Posts tagged ‘planning a party’
Event Planning Using a Party Design Board
To help visualize how all the elements for a party will come together, create a “Party Design Board.” Much like an interior designer’s sample board, you’ll need a 2 x 3 foot corkboard, two pieces of ribbon the length of the board diagonally, and push pins.
The first layer on the Party Design Board includes samples of things having to do with your Theme, Mood, and Colors, and Decorations and Ambiance. These elements of a successful party from the heart set the background—the tone, foundation, and backdrop—for your celebration. Using my Mad Hatter’s Tea Party as an example, I placed the special party napkin I’ve chosen in the middle of the board because it provides my color scheme quite nicely. Adding a photo of the scene-setter backdrop I’ll be using, a sample of the Astroturf, and maybe an artificial flower or two illustrates how I plan to transform my party room into an indoor garden.
The second layer divides your board into four triangular sections. These four sections represent the four remaining elements of a successful party: Invitations, Food and Beverage, Activities, and Special Touches. Make a giant “x” with the two pieces of ribbon by pinning one end of the ribbon in the upper left corner and bring it down to the lower right corner, and pin it. Repeat the process on the other side, bringing the second piece of ribbon from the upper right corner down to the lower left corner and secure with push pins.
The top quarter is for invitation items, such as paper materials, ribbon, stickers, and any other embellishments you plan to use, or simply attach a completed invitation.
The bottom quarter is for food and beverage items, such as a recipe card, photo of a special dish or serving piece, and/or a menu for the party.
The left quarter is the activities section. This is where you work out how to get your guests engaged in something, be it entertainment, games, or good conversation. I attached my music playlist, a list of skits for guests to perform for prizes, a sample riddle card to help them find their hidden prizes, and the teacup-shaped gift box I plan to wrap their prizes in.
Finally, the right quarter is the special touches section. Here, you place samples of items that add heart and meaning to your celebration; making it a gathering people will remember for a lifetime. For example, I added a photo of my whimsical party favor, a sample of the favor packaging, and a clever thank you note.
The Party Design Board is a valuable tool or exercise that allows you to “test” the materials you’re thinking of using to see if you’ve created a cohesive party plan. Once your board looks like fun, it’s time to get to work!
This is Shelby Phillips reminding you…when you think party, think easy…think fun!
The ABC’s of Planning a Party Inspired by Curious George
I was watching Curious George the other day with my daughters. On the episode, The Man with The Big Yellow Hat was having a birthday and George, being the generous, fun-loving monkey that he is, wanted to throw him a party to celebrate. The Doorman taught George that to throw a party he just needed to remember “ABCD.” With my ears perked, I listened closely.
“A is for Apartment,” The Doorman said.
“B is for Buddies,
C is for Cake, and
D is for Decorations.”
Brilliant, I thought. The Doorman distilled it down so that even a monkey can throw a party!
Because the parties I design, using my six-element approach, are theme parties from the heart, I’d like to offer letters E, F, and G to the mix.
E is for Environment. Pick a fun theme for your buddies to play in.
F is for Favors. Give everyone a token from your heart.
G is for Games. Get your friends engaged in an activity.
The alphabet of party planning inspired by a monkey…who would have thought!
Can You Plan An Open House Potluck Party?
I’m often asked the difference between a “potluck” and an “open house,” and receive comments like, “I just got invited to an open house and I don’t know what dish I should bring.”
So, first, let’s clear up a few party terms and then chat about the benefits to each of these party types so that you can decide what kind of shindig you’re up for creating.
When you throw a POTLUCK you are inviting your guests to share in the task of providing something for the party, traditionally the meal, but this can also include paper goods, drinks, music, or any other “gifts” or talents your friends and family may want to share.
When throwing an OPEN HOUSE, you, the host, are in essence opening up your home and asking your guests to drop by any time that is convenient for them during a specified timeframe. Thus, as the host, you are responsible for providing all the goodies at your party and your guests get to show up, relax and enjoy the mood you’ve created for them.
The great thing about POTLUCKS is that your guests can take an active part in creating the party. Generally they create a more casual type of gathering, and this can be perfect for impromptu celebrations or when budget is a strong consideration.
