Party Planning 101: Love is In the Details

Hey there party people! Let’s give a warm welcome to Jenny from Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line. Jenny’s blog features the most amazing and unique party ideas– I’ve always loved the details in each one. While that may seem time-consuming, today Jenny shares her secrets for easy ways to make any party shine by focusing on a few special touches!

First, a big thank you to Carrie for the invitation to guest post. I am a long time reader of Making Lemonade and am thrilled to be sharing some party tips with you today! Have you heard the expression “love is in the details“? When it comes to party planning, small details can really make a huge difference. Here are a few places I like to spend some extra party prep time…

Invitations

Invitations set the tone for your event. I spend the extra time to invite guests the old fashioned way through the mail. Everyone enjoys getting mail and guests can stick the invite on the fridge as a reminder to show up!

Signage

Make guests feel informed and comfortable. Include directions, event date and times, and attire for the party on your invitations. This will save you from a flood of phone calls the day before the party! While setting up, add balloons in front of your venue or a party wreath on the front door. Both scream the party is here!

Next, think about signs that will help guests navigate through your food, beverage, and trash areas. Make food labels for your foods and desserts. Add signs around trash zones to inform guests where to recycle and throw things away. Are there more activities or drinks located outside? Add a sign to the door informing guests they can head outside.

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I promise you that food labels make any dessert look fancier than it really is.

The Essentials: Utensils, Napkins, Cups and Plates
I’ll admit, I put a lot of thought into this area. I try to think of creative ways to display all four since they are essential components to every party! One of my favorite tips is to place silverware in pretty flower pots.

A Little Something to Take Home…

No matter what kind of event I am hosting, I like to send guests home with a party favor. It is a great reminder of all the fun they just had with you! For children’s parties I tend to avoid candy or small trinkets due to food allergies and choking hazards. I try to give favors that are practical, yet fun such as umbrellas, t-shirts, totes, and art supplies. For adult parties, I tend to give food favors that match the theme. Nothing expensive, it’s the thought that counts.

I hope I have inspired you with some easy, affordable ways to make your next party fabulous. Just remember to have fun with the party planning process and enjoy creating those special little details that will really impress your guests!

Thanks for sharing your ideas, Jenny! For more information on how she created any of the parties pictured above (and so much more), please go visit Crossing the Bugger-Dixon line to get the whole scoop. What extra touches do you add to a party to make it extra special? Which idea above did you love? {my personal fave was the flower pot silverware holders!}

Meet Carrie Higgins

Dreamer, thinker, + lemon squeezer; you'll usually find me clutching a mug of coffee, glue gun, fandeck of paint colors, and a child at any given time. This mom of two (and wife to one) loves to share freshly squeezed ideas for home and family. Join the adventure as we learn most lemons can indeed become lemonade-- with generous amounts of sweetness, perspective, and love.