The Essential Guide to Hosting a Party In Your Home

If you have ever thrown a party in your home, you know it starts with "oh, we’ll just do something simple and easy." What it turns into is anything but that. Next thing you know, you're scrambling through recipe books, in an attempt to prepare a gourmet meal from scratch, while panicking that your home doesn't quite look as clean as the ones on HGTV. Before you know it, guests are beginning to arrive, and you are trying to hide your exhaustion with a fresh application of makeup.

Can you tell I’ve been there? As a matter of fact, I have been there more times than I’d like to admit. The important thing is that over time I have gotten better at two major things:

1) Not procrastinating
2) Not going overboard

If you're like me, here are five easy tips to ensure that you actually get to enjoy the party you're hosting.

1. Start planning way in advance and do a walk-through of your party in your head. Think of everything you can and write it all down. Where will guests sit? Where will you put their stuff (including gifts they bring)? What will be the overall vibe of your party? Will there be music? If you plan on being outdoors, do you have a backup plan in case of rain?

2. Stay organized. Keep lists of everything. This includes things like important phone numbers, a menu, shopping list and little to-do’s that you don’t want to forget. To help with this, I’ve created a free printable party planning checklist..

3. Consider using “stations” for guests to serve themselves. Things like a taco bar, mimosa bar, or even a "create your own sundae" dessert table can take a lot of work off of your shoulders. Guests will love the hands-on experience. If you're having a lot of children at your party, a craft station is another good idea.

4. Prep ahead as much as possible. Clean rooms that won't be used much ahead of time. Clean out your fridge before stocking up on food. You can even set up the tables, chairs, utensils, plates and cups the day before. Little things like this can help immensely and will allow you to remain calm, cool and collected the day of the party.

5. Keep it simple. We tend to go overboard when throwing a party. I totally understand the pressure of making sure everything is perfect. To be honest though, your guests are going to remember how much fun they had celebrating and the great company over the fact that you slaved over a cake for 6 hours. There is seriously no shame in ordering pizza and grabbing a cake from Costco.
   
   The most important thing is to just RELAX. I know it’s a lot easier said than done, but seriously, just take a deep breath and enjoy the party!
   
   To download a free printable party checklist, click here.