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Party Planning!

We are just a few days out from Levi's FIRST birthday! I am 50% excited and 50% sad. On one hand I am absolutely in love with this stage of life. His sweet personality is just the most precious blessing and he makes me laugh all day long. But then I go and clean out his closet and find his baby things and sit in a puddle of tears as I clutch his little gowns and sockies. I just can't believe a year has gone by as fast as it has. Hands down, the best year of my life.

I have been prepping for his Big Day all week, and so I thought I would give you guys a glimpse into my mind when a party is involved. Lists are vital in party planning, and not just one list. I have to have several detailed lists set for certain days/certain topics so that I can visually see what all I need to do.

And then check it off. I love checking it off.

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On these two sheets of paper, I have four different lists. (Husby added his little items, too.)

TO DO -> errands I need to run and items I need to pick up.
MENU -> the list of food needed when I make the grocery run.
HOUSE PREP -> every chore/detail I need to complete before the big day.
SATURDAY (the day before) -> the things that can't be done until semi-last minute.

These lists are my life-line. If I didn't write it all out, I would inevitably leave out 32 things, give or take a few.

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On a separate sheet, I have my last list - the "Day Of" list. These are last minute details that absolutely have to be done before guests begin to arrive.

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I keep my lists out throughout the entire week before the party so that I can add to/check off as needed. Here is a little "Guideline A'la Whitney" on how to be 100% ready for your event with little stress involved.

* 5 Days Out. If the event is at your house, it is important to deep clean every room. Start early in the week so you aren't overwhelmed the day before (or day of). Dust, mop, vacuum, put toys away, clear clutter, stay on top of laundry, clean bathrooms throughly, kitchen, and other rooms guests are likely to wander into. I recommend completely cleaning your guest bathroom and SHUT THE DOOR. Do not let anyone use it until the day of the party. That way, you're not cleaning potties 10 minutes before your guests arrive.

* 4 & 3 Days Out. Run errands at leisure. Pick up the things you forgot to purchase weeks prior (for me, it was highchair decorations and some table details). Go get your hair cut if needed and pick up something cute to wear. After all, you want to look your best in all the pictures that will circulate for the rest of your life. If you already have something to wear and you have no errands to run, clean out some closets. No, they probably won't be looked in, but as long as the rest of your house is immaculate, the closets might as well be, too.

* 2 Days Out. Grocery shop. You want your produce to be as fresh and crisp as possible, so wait just a few days before your party to get your groceries. Before your trip to the store, clean out your refrigerator and freezer for optimal space for party platters, ice cream, etc.

* 1 Day Out. Decorate Decorate Decorate! Get everything in it's place before you go to bed that night so that when you wake up, you don't have to worry about anything concerning decor. Dust all surfaces, vacuum, sweep and mop your floors. Charge camera and video camera batteries. Prepare any food dishes that can be made ahead.

* THE DAY OF. Prepare your food platters, pop in anything that needs to be heated into the oven, make all the beds, take out the trash (bathroom and kitchen), prepare/chill drinks, pick up ice if needed, light candles and pop in some background music.

Of course, your lists will vary depending on your lifestyle/event, but this is a basic guideline I follow when I have a special event in my home. My photos were taken on "5 Days Out", so I have a lot more checked off today. We are now just a few days away from Levi's special day, and I am giddy with excitement. I can't wait to see what he does with his smash cake!

Happy Party Planning!
I am a modern day homemaker with a passion for family, cooking, celebrating, decorating, travel, and memory making! The Lord has blessed me with the desires of my heart in my husband and our two sons. We recently built our dream home and cultivating a loving and happy haven for my family is where I find so much joy.

Comments

  1. Whitney, I am the SAME way when it comes to parties. I have lists everywhere - they're the only thing that helps to keep me organized & sane!!

    Have a great party! My boys turn one in June so our party is in 3 weeks -- eek!!!!

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  2. I'm the same way! It's all about the lists. I can't wait to see the end result!

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  3. WOW This helped so much!!! I might have to look back here in a few weeks when our boy turns 1 !!! I CANT WAIT!!

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  4. I'm the same way! I make check lists for everything from packing, to cleaning, to errands. It's the only way that I can relax instead of constantly wonder what I am forgetting to do.

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  5. Okay, you're way more organized than I will ever be - I'm in awe!

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  6. I am the same way about lists. I love them! I have even made a list of lists that I need to make. Your party sounds like it's going to be a blast. I can't wait to see pictures of it!

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  7. I just can't wait to see everything! I know that you will make it very special.

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  8. This is crazy but I think I have the same list on my desk as we speak. I am a list maker no doubt

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  9. Your lists are great, but what I really love is your passion! I have to admit that I've never really been into planning events and have not thought about how we'll deal with parties for children.

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  10. My daughter's first birthday is June 1 and her party is next weekend. My list is in full swing. I can hardly wait!!

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  11. You might find this handy. It's a free online list application. They're working on developing an iPhone app version of it, but for now, it's accessible anywhere you can log onto the internet... I use this everyday and I LOVE it! It still gives me the satisfaction of crossing tasks off once I've accomplished them! Go to: http://teuxdeux.com/
    Enjoy!

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