Party Planning 101

One of my most favorite things to do is plan parties. As an avid party-goer, I appreciate the time and effort put into getting people together for a pub crawl or a birthday or a beach BBQ. I especially love the little details that make a guest feel so invited, such as place cards and personalized candy. My subscription to Real Simple has certainly offered plenty of ideas for cozy decorations, neat invitations, seating arrangements, and cost effective food platters. And while I love being a hostess, two things hold me back. Firstly, my apartment. It's tiny. I could fit a small gathering of 5 or 6, but we'd have to eat separated and spread out over the stunted square footage of the living room and balcony with our plates in our laps. Secondly, and the main reason planning is so extremely difficult for me, I'm a perfectionist. I swear my mind runs on this mantra: "If I can't do it perfectly, then I don't want to do it at all." Trying to break this habit has been challenging to say the least. I read in an article once that to curb perfectionism, I should sign up up for things that I know I'm bad at. Like singing lessons, or basketball (ironically, i should be really good at basketball since I'm 5'10" but my lay-up makes me look like I ride the short bus). I've also resorted to constantly repeating to myself that everything will turn out fine, just take one step at a time. Plan a party to which I would be thrilled to be invited.

So I've been given the honor to plan my sister's last night out as a 26 year old bachelorette. It could have been helpful if I had been to a bachelorette party that involved a large city and even larger plans, but the one bach party I've attended (in Mexico) include four women, watered down shots, and an early turn in. It was fun at the time, but my sister deserves the ultimate party. As it is, one of her best friends can't make it. So it must be extra special. This clearly adds more pressure to be perfect causing me to procrastinate and push back on deadlines and other important to-do's.

But I must go on. My determination to give Jill the best party ever keeps me going, sifting through the pile of phone calls and sorting out the tiniest of details. I will get it done. And my only wish is that she remembers this night to be one of her favorites from her single life.