MEC Design Studio

Lifestyle ~~ Your Life ~~ Your Style

Follow Me

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • Style By Design
    • Interior Design ~ MEC Design Studio
    • Travel By Design
    • Great Gatherings ~ Entertain By Design
  • Blog
  • Portfolio
    • Interior Design Portfolio
    • Travel Portfolio
    • Great Gatherings Portfolio
  • About Merri
    • Work with Merri ~ Interior Design
    • Work with Merri ~ Television & Photo Stylist
    • Lifestyle Speaker
  • Etsy Shop

Party Planning Checklist

April 23, 2010 By Merri Cvetan 4 Comments

Pin It

Planning a shower is the same process as planning any event.  Last summer I shared with you the 5 W’s to planning a party. To  review those tips click on July 2009 at right.

Once you’ve answered the Why, Where, When, What, and Who questions, you can get to the details.   Use this check list so you don’t forget  anything.  If a section doesn’t apply to your event, cross it off!

Theme

  • Having one makes the planning easier
  • Choose a color scheme

Invitations

  • Formal, professionally printed invitations
  • Buy ready made invitations where you fill in the blanks
  • Make your own
  • Send invitations by e-mail
  • Invite by phone

Menu

  • Will it be catered
  • Make everything yourself
  • Pot luck

Food and Drinks

  • How many courses
  • Gather your recipes
  • Shopping
  • What can be made ahead of time
  • Who will serve
  • Guests help themselves
  • Hire waiters, bar-tenders
  • Hosts serve guests

The Table

  • Tables and chairs
  • Dishes, glassware, flatware, etc
  • Tablecloth and napkins
  • Will you use real dishes/napkins or disposable
  • Sit down meal:
  • Plan a seating chart
  • Place card holders
  • Informal or buffet
  • Where will guests sit

Centerpiece

  • Flowers
  • Order an arrangement
  • Flowers from the garden
  • Candles
  • Other ideas

Entertainment

  • Music
  • Live or recorded
  • Games
  • Party favors or gifts

Timing

  • What time will guests arrive
  • What time will food be served
  • If party has a specific purpose:
  • What time will the guest of honor open gifts
  • When will speeches or toasts be made
  • If it’s a surprise:
  • What time will the guest of honor arrive
  • What time will everyone leave

Clean-Up

Filed Under: Bridal Shower ~ Chic, Great Gatherings, Table Manners Tagged With: Brunch, Color Chic, dinner party, Dinnerware, Entertaining, Entertaining tips, Interior Decorating, Interior Design, Interior Design ~Chic Tips, party planning, Pary Planning Tips, Tablescape Thursday

Comments

  1. ann says

    April 30, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    Sure is a lot to keep up with…I’m glad that you laid it all out so I can actually see a timeline. My sister and I are hosting a 50th wedding anniversary for our parents in July. This is a great tool for us to use. Thank you so much.
    Fondly,
    Ann
    @
    The Tattered Tassel

  2. tommy says

    May 5, 2010 at 4:26 am

    Just wanted to say I enjoyed the site. You have really put a lot of time into your content and it is just wonderfull!

  3. Susan says

    May 6, 2010 at 11:00 am

    I just finished making plans for a bridesmaids’ luncheon, but this one will be out of town and in a restored plantation barn—not nearly as much planning!! This is a good list. Thanks for stopping by–no, the flower show was for invited guests only–can you believe it??

  4. Scribbler says

    May 6, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    Your site is so informative and interesting. I rarely entertain any more, but if I did, this would be the first place I would go to get my act together! Thanks for your kind words re my tablescape.

    Scribbler

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

I would love to hear from you!

Name*:

E-Mail*:

Message*:

Archives

Style By Design

  • Ask the Expert
  • Dinner in White ~ MIlwaukee
  • Etsy~Vintage MEC Designs
  • MEC Design Studio

Twitter

  • https://twitter.com/StylebydesignMC

You Tube

  • DIY Decorate Your Own Halloween Tree
  • DIY Halloween Paper Lanterns
  • DIY Halloween Table Setting
  • DIY Wedding Chairs
  • DIY Wedding Projects- Personalized Coaster Party Favors
  • DIY Wedding Projects-Make Floral Bouquets from Clothing!
  • DIY Wedding Projects-WIne Glass Place Settings
  • Goodwill Halloween Costumes on Windy City Live, Chicago 2015
  • Holiday Sweater DIY Projects
  • Holiday Sweater DIY Projects
  • Repurposing Household Items With Goodwill
  • The Better Half TV Show – Featuring Costumes from Goodwill
  • The Better Half TV show-DIY Halloween Decor Ideas
  • Windy City Live Chicago Halloween Fashion Show
  • Windy City Live DIY Halloween Costume Ideas From Goodwill
  • Windy City LIve Halloween Costumes
  • You Tube Merri Cvetan Interior Design Tips-Decorating a Shelf

You also might like…

  • Thanksgiving Dinner Table Setting
  • Super Bowl Party
  • DIY Easter Eggs

Copyright © 2022 · Lifestyle Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in