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Party Planning 101
By Vanessa Greaves
What's so hard about throwing a party? You get your people together, set out
some food and drink, and let it go from there. So why do some parties seem
to come together better than others?
Party Basics
Any party, large or small, is built with the same basic elements--it's up to
you to decide how elaborate plans become. Whatever you do, stay within your
comfort zone so you and your guests are more likely to enjoy yourselves.
Planning
What is the theme of this gathering--is it built around a holiday, special
event, or is it simply for fun? Is it casual or formal? Sit down or stand
around?
When do you want it to happen--date and times?
Where will it take place--indoors or outdoors? Your home or rented space?
Who is invited--jot down a sample guest list and see how it adds up.
How much can you spend--make a budget.
Presentation
Communication. Send invitations at least two weeks ahead of time; four weeks
ahead for major holidays. The style and wording of your invitation should
reflect the theme of the party. Include the date, start and end times,
location, appropriate attire, RSVP contact information or stamped return
envelope (for a formal party). Is it a surprise party? Potluck? Cocktails
only? If you're serving dinner, what time? The more details you give, the
better. Include driving directions.
Decorations. Use visual aids to set the mood. Keep it simple or go all out
depending on the occasion, your imagination, and your pocketbook. Aside from
the usual streamers and balloons, consider fruit and flower centerpieces,
fabric or lengths of wrapping paper on a buffet table, tea lights along
window sills or placed in jelly jars and hung from branches in your garden,
and so on.
Entertainment. Choose your tunes ahead of time and make a party mix. Games
are optional, but decide when you want them to happen. Do you break out the
volleyball before, during, or after the barbeque? If kids are included,
think about ways of keeping them entertained as well. Hire a couple of
babysitters, if necessary.
Logistics. Do you need to rent a party tent, tables and chairs, a sound
system, cups, plates, utensils, coffee urns, chafing dishes, or other party
hardware? Can you hire someone to help serve and clean up? Can you enlist a
couple of friends to help? While you’re at it, think about parking,
restrooms, and where to throw the coats. And what about your pets? Does your
80-pound dog like to leap on guests?
Party Food
Is the party a casual finger food sort of thing or a multi-course gourmet
feast?
Go with what you know; now is not the time to spring untried dishes on
innocent bystanders.
Cater to your guests: vegetarian, low-fat or sugar-free options, tolerance
for spices, food sensitivities, and the willingness or reluctance to try
adventurous fare should all be taken into account. Ask ahead of time
(include it on your invitations) if there are food issues you should know
about.
Offer your guests a variety of choices even if you're sticking with a theme
or particular cuisine.
Consider the balance of color and texture throughout your menu, even if
you're going potluck. A menu packed with rich and creamy dishes will leave
guests feeling heavy, while nothing but chips and crackers might leave them
wondering where their next meal is coming from.
Tips for a Successful Party
It all comes down to good food, good friends, and a happy host.
Avoid a last second kitchen crunch and prepare as many dishes as you can
weeks or days ahead.
Grant yourself plenty of time to shower and change clothes before the party.
If you’re relaxed, you put your guests at ease.
Start the music before the doorbell rings. This establishes the vibe of the
party and you get to greet the first comers without sprinting off
immediately to press "play."
Try to lavish attention on guests as they arrive, set them up with
refreshments, introduce them to someone friendly, and move on to the next
new people. This encourages mixing and mingling. At some point in the party,
play mix master again.
No bartender? Arrange ahead of time for a friend to handle the drinks.
Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages on hand and don't hesitate to cut
someone off if they've had too much of the other sort. Confiscate keys, call
a cab, or be prepared for an overnight guest.
A great party takes on a life of its own; all you can do is set the stage,
anticipate the needs of your guests, and let them get on with having a good
time.