OPEN HOUSES provide you and your guests an opportunity to mix and mingle and share some time…to just go with the flow. This type of gathering can be anywhere from casual to black tie. In fact, black tie is often a very fun option.
So, what is the difference than between a normal party vs. an open house? Basic party etiquette says that a PARTY starts at a certain time and you should arrive near that starting time, especially if food is being served. Showing up “whenever” would be considered rude, even disrespectful, unless prior arrangements have been made.
At an OPEN HOUSE, however, your guests are free to come whenever they’d like. These types of parties are particularly helpful for example, on busy holidays like Halloween, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. Also, food menus will be a bit different as you’ll want to serve foods that can sit out on ice or on heat for the duration of the party, and even activities will change from arranged group recreation to more do-it-yourself type entertainment.
There you have it, the basics. This month on Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party! I’ve put together an Open House Party Plan. Surprise. Surprise! As always, if you have any questions, you can email me at askshelby@youcanplanaparty.com.
Be sure to check out the How-To Video under the RSVP Club member’s section too, as I’m showing you some inventive ways to wrap a bottle (wine, champagne, or sparkling juice) with meaning, the heartfelt way. These ideas make lovely hostess gifts for all those parties you’ll be going to this holiday season, because it is always thoughtful to arrive with a little something for your host.
Wishing you a lovely and safe holiday season, full of warmth and affection.
Currently the host of “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” airing on YouCanPlanAParty.com, Shelby Phillips is an award-winning party design expert with over 20 years experience. Shelby has co-written a book series titled “The Enlightened Party Planner: Guides to Creating Parties from the Heart” and developed a 6-step formula for bring people together to celebrate. She has also been a host and designer on the Style Network’s “Big Party Plan Off,” and owner of a successful event planning and promotions company.
A Unique Father’s Day Idea
Have you ever received a hi-tech gadget and were so happy to have gotten the gift, but actually delayed opening the box because you were dreading the set-up process? Well I certainly have. I mean, who has time to read the owner’s manuals and load software? In fact, I think having someone set-up my gift and teach me how to use it, may be almost as good as the gift itself in some cases!
This Father’s Day when considering a “techie” gift for dad, why stop at just the gift? Include a “full service” package for a real added surprise. Give him the gift out of the box, all set-up and working, and then offer to show him how to operate it for himself. Now he’s armed and ready to use it DURING his Father’s Day celebration. What fun!
Gifts this concept will work well for, especially if dad isn’t as technically savvy as he once was, include iPhones, SmartPhones, and cellphones; bluetooth headsets; video cameras and the Flip; digital cameras; iPod, Nano, Shuffle, and other MP3 players; iTouch, iPad, and other portable internet devices; DVD and BlueRay players/recorders; and the Wii, Nintendo, PlayStation and other gaming systems.
Whichever gift you choose, adding the full service package makes this a complete, thorough and thoughtful gift from you!
For more great ideas to rev up your Father’s Day BBQ a bit, check out YouCanPlanAParty.com.
Currently the host of “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” airing on YouCanPlanAParty.com, Shelby Phillips is an award-winning party design expert with over 20 years experience. Shelby has co-written a book series titled “The Enlightened Party Planner: Guides to Creating Parties from the Heart” and developed a 6-step formula for bring people together to celebrate. She has also been a host and designer on the Style Network’s “Big Party Plan Off,” and owner of a successful event planning and promotions company.
Celebrating Mom on Mother’s Day
I love this month’s episode of Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party! because the Party Plan is a Garden Brunch to honor Mom. Now whether or not you chose to throw Mom a party for Mother’s Day, do watch the video clips because much of what I introduced as party ideas can actually be made into beautiful heart-felt mother’s day gifts as well.
For example, in the Food & Beverage clip I introduce an idea using personalized ramekins. Signed by the special people in her life, along with a copy of our Baked Eggs recipe, this could be a delicious gift.
In the Activities clip I show you how to put together an “I Love You Because” book, complete with a floral pen inspired by mom’s favorite flower. Filled with heart-felt sentiments, even photos, this gift is unique and momentous.
After watching the Mother’s Day Garden Brunch episode myself, I thought even if someone did one or two of the elements for mom, what a celebration she would have. Being a mother myself, I speak the truth.
