Parties for the Planners

Party planning is a thrill for some people. Choosing activities, creating an enticing spread, and designing just the right atmosphere for an event can be intoxicating. The trouble often is, however, that there are certainly not enough reasons to celebrate within the year.

Yet the idea of a party goes beyond an event; a party is honoring something about life that brings joy, whether that be a person, a season, or even an interest. To party is to enjoy.

There are many aspects of life to enjoy besides birthdays, Christmas, and romantic love. Here are a few ideas of the type of party to throw when there's nothing to party about.

1. The craft party.

I hosted this party during Christmas, but it by no means needs to occur around a holiday. I provided craft materials such as craft paper, cut-outs, paper boxes, fabric, ribbons, utensils, flowers, and a variety of other products. Hot glue guns were brought by attendees, Some guests even brought projects they were working on and used the time as a chance to catch up on their personal crafting.

This is a wonderful way to prepare for a holiday, stock up on gift bags for several events, and get to know the unique styles of your guests as well as learn new craft methods.

I created a special craft board on Pinterest and suggested that my guests follow that board to find crafts specifically selected for the materials I had supplied. They were able to use the wonder that is Pinterest as a starting point.

Throughout the party the record player sang in the holiday spirit and a buffet supplied nutrition for the crafters.

I enjoyed planning this type of party because it allowed me to learn new things, get to know new friends, and create materials I could use in a practical way later on.

2. The tea party.

Yes, tea parties may be best held during the warmer months, but indoor tea parties are fabulous as well. For the avid tea partier I would suggest looking through Victoria magazine's many tea spreads for each season. Recipes for delightful treats are always included.

Below is an image of a recent tea party. We prepared the dishes ahead of time, found a secluded yet comfortable outdoor setting, and invited guests to come with a dish of their choice or simply attend. The result was a charming evening of tea, scones, feminine dresses, and croquette. It's also an excuse to get out your best dishes or to create your own place settings by going to thrift stores and finding dishes at phenomenal prices.

For those who don't enjoy tea, provide other beverages. We provided several types of bubbling, light drinks that kept in accordance with the happiness of the theme. Again, it's always exciting to try out dishes that friends bring and are proud to share.

3. The drugstore makeup party.

This is a party scheduled for April, a month in which no real holidays occur yet seems to be aching for festivity. If you are like me, you are weary of the constant Mary Kay parties that sell decent makeup for horrific prices. (I don't care what you say, Mary Kay. You are expensive.)

Invite your ladies to showcase some of their favorite drug store beauty products, makeup or beauty routine. We all love to find inexpensive ways to explore beauty products and techniques, and this sort of party allows girls to not only learn about a new product but to in fact be able to try it out.

Encourage your guests to bring a sample of the product they wish to present. Place a price limit on the product each guest brings. At the end, have a "white elephant" exchange in which the guests are allowed to take home a product and try it out!

No banks are broken, and much is learned. Also, who doesn't love sharing their newest makeup secret?

Check out Colleen's upcoming blog on drugstore makeup products for ideas on what to try and present at your own makeup party!

Parties can happen whenever friends gather. There is no need for expense unless you wish to do so. Focus on the people, and the fun will happen all on its own. Plan your parties, and celebrate what you enjoy on the simplest of days.

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