Provided with permission by
www.Allrecipes.com
Party By the Pros
“The Barn” at Arabian Knights Farms - Plan your next Birthday, Anniversary,
Fund-raiser, Concert, Dance, Wedding, Boy/Girl Scout events, School or
Church function at “The Barn” for 25-2500 guests. Located just south of Oak
Brook on ten beautiful wooded acres in Willowbrook. Offering: a Petting Zoo,
Pony Rides, Camel, Elephant rides, Clowns, Games, Indoor heated Reception
Hall with a Movie Screen, Disco Lighting and Dance Floor, and A/V equipment,
ideal for Corporate Picnics and Meetings. Private Picnic Grounds available.
Plus AKF can offer Olympic Team Competitions, Carnival Games, Giant Slide,
etc. Contact Michael at 630.327.7399 or visit the web site at
www.akfentertainment.com
Big Bounce Party Zone in Naperville is the best place for your birthday
celebration. Children love our brightly colored inflatables and our carpeted
Party Zone is private to your group. After all the jumping and sliding fun,
your party continues in our private party room, already decorated and your
own personal party coordinator to serve the children. We can even order
pizza, cake, goodie bags and balloons. Inflatable delivery is also available
to your site through our rental division Amazing MoonJumps. For info on
party packages, open bounce, field trips, or Mom's groups, please visit us
at www.BigBouncePartyZone.com
or call 630-369-2400.
Carriage Greens Country Club Our beautiful banquet facilities offer the
prestige and amenities of a private country club-at a fraction of the price.
You and your guests will be impressed with our expertly prepared cuisine,
graciously served in attractive and comfortable surroundings overlooking
winding fairways, scenic lakes, and lush greens. Our experienced Events
Coordinators will help you plan every detail of your event, within your
budget, assuring complete success and satisfaction. 8700 Carriage Greens
Drive, Darien, IL 60561 Phone 630.985.3400.
Chasers Laser Tag & Paintball is the only family entertainment center in
Illinois that has all private parties all the time. Extremely competitive
pricing is coupled with top rated service, granting customers a first class
experience from start to finish. Chaser's Laser Tag arena boasts multi level
ramps, a see-thru second floor, and multi colored lasers all in an
underwater themed facility that blows away the dated space themed laser tags
popular in the past. Visit them on the web at
www.chasertag.com
.
Children’s Art Studio Grand Opening June 10th! Let us host your next party!
We'll supply: Place settings (plates, cups, napkins, cutlery, centerpieces
and tablecloths) Your child picks the art project! Pizza & Pop, Cupcake,
Cake & candles, Balloons. Children's Art Studio Party Favor.
Open Studio Time also available. Call (630) 833-5020 or visit us at
www.villaparkart.com
217 S. Villa Ave. Villa Park We're located right next to the
Illinois Prairie path and a park!
Dave & Buster’s in Addison offers 50,000 square feet of food & fun! We are
open for lunch and dinner to the public 7 days a week and we are family
friendly. We have great food, drinks and the best games in town! If you are
planning a special event we have impressive event spaces that accommodate
celebrations from 10 to 1,000! New promotions every quarter!
Every month February through November we host public Murder Mystery Dinners.
Please come on in and be our guest in our grand dining room or call
and schedule your next special event with us!
630.543.5151.
Naper Settlement There’s fun for all ages at Naper Settlement, where the
past comes to life. Costumed villagers bring history to life throughout the
beautifully landscaped museum village, which has 30 structures including an
early log house and the elegant Martin Mitchell Mansion, listed on the
National Register. Kids ages 6-12 -- celebrate your birthday at Naper
Settlement. Be a pioneer and visit the Log House, enjoy the one-room
schoolhouse or tour the elegant Victorian mansion. Leave the planning to us!
Parties include invitations, cake, drinks, crafts, guest souvenir and a
special gift for the birthday child. To book your party, call (630)
420-4161.
www.napersettlement.museum
Orbit Skate Center in Palatine has been entertaining families for 36 years.
