Party Planning Tips for the Perfect Bash

My father is one of the most important people in my life.  He hit a milestone birthday this year, turning 60 years old.  I wanted to make it a special day, one that perfect for the perfect Dad. My mother, brother and I racked our brains for something special, and in the end decided that we would throw him a surprise party.  Since he was born in 1953, we decided a Sock Hop ’50’s Theme would be perfect!

Since my brother is currently living at home, and we wanted the party to remain a surprise, most of the party planning was left to rest on my already burdened shoulders. I wanted a great party, but I didn’t want the crazy stress that comes with party planning.

I learned a ton in the whole process of party planning and actually throwing the party.  Here are a few tips to help you when you decide to put on a party!

• Decide on the amount of people you plan on inviting and cement a guest list early.  All of your party supplies, food, etc. all depend on this important detail.  Many times we want to start with the fun stuff.  We decided that we would have 60 guests at my father’s party.  The great thing about social media is the ability to get the word out quickly.  
• Keep the food simple.  Simple can be just as delicious and amazing as a fancy gourmet dinner.  We decided to have a hot dog bar with several toppings to choose from.  Dessert would be a sundae bar with candy fixings.  The simplicity of the menu allowed for more time spent on the actual party day decorating and yes, taking a minute to relax!
• Ask for help.  Don’t be afraid to recruit a few good friends and put them in charge of something.  I “hired” my son’s friends to help decorate and serve ice cream.  They got to eat for free, and as teenage boys, they were quite happy with this deal.
• Accommodate all your guests.  Since this was a party for a 60 year old, and many of the guests would be older, I wanted to make sure all the little ones at the party had a great time. I gathered toys that were invented in the 1950’s to use at a kids table. They were able to use play-dough, crayons, slinkies and hula hoops, and even though it was a grown up party, I was told that they had “the best night ever!”

It was a party that I will, and I hope my Dad will never forget.  We made tons of new memories, and had fun remembering the old memories.  I hope that my experience will help you in your upcoming events.

Have you ever had a plan a really big party?