It can be a lot of fun to host a party, but it also can be super stressful.
It is easy to get caught up in all the party prep and cleaning jobs.
As you start tackling one job, you see 5 more that really should get done. But you have kids and other duties, so your job list only grows instead of getting smaller.
Don’t let that stress you out. It is nice to have a clean home. Getting your home to-do list done is especially nice when you know people are coming over. It does NOT need to lead to stress, anxiety, and anger towards your family members.
15 minutes of planning and delegating tasks for each day and to family members can help a ton.
Use this party prep guide to help you peacefully plan for your next party.
Step 1: 3-4 Weeks Before Party
It’s best to plan 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Think about what decorations/supplies you need. Order them ahead of time. This way, you have time to re-order if they end up not being what you want.
- Plan decorations and order
- Plan food-call if larger gathering to check availability
- Is there any food you can make and freeze ahead?
- Many desserts are freezer-friendly. You can bake the cake itself and wrap it well. Take it out of the freezer 2 days before to decorate.
- Check out this post for awesome make-ahead meals for large groups.
- Is there any food you can make and freeze ahead?
- Plan food utensils and cooking tools
- Do you need to borrow any crockpots or roasters?
- Order paper plates, bowls, napkins, and cutlery.
- Do you need to borrow a large pitcher or punch bowl?
- Plan extra tables/chairs
- Call or plan to rent/borrow
****If life is hectic 3/4 weeks before, don’t stress about extra cleaning. A little planning and supplies prep is a great start.
- Order decorations if needed
- Keep food simple-order or buy food if you are pressed for time
- Skip to the week before cleaning step and do what you can.
Step 2: 2 Weeks Before Party
- Unfinished home projects/fixing or repairs
- Trim shrubs/pull weeds
- Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Wipe cabinets/doors
- Clean behind appliances
- Wash windows/curtains
- Dust vents and baseboards
- Clean carpets
Step 3: 1 Week Before Party
- Clean oven/appliances
- Wash blanket/dust
- Toilets/touchup dusting
- Clean floor/sweep porch
- Vacuum touchup/quick wipe
- Set up extra chairs/tables
- Put up decor
- Order extra groceries for baking/cooking
Step 4: 1 Day Before Party
- Pickup last minute food
- Prep fruits/veggies/salads
- Prep desserts
- Last minute tidy-these should all go pretty fast if you did these jobs last week.
- Pick up toys
- Quick vacuum/wipe dirty spots
- Stay ahead of dishes
- Wipe counters/appliances
- Check toilets/counters
***This is the time when it can be easy to start letting the unfinished jobs stress you out. Last-minute food and cleaning prep can also become overwhelming. Don’t let it!
You have done what you can. You either planned and completed as much cleaning as possible. Or you chose to let them go, deciding they weren’t important earlier.
Focus on what is most important NOW. Stay calm. Stay kind with family members. Delegate tasks to family members. Tackle the food, drinks, seating, and quick tidying. Then relax and enjoy the party!
Use these steps as a guide for a less stressful and more peaceful party prep.
Remember as long as people have food, something to drink, and a place to sit that is most important. Prepare ahead as best you can, then relax and enjoy the party once the guests arrive!