To all the mom’s out there…this one’s for you! Happy, Happy Mother’s Day!
Currently the host of “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” airing on YouCanPlanAParty.com, Shelby Phillips is an award-winning party design expert with over 20 years experience. Shelby has co-written a book series titled “The Enlightened Party Planner: Guides to Creating Parties from the Heart” and developed a 6-step formula for bring people together to celebrate. She has also been a host and designer on the Style Network’s “Big Party Plan Off,” and owner of a successful event planning and promotions company.
Baby’s 1st Birthday
As a new mom, I had no idea how important a first-year birthday party was until I almost didn’t plan one for my daughter Natalie. I did think about it though, but couldn’t imagine who I’d invite? Natalie didn’t have many friends yet. What activities would we do? She just started walking four days before she turned one…a bit hard to play musical chairs. And because she put EVERYTHING in her mouth, party favors were completely out of the question. What was I to do? Nothing, I thought, why bother? It wasn’t until my mother, mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law all told me that first-year birthday parties aren’t for the baby but for the FAMILY, that I thought, “Oh, I can do that!”
First Baby Party Tips
I’ve come a long way since those early days, and learned a few tips worth sharing when it comes to celebrating your one-year-old. If this is your first baby, Tip 1: Know that the cake is the thing! The family really just wants to see your baby enjoying his or her first cake experience. So even if you’re health conscience like me, and not a big fan of sweets, you gotta let ‘em eat cake! Giving them their own personal mini cake or giant cupcake for them to devour is a fun idea. Tip 2: Consider a bib, t-shirt, or hat that identifies the occasion in photos. Tip 3: When picking out a birthday party outfit, pick out two. Natalie was so covered in chocolate after her first cake experience, she not only needed clean clothes she needed a bath too! She was truly the picture-perfect poster child for the “Got Milk?” campaign.
Second Baby Party Tips
If you are planning a first-year party and you already have children or inviting family who does, as was the case when my second daughter turned one, here are a few tips to consider. Tip 1: Provide a craft project for the older kids to do during the party, (preferably one that ties into your theme, of course). Tip 2: Give out Goody Bags DURING the party filled with fun things for the kids to do because they really don’t care much about watching a baby eat cake. Tip 3: When it’s time to open presents, give your older child a small gift to open as well, especially if your siblings are one to three years apart. This will make them feel included and not want to open all of their brother or sister’s gifts!
These tips are not included in this month’s episode of “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” at YouCanPlanAParty.com where I walk you through the process of putting together a Milestone Birthday Party, which just happens to be – surprise – a little girl’s first birthday. Keep these tips in mind though, as you watch the video clips, and consider them golden nuggets—a gift from me to you.
Currently the host of “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” airing on YouCanPlanAParty.com, Shelby Phillips is an award-winning party design expert with over 20 years experience. Shelby has co-written a book series titled “The Enlightened Party Planner: Guides to Creating Parties from the Heart” and developed a 6-step formula for bring people together to celebrate. She has also been a host and designer on the Style Network’s “Big Party Plan Off,” and owner of a successful event planning and promotions company.
Planning A Tea Party?
When I turned eight, my mom threw me the most fantastic Alice in Wonderland birthday party. Having never forgotten the details of that day, when I grew up, I was inspired to create my own Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties for my friends. I am so tickled to be sharing some of my tea party ideas with everyone today because I have such fond memories of my adventures in Wonderland!
I remember my eighth birthday party like it was yesterday. You had to crawl through a rabbit hole just to get into the party. The White Rabbit (my aunt) greeted you and gave you a door prize number to wear around your neck. One lucky little girl was going home with a live animal. Can you guess what it could possibly be? Yes – a white baby bunny! And that was just the beginning. This party had gigantic hand-painted backdrops, oversized props, costumed characters played by family and adult friends, skits performed by me (I was Alice of course) and others, games, singing –- it was truly the event that inspired me to become a party planner…and I was only eight! Boy, Mom’s good!
