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Whether you're throwing a small casual get-together or a huge formal event, a birthday bash or the company holiday party, this checklist will help you with every aspect of your planning -- deciding on a theme, choosing the food, theme, sending invitations, decorations, you name it!

A Few First Steps

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  determine the type of party -- formal, special occasion, holiday, etc.
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  decide if you want drinks, finger foods, buffet, full meal, potluck, or other food option
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  choose a party theme
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  decide how many guests you would like to invite
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  set a date, time, and place for your party
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  determine a date by when guests must RSVP
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  decide if you want live entertainment or recorded music
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  determine if you want a do-it-yourself affair or to hire professionals
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  make lists of tasks that can be done in advance and those for party day
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  make a shopping list -- including small items like napkins and candles
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  book your location and pay any deposit

Budgeting For Your Party

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  decorations -- flowers, plants, tablecloths, centerpieces, banners, props, etc.
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  food and beverages -- including ice, alcohol, plates, cups, and napkins
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  other services -- caterer, parking attendant, wait staff, etc.
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  invitations and postage
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  rental space
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  entertainment -- music, DJ, etc.
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  tables, chairs, and other equipment rentals
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  other miscellaneous expenses

Going the "Do-It-Yourself" Route

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  recruit some volunteers
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  assign jobs to help with planning, set up, serving, and clean up
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  purchase or make decorations and decorate the room
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  purchase or rent dishes, glassware, and silverware
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  purchase or rent table cloths, napkins, and serving pieces
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  purchase or rent decorations, centerpieces, candles, etc.
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  shop for groceries and prepare food

If You're Throwing A Business Party...

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  will you focus on business issues or just a party?
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  will employees contribute to the cost of the party?
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  do you need to accommodate any special dietary requirements?
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  what is the most appropriate venue -- on site or at another location?
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  what will you need in terms of parking, disabled access, amenities, etc.?
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  what sort of decorations will you want -- banners, flowers, centerpieces, balloons, etc.?
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  how will you go about purchasing or requesting donations for raffle prizes?
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  what will your schedule for the evening look like -- time for speeches, presentations, etc.?
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  will you hire caterer and serving help or do the work yourself?
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  will you hire entertainers or arrange a sound system and select recorded music?

Timeline -- A Few Weeks Before

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  put together your guest list and gather addresses and phone numbers
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  order invitations
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  purchase decorations, paper goods, and other supplies
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  contract for any services -- caterer, entertainment, etc.
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  plan your menu and purchase non-perishable foods and drinks
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  contact any friends or family you want to help with the party
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  address and mail your invitations
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  pick out the music
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  contract for any equipment rental -- chairs, tables, etc.

Timeline -- A Week Before

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  confirm any friends, family, and hired service people working the party
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  pick out your party outfit and have it cleaned
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  finalize the space layout and decorations
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  shop for bulk of perishable food

Timeline -- One Or Two Days Before

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  clean your house if the party is at your home
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  begin decorating
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  gather your supplies and equipment together
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  shop for any last-minute food or supplies
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  touch base with any contracted service providers
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  assign specific tasks to your volunteer assistants
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  make preparations for cleaning up, returning equipment, etc.

Timeline -- The Big Day

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  finalize the decorations and place settings
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  instruct any hired and volunteer helpers
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  make your perishable foods
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  relax and enjoy yourself!

Tips For Heading Off Problems

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  include every piece of pertinent info on the invitation or a separate insert
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  include directions, dress requirements, schedule for the evening, etc.
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  have guests RSVP a week before the event so you have time to plan for adequate seating and food
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  let the facility know ASAP of any special needs you might have
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  be sure to arrange for AV equipment, chairs and tables, space for entertainers, etc.
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  put up directional signs pointing guests toward the right location
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  put up signs to the restrooms if they are not in the immediate area
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  confirm arrangements with hired service providers a few days ahead
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  make sure caterers, bartenders, musicians, valet parking, wait staff, etc. have details and directions

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