With a 200 x 100 foot floor and outer space murals that soar 40 feet,
phenomenal sound system, digital big screen video, and live DJ's that know
what skaters want to hear. Our skaters say The Orbit is the best place to
skate in the Northwest Suburbs! Our birthday parties are a blast, and we
have a full skate shop to get you rolling. Can't skate? No problem, show up
Saturdays at 12pm for $2 all ages and we'll show you how! Visit the rink,
our website at www.OrbitSkate.net
or call 847-394-9199.
May &
June Fairs & Festivals
It's fairs and festival season in Chicago and the suburbs! Just about every
warm-weather weekend brings multiple fairs that offer opportunities to
explore new neighborhoods, sample delicious food, enjoy live entertainment,
experience thrill rides, buy arts and crafts and relax in the great outdoors
after a long, cold winter. Search the database of festivals for all the
latest info on festivals large and small. Be sure
to pick up the next two issues of SF for more festival listings and plan
your fun though October fest.
MAY
Cinco de Mayo - May 1-4. Bring the whole family to this celebration of
culture & heritage! Elgin. 847-488-1456 or
www.downtownelgin.com
Lilac Fest - May 3-18. Lilac time in Lombard! Enjoy old-fashioned
hospitality with over 1200 breathtaking lilacs & 25,000 eye-catching tulips.
Other attractions include Lilac Queen Coronation, tours & seminars,
concerts, golf tournament, parade, Lilac Ball, arts & crafts fair and much
more. Lilacia Park, Lombard. 630-953-6000.
Honor the Eagle Pow Wow - May 17 & 18. Native American dancing, drumming,
cultural demonstrations, storytelling, games, crafts & more. Starved Rock
State Park, Utica. 800-868-7625.
Taste of Glen Ellyn - May 16-18. Enjoy live music, food and beverages, craft
show and activities for every age and taste. For info call the Glen Ellyn
Chamber at 630-469-0907.
West Chicago Will Be Blooming Fest - May 17. Bring your green thumb and
plant yourself in downtown West Chicago for plant sales, craft show, tractor
show, face painting, book sale and more. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Downtown West
Chicago. 630-293-2200x139.
Flavors of Greece - May 23-25. St. Athanasios presents its annual festival
of Grecian heritage. Eat, drink & be Mediterranean with authentic Greek
food, dancing & cooking classes! Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles.
630-851-6106.
Southern Wisconsin Air FEST - May 24 & 28. Enjoy this spectacular event
which features the finest in both military & civilian performers & air
craft. View the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Jet Team & the F-15 Eagle, US Air
Force, Air Combat Commandd F-15 West Coast demo
team & much more! Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, Wisconsin.
RibFest - May 26.
Seventh annual event hosts live music,
fun activities & great ribs! 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Festival Park, Elgin. 847-531-7056.
Promenade of Art Festival-Arlington Heights - May 31 - June 1. Art lovers
can view and collect the best of what the artists have to offer this summer.
Enjoy food and drinks, flower market and much more. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Downtown Arlington Heights on Campbell & Vail Avenues. 847-444-9600.
JUNE
Promenade of Art Festival-Arlington Heights - May 31 - June 1. Art lovers
can view and collect the best of what the artists have to offer this summer.
Enjoy food and drinks, flower market and much more. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Downtown Arlington Heights on Campbell & Vail Avenues. 847-444-9600.
Summer in the Center - June 5-8. Enjoy carnival rides, bingo, business expo,
teen music festival, jugglers, magic show, 2 stages of entertainment with
live music. Town Center, Carol Stream. 630-665-7050.
Pride of the Fox River Fest - June 6-8. City festival at six sites downtown
and along the Fox River featuring two stages of free entertainment, craft
and fine arts shows, water ski shows, CanineCapers shows, sand sculpture,
dragon boat races, carnival (opens Thursday, 6/8) lots of free children's
activities and much more. No admission; all RiverFest events are free and
open to the public. 630-377-6161.
Cream of Wheaton - June 7 & 8. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of this annual
event. Live music, arts & crafts fair, food booths, carnival rides and much
more! Memorial Park, Wheaton. 630-665-4710.
