Enamour
...for the love of entertaining...
Get Organized
Planning Binder
There are many different planning tools available. Anywhere from entire pre-made kits to a basic binder.
The key is to get something that fits you. No sense in purchasing something you will never use.
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If you want to go the DIY route, start with a empty binder. Then go online and search for 'printable party planning pages'.
There are many colorful, fun ones available. Makes me want to practice my handwriting skills. Well, almost.
Setting Up
How to Set Up A Bar
My tool of choice is a plain white 3-hole punch binder. I do most of my planning on my computer (basically because I can’t read my own handwriting) so I wouldn’t utilize the pre-printed forms.
I like the white binders with the clear plastic so I can print and insert a colorful cover, themed according to the current party I am planning.
There is a great website '101planners.com' where you can customize your binder covers. 100's of different backgrounds and options are available. You can also print calendars and many different planning templates. And it is all free!
I add dividers, my printed lists, image collages, note paper, pouches and calendars.
Add some highlighters, pens, sticky note pads, paper clips, scissors - things that you use a lot.
Checkout the tutorial on "How to craft a cute binder" at 'Home Made by Carmona'.
Dividers
I keep separate sections for each major planning activity.
Tips and Tricks
Tips for Outdoor
Entertaining
Hosting
After the Party
Add a Calendar
My first page in my binder is a calendar. I print a blank calendar and fill in important dates, deadlines and appointments.
There are many free calendars available on line to print. Or you can purchase downloadable digital file on sites like Etsy.
Master To Do List
Make a party prep timeline. Highlight tasks as they are completed.
Click here on how to make a timeline.
Shopping/Gathering List
Keep a list of all things needed for your party. Food, drinks, decorations, tableware/serveware, extra chairs, activities.
Include items that are to be gathered/ borrowed/rented and the contact information.
This free printable can be found at Shining Mom.
I keep pouches in this section to keep coupons, sale fliers and store receipts.
Brainstorming
The next section is for brainstorming ideas. I keep printouts, pictures and notes of ideas or things I've seen when out and about.
I also add pouches to this section to keep fabric samples, photos, magazine cutouts, etc.
Take your ideas and put them together on an inspiration board.
Budget
Next is my budget worksheet. This will help me stay on track with my spending. You can print out a template and fill in by hand or find a online template for excel.
For more about planning a budget, click here.
Guest List
Keep a list of your invited guests. Include their contact information and any special needs such as dietary or physical limitations. If there are children invited, add their age so you can plan menus and activities accordingly. Also include columns for RSVPs.
For more information on making a guest list, click here.
Venue
If your event is somewhere other than your own home, you will want a section to keep track of everything related to your venue. Contact information, what's included and terms/rules.
Keep a master contact sheet with your most preferred vendors. When it comes time to hire them for your next event you’ll already have ideas, menus, and contact information neatly laid out.
For more information on choosing a venue, click here.
Menu
Keep track of your menu here to ensure a balance of options.
Store any recipes printed from online or note the source information from cookbooks.
I write down prep/cooking times and whether it is a make-ahead dish. You'll want to have enough time, oven space, refrigerator space, etc. to make sure everything is ready at meal time.
I also write in each serveware/utensil that I will need along with cooling/heating needs. This way I will know if I need to borrow, buy or rent anything.
For more on planning your menu, click here.
Activities
Make a list of all the fun things you have planned for the party.
Be sure to add anything you will need to your shopping/gathering list.
Find out more about planning activities here.
