Using a simple and easy-to-use party planner to sketch out your invitation list, menu, and shopping list will help reduce stress and help you stay organized as you plan your next party, gathering, or get-together.
Below is a quick overview of how to use the printable party planner, followed by the planner that you can download and print. Just right-click the image, save it, and print it.
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How to use the Party Planner Printable
Start with the end in mind
The key to using a party planning template like this is to start with the end in mind and work backward from there. Solid planning makes even the most stressful events, such as dinner parties, graduation celebrations, retirement parties, or baby showers, go smoothly.
Using a party planner is intended to help you stay organized and on a schedule, which will ideally help reduce stress!
Day & Date
Pick a day and time and then decide when invitations should be sent, which should be based on the type of event. For example, if you're hosting a birthday party, invitations should go out four to six weeks before and no later than two weeks.
Guest List
I recommend having two lists, which I know can be controversial. However, it is totally normal for people to decline an invitation. So have an "A-List" and a "B List." First, invite everyone on your A-List, and then, depending on who can and cannot attend, start inviting people on your B-List.
"But Susan," you ask, "Isn't it incredibly insulting to religate any of my friends to a secondary list?"
No!
What is rude is inviting too many people to the point where you're a crappy, exhausted, and overwhelmed host, and your guests are uncomfortably crowded and neglected. Now, I would add that you shouldn't tell people, "I'm only inviting you because so-and-so couldn't make it." Please do not do that.
The whole point is to make people comfortable, so just extend the invite to people on your B-List as slots for your event open up and express enthusiastic gratitude when people say they're coming.
Plan the menu
Start with the end in mind again! Plan a menu so you can figure out what you need to purchase and when. This will also help decide what to make ahead. Planning this in advance can also help you answer the question, "What can I bring?" if a guest asks that when accepting the invitation.
Create a shopping list
The list should include food and grocery items you need. But don't forget non-food items such as decorations, paper products (if needed), and any cleaning supplies you might need.
Plan the party timeline
When do you want to serve dinner? What needs to happen before dinner is cooked, and how far in advance should you start cooking? If you're decorating, how long will that take, and when can you get it done?
I recommend using a pencil when thinking through this part of your party plan, since when you start preparing food will shift and move based on when guests arrive, etc.
Pro Tip:
Plan when you're going to get dressed and ready for the party, and make sure it's at least an hour before guests are scheduled to arrive. This way, you can be present when friends show up and can greet them without frazzled hair and pj's.
Party Ideas
If you want to have friends over for a party or get-together, here are some ideas:
Parting words of wisdom
One of my favorite quotes is, "You fall to your highest level of preparation." If your dishwasher explodes or a rampaging bull breaks all your dishes, do you have paper plates?
Printable Party Planner
Cheers!
Susan
P.S. If you're looking for tips on how to make an amazing charcuterie board, I highly recommend reading over this article: Tips and Tricks for a Great Charcuterie Board
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