This month’s episode of Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!, YouCanPlanA Tea Party – A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party — is of course a spin off of the original…a grown up version to be sure! I wonder what memories you’ll create that will stick with you and your guests for thirty years? Have fun putting it together and I’d love to hear how it comes out! You can view the episode at http://www.YouCanPlanAParty.com
P.S. My mom and I went on to write a series of books together called The Enlightened Party Planner: Guides to Creating Parties From the Heart. Book three is entitled Our Favorite Parties. It is a richly detailed volume devoted to fifteen of our favorite theme parties given for our friends and family, three of them Mad Hatter Tea Parties! Written in narrative style, each offers clever ideas for themes, invitations, costumes, décor, music, food and beverages, activities, and special touches – the six elements of a successful party! Check it out next time you’re having a cup of tea at http://www.lulu.com/enlightenedparties. The book series is also available at Amazon.
Currently the host of “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” airing on YouCanPlanAParty.com, Shelby Phillips is an award-winning party design expert with over 20 years experience. Shelby has co-written a book series titled “The Enlightened Party Planner: Guides to Creating Parties from the Heart” and developed a 6-step formula for bring people together to celebrate. She has also been a host and designer on the Style Network’s “Big Party Plan Off,” and owner of a successful event planning and promotions company.
New Party Ideas Resource Now Online
I’m a firm believer that we can hear the same thing twenty times and not REALLY hear it. But for whatever reason on the twenty-first time, it clicks, and we have that “ahh” moment. (Thank you Oprah.) Likewise, we can read book after book on the same topic without much breakthrough. Then an author comes along who connects with us, things start making sense, and we begin to see things in a whole new way – a shift in our perception occurs. Brilliant!
I can’t help but feel that everyone’s brain processes information differently. So as a writer or speaker, if you don’t connect with everyone in your audience, it’s not personal. You know, different strokes for different folks. Diversity makes the world go round. You can’t be all things to all people. I think these statements are true. In fact, that’s why a little competition is good.
I’m not afraid of the competition because I think we all have a message to deliver and there’s plenty of “listening” to go around. To that end, it is my hope that people see www.YouCanPlanAParty.com as one of their valuable resources for party planning. Hopefully their main resource of course, so that I can keep teaching people how to throw great parties, because that is really my goal — to connect with you and provide my information in a simple, easy-to-implement format. Hopefully my approach will work for most of you, but if not, there’s always the competition.
Currently the host of “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” airing on YouCanPlanAParty.com, Shelby Phillips is an award-winning party design expert with over 20 years experience. Shelby has co-written a book series titled “The Enlightened Party Planner: Guides to Creating Parties from the Heart” and developed a 6-step formula for bring people together to celebrate. She has also been a host and designer on the Style Network’s “Big Party Plan Off,” and owner of a successful event planning and promotions company.
Death, Taxes, Marriage, Babies & Parties?
When I’d tell people about my new show “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” and website, YouCanPlanAParty.com, they’d immediately ask me how I could possibly be starting a new business venture in this down economy. Simple really. You know the adage, “there are two things in life that are for certain, death and taxes?” Well, I have another one I learned many moons ago working in the bridal industry… marriage and babies. So how does this relate? Work with me here.
No matter what’s going on in our world, whether in time of peace or time of war, in financial heyday or depression, people continue to say “I do.” As long as people continue to tie the knot, they will have babies. Here’s the big reveal, ready? As long as these two things continue – we as human beings will have cause for celebration! Ta da. Think about it — birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, bridal showers, baby showers, and graduations. I think you get the picture. Death, taxes, marriage and babies. That’s why I can create YouCanPlanAParty.com right now.
Statistics show during a down economy, we as a people tend to look for ways to come together in our homes. But even more importantly, we as a human race have a need to celebrate, perhaps even more when times are tough. And who better to help us through the planning stages, then the no-budget queen of party planning herself, me!
Currently the host of “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” airing on YouCanPlanAParty.com, Shelby Phillips is an award-winning party design expert with over 20 years experience. Shelby has co-written a book series titled “The Enlightened Party Planner: Guides to Creating Parties from the Heart” and developed a 6-step formula for bring people together to celebrate. She has also been a host and designer on the Style Network’s “Big Party Plan Off,” and owner of a successful event planning and promotions company.
queen of connection | Shelby L. Phillips 