A few days before
Buy all the supplies–decorations, food, and most certainly libations. (Don’t worry, I’ll get to the specifics in just a second).
Working out the music in advance can be a real stress-saver too. Trust me on this one. Tunes, along with lighting and scent, really set the tone. It’s a drag to be hunting around for that perfect CD you’re sure you had while silence looms.
Pick the music lineup, stick with it and it’s smooth sailing. By the way, itunes makes it super easy to make a rad party mix. Once I decide on the music theme (i.e., stoner rock, boogie woogie, goth, electroclash, etc), I pilfer my friends collections and import what I’m looking for.
The night before
You don’t have to clean like the queen of Sheba is dropping by. (Unless of course, she is). For a super-quick prep, follow these eight simple steps.
1) Put in party music and listen to it while you work–it makes the time go by faster, and you can double check that you have the perfect playlist.
2) Shove junk into closets
3) Sweep dirt under rug
4) Make sure there’s nothing for drunken ex-boyfriends or their cute new girlfriends to trip over, heh heh...
5) Decorate
6) Put out plates, silverware, cups, etc.
7) Set up and test the lighting (I know it’s a duh, but it’s best to do this when it’s dark if you’re having an evening party).
8) Get plenty of rest so you can actually enjoy your party!
The morning of
Prepare any treats that can be refrigerated and heated up at the last minute, making it look like you spent all day slavin’ over a hot stove. See Whit’s cheap and easy good-for-you muchies for some ideas.
Presto! You’re almost ready to go! This way, an hour or so before guests start coming, you can warm and put out the food, dim the lights, push play on your CD player and go. You’re sure to open the door looking fresh and sparkly, not stressed and sweaty.
Cheap-o decorating and other neat tips
Atmopshere is key! Good news–it doesn’t cost a ton to gussy up your pad. I’ll share a few things that’ve worked for me in the past.
Scent: Trust me, this makes a difference! My favorite way to go is to burn some incense about an hour before the party, which scents the room nicely without blowing smoke in people’s eyes. Another cheap and easy way is to dab a drop of essential oil on a lightbulb or two, which will give off the odor gradually (and mask the fact that you really didn’t have time to clean the house). Go for “upbeat,” yummy scents like peppermint, or warm, homey scents like sandalwood. Just a caveat–avoid scented candles near food, as they can affect the taste.
Tea lights: These are great. Not only can you get dozens for $5, but they make for quick and cozy lighting. Plus, the dimmer the lights, the less cleaning you have to do beforehand. Yay!
Colored light bulbs: Couple bucks a pop at your local Target.
Craft stores: Look for anything shiny and miniature and strew the table with it! Get creative. I once transformed an old shower curtain & some glittery plastic beads into a tablecloth with a centerpiece. Remember, when the lights are low, anything goes. Well, almost anything...
Balloons: Hey, they’re not just for kids parties! Blow up a bunch and leave them on the floor. Punch-drunk party people love bopping them around. (I think they love it even more when they get too close to a candle and explode–just a note of caution there).
Crepe paper streamers: At $1.29/roll, you can afford to deck out your place.
Gag gifts: Anything cheesy and fun. We once threw a safe-sex Easter bash with condom-filled eggs. I’ve given out Nascar beer cozies to Twister winners. Trivia games are also a blast! (Name five hair bands and win a free hairnet!! Woo hoo! Instant fun!)
Potluck supper: Have your friends do the cooking! At one party, I had guests bring a food-related song and a dish to go along. (Mmm...Bat out of Hell homemade vegetarian meatloaf. Yum.) If you’re up for feeding the whole gang, Near East carries some yummy, healthful 5 minute pre-packaged recipes. A Taste of Thai and Zatarains also make for cheap and fast munchies. Just make sure to have more on hand than you think you’ll need. I recently threw a welcome back party for my buds in New Orleans, hoping to see seven or eight friends tops. The turn-out was 40 people and two dogs! No prob--I cook for a small army and there were snacks for all, pooches included. Even with a full bar and decorations, the whole thing ended up costing under $150. I’m not saying you need to cook for 40 people– of course you can reinforce the RVSP rule, still, folks will always bring friends. Hey, if you end up with extra look at it this way–you’ll save a bundle on take-out!
Drinks: It’s great if you can provide a full bar, but booze is super expensive. Limiting the list to margaritas or daiquiris, for example, really cuts down on cost. Throw in some chips, salsa and guac and you have a fiesta. Let people know the “menu” ahead of time, and if they want to bring something extra, encourage them!
Play a goofy old movie on mute: It’s always an instant ice-breaker. In fact, it doesn’t hurt to have some board games or a few wacky conversation starters around. You know–that styrofoam mannequin with the stuffed underpants that you usually put away when company comes over–leave it out!
Always a borrower be: If you’re short something, borrow it or let your guests know ahead of time. Don’t be shy–if you’ve only got two chairs to go around, make it a bring your own party.
Last but not least, circulate and have fun. Remember, they’ve all come to see you! Don’t spend too much time with one person, or even a group–tonight, you are the social butterfly. Make it a point to introduce people with similar interests. Hey, I met my future husband that way!
Now, I know I sound like a total mom, but I can’t let you go without a little reminder. After all, it’s your party, and that means it’s up to you to cut people off if need be. If they whine, just do what I do–make ‘em feel guilty they’ve never had your awesome pancake breakfast, then throw ‘em a blanket and swipe their keys.
Bonne chance!
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