on the size of your guest list, how you set up the food may differ. Though for most parties, a buffet line or multiple tables of foods is an easy way to allow people to meander through at their own pace.
What you will serve can be of utmost importance. Depending on the party, it may need to be a little fancier than normal. If it was just you and a few of your friends over for a swim, that gluten free pizza crust you bought would be perfect to make. If you’re expecting coworkers or you’re hosting a wedding, you’ll probably want something more upscale than homemade pizza. It all depends on who and how many people you’re inviting.
A big part of flawless event planning when it comes to preparing the food is knowing if there are people will food allergies in attendance. You absolutely do not want to have nothing available for them to eat. In fact, you don’t even want to only have a few things. If you’re inviting someone will a food allergy or dietary restriction to your party, you should have as many options available for them as any other person eating at your party. You don’t want those with restrictions to feel left out or forgotten. And while it may seem like its only a person or two, it could really damage the event if they feel offended and draw attention to it. It’s important that your guests have no reason to feel upset at your party and full bellies is a great way to ensure that.
Similarly, cool and refreshing drinks are crucial. Be sure to grab a bag or two of the bagged ice cubes from the store while you are out shopping. This is another reason why you should consider repairing your fridge if it isn’t keeping things cool like it should be. Though ice works well to keep drinks cool, canned or bottled drinks will need to be chilled without an extra cup of ice. Either make sure your fridge is functioning, you have plenty of ice, multiple coolers available, or a combination of all three so that your guests have something refreshing to sip on while they’re there.
Flawless event planning doesn’t just stop there, though. A big part of birthday parties, weddings, reunions, or even just family get-togethers is the games available to play while you’re there. Consider this: you’re throwing a Superbowl party and need a way to make it more engaging for those who aren’t as interested in football as they are the company. How can you make this possible? Awards. Create a list of questions for your guests to make bets on – like the score come half time – and whoever is closest, wins an award. The prizes could be whatever you’d like. Have fun with it!
But it doesn’t have to be awards and prizes, necessarily. Do you have yard games available? Popular activities include Kan Jam or cornhole. Though it could really be anything. A frisbee, football, or baseball to throw around? Some board or card games would be great for the adults to partake in as well. Let’s say the event is a bit more themed and you’re throwing a Halloween party. Will you have apples to bob? Or pumpkins to paint? Minimally, consider having a fire or opening up your pool for people to enjoy.
Logistics
While preparing for what people will eat, do, and how they will feel during the party, one must also remember that there are logistics that need to be addressed. For instance, where will people park? If you’re hosting at your own home and have lots of guests expected, it’s very likely they will not all be able to fit their cars in your driveway. Consider directing your guests to a nearby park or side street that doesn’t receive as much traffic. Perhaps you will even need to install some form of shuttle system. While it isn’t very glamorous to think about like you decorations may be, it’s an important part of flawless event planning.
Similarly, where will your guests leave their belongings once they arrive? You will need to have prepared a room for coats or purses and bags to be left behind. This room must also be safe so that no one’s belongings go missing.
Along the same lines, preparing the bathrooms with anything someone might need is going to be a thoughtful touch to your event. For instance, having extra phone chargers available for people to use if need be is something a guest themself may have forgotten to bring, but could feel relieved to know is available. The same can go for personal hygiene products, especially if it is a hot and sweaty day. This is an added touch that will make your event all the more flawless.
Preparing the perfect event will include more than what is mentioned here, though this will give you a good start towards preparing for the most important parts. The decoration and personal aspects you put into your event are what make it unique and special. That attention to detail is what makes a good party a great party. Be sure to try and think of everything. There will always be something that could be added to make the event that much more impressive. While that is true, it will also be important for the host to know when enough is enough. You don’t want to overwhelm your guests or yourself. While attention to detail is important, you don’t want to get carried away with nitpickiness. Finding the perfect balance between being prepared and still being comfortable is the key to flawless event planning.