I am a firm believer in using lists to plan a party. In fact, I have been told many times that my lists are too detailed. Yet, when it comes to planning an event, my lists have been a saving grace in keeping me from getting too overwhelmed.

When I start to plan a party, I most likely have a specific idea in mind of what I want. Then I think about all the details of what I want and begin to make lists of what I will need to make that idea come to be. Things like décor, food, invitations, guests, and more all get compiled into my list.

I start with one big list, kind of a brainstorm, of everything I can think of, then I break it down into categories. Where am I going to have the party? What am I going to serve my guests? What activities will there be? What decorations do I want? All these things are divided among different lists.

Then I go into the most minute details on each list. For instance, if I am throwing a medium-sized picnic where I am serving picnic food, I make a list of the food I need catered and the ingredients for the food I will be making myself. This list will help me know what I need from the grocer in the days before the party.

I pay attention to each item on my list, too, so that I know how much time I will need to get everything. For instance, if I am throwing an “Under the Sea” themed party and I want balloon sculptures that look like seahorses, I would need to give the vendor enough notice to make them and have them delivered. Formal invitations sometimes take weeks to print, as so programs and certain party favors.

Lists and timelines go hand-in-hand for my planning, so I often use a calendar that functions as a planner, with a monthly calendar and pages for lists. There are excellent pre-printed planners that will work well for any type of party, and there are even planners that are specifically designed for certain types of party like weddings.

Creating lists will help keep you focused and organized, which is the key to any good party. By having detailed lists, you will not be caught off-guard the day of the party so you will be able to play the hostess flawlessly, because you will not be running around trying to pick up the things you forgot!

Kelli Mahoney is the owner of http://www.partysinarizona.com a website devoted to helping your find what you need for your party. With advice on throwing parties and links to helpful resources, The Party’s in Arizona can help you throw the best party no matter where you live!

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