Last month I decided to throw a last minute going away party for Danni and her husband. Because I only had a week to prepare, there was a lot of scrambling on putting together a small celebration. And this was not the first nor last party that I will throw a party with less than a week. Here are a few tips I have learned about throwing a last-minute party:
Food
Unless you have time to cook up few dishes for a party, I recommend ordering food from a local restaurant. This way you can focus on gathering other essentials for the party and leave the cooking to someone else. Most cases ordering food isn’t more expensive than making a home cook meal. Other options are to BBQ and purchase sides from a local store or pot-luck style parties, if you give plenty of notice in advance. For desserts, the same applies, buy a few sweets from the store and display on stylish plates.
Ambiance
To create a mood for a party there are three essentials: music, decorations, and lighting. Music is the easy part. All you need is a good playlist and a speaker. If you have a patio, stringing lights creates an intimate magical feeling. You can even use Christmas lights that are stored away. Also, tea candles can help set the mood. For quick decoration idea, just buy a bouquet of flowers and put them in clear vases or mason jars.
Entertainment
For adult parties, most of the time outdoor games are unnecessary. To ensure everyone has a good time it doesn’t hurt to get some outdoor games like corn hole. If your friends are like mine a beer-pong table usually does the trick. For the little ones, buy a packing paper roll, usually found in hardware, and some chalk for kids to color. That way everyone is having fun.
Personal Touch
To add a little something special to the party make specialty drink, such as summer sangria, or an easy dessert, such as home-made Popsicle. If you have time for an added touch, a DIY garland. If you really want to amp it up Oh-Happy-Day party store has amazing party decorations.