How to Throw a Party for 250 People

The title of this post should be, “How to Throw a Party for 250 Without Losing Your Mind”. My book launch party is in two weeks! Yikes!

I really am stressed. Not only is there a lot to do but I have decided that everything needs to be perfect. Actually, better than perfect. So I have stepped it up to ensure the house looks great … everywhere.

My new book, A Home to Share, is available for Pre-order now! Click here for more details!

How to Throw a Party

You might be thinking, “what’s the big deal?” But remember, I do live in a one-hundred-year-old (plus) home. There is always something that needs fixing and there is always something that leaks or squeaks. And well, sometimes old houses just need really deep cleaning,

To complicate things, imagine that you are throwing a party and want your home to look great but at the same time you are also remodeling a beach house. And for months you have been buying faucets, rugs, door knobs, workout equipment, mirrors, a couch, mattresses, and more.

Of course, all of the stuff for the beach house is here in our home so this weekend we will be renting a truck and moving everything into storage in Ventura! Fingers crossed!

Tips on How to Throw a Party

There are some basic steps you should follow when you want to host a party.

1. Decide on the date, theme, and venue.
2. Invite your guests.
3. Plan the decor and set up.
4. Create the menu.
5. Enlist help if needed.
6. Create a to-do checklist
7. Prepare the house (clean up, plant flowers, etc.).
8. Day prior – set up as much as you can, including flowers, etc.
9. Day of the party – final set up, meal prep, bar set up, enjoy!
10. Day after – make notes of what worked, and what didn’t to help plan for next time.

Some of the items above might not apply to your event but this is the list I use for every single one of my parties.

The Book Launch Party

We are hosting a party for the launch of my new book, A Home to Share, on September 27th. Unlike any of our previous parties, I invited all of our friends and all of you! The party not only includes a signed book by yours truly, food and drinks but a house tour too.

If you would like to attend but haven’t reserved your spot, click here. I increased the number of tickets available and there are 15 spots left!

The party takes place in our backyard at a time that is what I call “between seasons”. The summer flowers are spent and the fall flowers are just blooming. Plus we have a water shortage and can only water twice a week.

That said, we have worked a lot in the yard and I am excited for many of you to see it!

And of course, a house tour means that the house inside has to look amazing too!

The Party Menu

I am not going to reveal the menu until after the party. I don’t want to spoil anything for those of you that are coming, and to be honest, I made another change to the menu just yesterday! But just so you know, I will be cooking every night this week getting all of the make-ahead items prepared and stored in the freezer.

I did hire some wonderful people to help on the day of the party. They will cook all the food that I am making, tend to the bars, and manage the cleanup.

About fifteen years ago I realized that getting help on the day of our Holiday party (which is about 200 people and I still make all of the food) made a huge difference. I finally figured out a way to enjoy our party. I love that I am able to enjoy our party and not have to be in the kitchen the entire time!

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House Preparation

This has been the biggest task but it’s been wonderful. Two months ago I started on a crazy house/cupboard/closet/drawer organization craze and it has paid off! My husband refers to my frenetic organization as “Late Spring Cleaning”.

Ok, I am really late with my spring cleaning … but it is getting done!

In my job, I am very fortunate to receive a lot of wonderful items for our home, to share with all of you. Over time, this decor piles up, and storage has always been an issue. I have been very creative with finding new storage and had some fun battles with my husband. (Let’s just say the old stereo equipment that we haven’t used in years has been donated and I have four new cabinets, including a new pillow cover drawer. )

Before you laugh, think back through all of the blog posts I have written with new and DIY handmade pillow covers. They now all have a new home and are organized by season!

I also cleaned all of our carpets about three weeks ago. A few years ago, I bought my own carpet cleaner, and it is one of the best investments ever. I do have to admit though, it’s a bit unsettling to see the dirt that comes out of carpets that you thought were pretty clean! It amazes me how wonderful they look after a few hours of cleaning five carpets!

If you are coming to the party, I fully expect you to notice how clean our carpets are … JK!

Multi-Tasking

I did want to mention, that while I am getting ready for the party, two other things are happening.

We are getting ready for the book launch, which means we are also preparing to send out about 75 gift boxes (with my book). Those are being prepared on the 3rd floor and will go out this week. But this is what the third floor looks like right now …

I also decided to make something for each gift box. I can’t share what it is, but here is a hint. And the good news is that all 75 of them are done!

And … you have to promise not to scold me … but we are filming a commercial here next week for four days.

Yes, I know that is insane. But I couldn’t pass it up. Next week I know I will be incredibly stressed and then very happy when it is over. I also promise to share whatever I can about the filming. It’s a fun one with one of my favorite brands ever!

FYI, it’s a holiday commercial and they were going to use snow. (Actually fake snow.) But they decided against it and I am very happy!

Last Minute Details

We have a big flower mart trip scheduled for the day before the party and I promise to share that with you! Set up will be done the weekend before so Monday and Tuesday will consist mostly of flower arranging (we have some fun new things planned that are all in the book!) and last minute food preparation.

Last Minute Thoughts

In summation, I have one huge piece of advice. If you want the motivation to really make your house look great then throw a party. It really is that simple.

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