If you’re here reading this, there’s a pretty good chance you’re aware that Big Dot of Happiness is THE place to find everything you need to host an unforgettable party. In one easy stop at Big Dot, you can choose the theme for your party, design your perfect invitations and thank you notes, find all the (gorgeous) tableware you’ll need, and even select perfect party favors for your guests.

We all know the pressures involved in hosting a party, and having Big Dot on your side certainly can help make the difference between a stress-filled event and a relaxing fun time. But hosting a great party also requires great planning. And, while having Big Dot on your side already puts you miles ahead toward planning a great event, having a few tricks up your sleeve will guarantee your soiree will go down in party history!

Just a few tips to get you started… 

• Create a timeline for your party plans. Include everything from creating the guest list to sending the thank you notes. This way you won’t find yourself in an unexpected time crunch.

• Set a budget. Create a list of all the possible expenses your party will require, and set a limit on how much you’re able to spend on the event. Knowing exactly how much money you have available will help you make important party decisions, like whether you really need a live band or if your iPod and a good set of speakers will suffice.

• Decide on a guest list. Be sure to create your shower guest list with the guest of honor, so you can be certain those people most important to her will receive invitations.

• Send out your invitations three weeks before the party. Your guests will have two weeks to RSVP, and then you will have one week to finalize your party details. Everyone’s happy!

• Plan a menu. Do you want to prepare a full five-course dinner, or is your guest of honor more of the “graze at a buffet” type? Once you’ve established the style of your meal, you can move on to recipe searches and cake ordering.

• Use a drink/food calculator. A quick web search will yield many food and drink calculators available to help you figure exactly how many salads to prepare and bottles of wine to buy.

• Think about the party space. Look at the space from your guests’ perspectives…Is your room arranged to allow for natural, flowing conversation, or will you need to move some furniture around? Will you have music quietly playing in the background, or will you allow for natural laughter as a soundtrack? Will your guests be able/expected to  help themselves to drinks, or will you need a server? Do you have enough chairs/tables/coasters/toilet paper? Plan, plan, plan!

• Utilize party planning checklists. Pre-made checklists can help keep you from becoming overwhelmed by all those little party details. Big Dot of Happiness offers many fully-equipped guides to planning all kinds of showers. From choosing a theme to making a guest list to sending out thank you notes, Big Dot has made sure you won’t overlook a single detail—Big Dot of Happiness truly specializes in making you a party planning hero! Check out our Baby Shower Checklist and Bridal Shower Checklist.

Posted by Shannon, a Dot-arilla Blogger