Yesterday we covered a few basics for planning a fabulous party. A comfortable venue, well-fed guests and a top-notch party theme are three ways to ensure your event is one people enjoy and talk about [in the good way!] for a long time.

Today I’ll share 10 more tips for planning your 4th of July party.

“Life is so constructed, that the event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation.”
– Charlotte BronteAfter 10 years in public relations – a twisty career path that has included coordinating press conferences, committee meetings, formal dinners and rowdy auctions – I’ve acquired a long list of to-dos and not-to-dos when it comes to planning successful events. But the fact is, your heart is way more important than any party prep to-do list. As a recovering perfectionist (and veteran “I’ll plan the shower!” volunteer), I know that the best-laid plans and most meticulous event timeline won’t mean squat if you walk into your event holding a bucket full of outrageous expectations and unprepared for real life.

These expectations – both yours and those of your guests – will determine the success of your party more than any other detail. You can serve the tastiest food and display the craftiest decorations, but if unreasonable or opposing expectations get in the way, your party could be a disappointment anyway. Recognizing the expectations surrounding your party is half the battle.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, though, the other half of the party-planning battle IS in the details!

A few more things to keep in mind for your {fabulous} party:

• Who’s coming? People are terrible about RSVP-ing. So don’t rely on replies to your invitation. Follow up with people you haven’t heard from, and always plan for a few extras who decide to come at the last minute.
• Food and more food. If your party is going to span several hours (as many 4th of July parties do), plan for more than one round of food. Don’t put everything out at once. Hold some back for the later hours. If people are still going strong and showing no sign of heading home early, pulling out another tray of veggies or nachos will make them feel even more welcome and  honored as your guests. They’ll also appreciate a fresh bowl of potato salad that hasn’t been sitting in the sun for four hours.
• My name is… Inviting people who don’t know each other? Consider having a table with name tags at the door. They could be festive stars and stripes labels or just plain “Hello, my name is _______” stickers. Either way, people will appreciate not having to memorize 15 new names and faces.
• Game time! Another must for long parties (especially ones including guests who don’t know each other well and/or children): entertainment. Stick a croquet set out in the yard or a dart board on the deck. Place trivia cards in all the seating areas. Set up a station with your iTunes so people can pick songs. (It’s like a jukebox but so much cooler! Unless you think retro is cool. Then just get yourself an actual jukebox!)
• Quench their thirst! Provide gallons and gallons of cold water. July is hot and your guests will be thirsty. Whatever you do, don’t run out of water.
• Getting out of the heat. Set up fans if possible, and try to have an indoor option for guests as well.
• Prevention is key. Buy a few bottles of bug spray and sunscreen to have on hand. Maybe set them by the name tags at the door, so everyone knows they can help themselves!
• Don’t send them away empty-handed. Party favors are always nice, whether that means plastic takeout containers with leftovers, super crafty gifts you learn to make from Pinterest, or something in between. But sending people home with full hands is always a nice gesture.
• Who’s going to help you clean up? This is just about the least fun part of any event, so don’t leave it to chance. Ask a friend or two to help or go ahead and plan to spend the next day picking up. Whatever your plan is, figure it out now so you can end your party the way you want – relaxed and stress-free!

These tips and dozens more can be found in my ebook, Plan a Fabulous Party {without losing your mind}. It will help you plan your 4th of July party, as well as birthday parties, high school reunions, family holidays, baby showers and more. Even if the thought of planning or hosting a party normally makes you want to hide under the snack table!

What’s the most fun you’ve ever had on the 4th of July?

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