Rotary Days - June 11-15. Enjoy carnival, craft fair, fireworks, food,
ribfest, kids activities & more! Lions Park, Elk Grove Village.
847-437-0030.
Elmfest - June 13-15 Award-winning community festival features a variety of
food and business vendors, great musical, theatrical and dance
entertainment, and fun-filled family activities. Downtown Elmhurst.
630-834-6060.
BrewFest - June 13 & 14. Enjoy hand-brewed beer among family & friends in
the heart of downtown Elgin. 847-622-8888.
Naper Days - June 13-15. Celebrate the best Naperville has to offer from its
past, present & future! Multiple stages featuring local musical
entertainment, a “Taste of Naperville” hosting local restaurants, a wide
variety of family entertainment w/children's
activities, family walk, bed races & much more! Naper Settlement,
Naperville. 630-420-6010.
Blues on the Fox - June 13-14. Enjoy top-notch Blues performers from around
the country combined with all of the typical elements of a festival—great
music, good food, beverages, and Blues music vendors. Aurora. 630-844-3640.
Daisy Days - June 13-14. Live music, food booths, children’s & families
activities. Downtown Clarendon Hills.
630-915-5288.
Cantigny Sculpture & Fine Art Festival - June 14-15. Enjoy Father’s Day
weekend at Cantigny Park. Showcases juried artists, food, creative &
educational fun. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cantigny Park, Wheaton. 630-668-5161.
Swedish Days Festival - June 17-22. Geneva celebrates its Swedish heritage
with this midsommar festival. Scheduled activities include an art show,
carnival, kids activities, music competition, food booths and a renowned
Grand Parade. Throughout downtown Geneva.
www.genevachamber.com
Chicago Highland Games - June 20 & 21. Multi-faceted festival where athletes
share the day with dancers, pipe bands and Celtic organizations. Enjoy
sheepherding demonstration, rugby tournament, and Scottish and American food
booths. Oakbrook Polo Grounds, Oak Brook. 708-442-7293.
Strawberry Festival - June 20-22. Twenty-sixth annual event celebrates the
pleasures of summer with “berry wonderful” strawberry-filled & inspired
treats! Long Grove. 847-634-0888.
Villa Park Summerfest - June 21. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Live entertainment, arts &
crafts, food & beverages, special attractions, games & activities! Cortesi
Park, Villa Park. 630-834-8970.
Bloomingdale Family Fest - June 26-29. Enjoy carnival rides, live music,
exotic animals, petting zoo, and food and business vendors. Springfield Dr.
& Lake St., Bloomingdale. 630-671-5610.
Downers Grove Heritage Festival - June 26-29. Annual large street festival
offers amusement rides, craft fair, pony rides,
car show, beer garden and live musical entertainment. Downtown Downers
Grove. 630-434-5559.
JULY
Taste of Lombard - July 3-6. Annual festival featuring family entertainment,
fireworks, music, bingo, food, arts & crafts business expo & more!
630-375-7474.
Naperville Ribfest July 3-6. Voted Best Fest in the Midwest! Vendors compete
nationally & covet Ribfest awards! Enjoy ribs, music, fireworks,
carnival rides, games, family entertainment & more than 40 food
vendors. Knoch Park, Naperville. 630-848-5000.
Lisle Eyes To The Skies - July 3-6. Hot air balloon launches, nationally
known musical entertainment, lawn mover races,
arts and crafts, food vendors, carnival, nightly fireworks, lumberjack shows
& plenty more! Lisle Community Park. 630-963-4281.
Warrenville 4th of July - July 3 & 4. Local talent, parade, clowns, kids’
games, food, music, fireworks & more. Fun for the whole family! Warrenville.
630-393-1186.
Ty Warner Park Celebration - July 4. Annual Independence Day Celebration!
There will be fun for the whole family - music, food, and children's
entertainment. Ty Warner Park, Westmont. (630) 963-
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