Do you want to host the perfect brunch, but don’t know where to start? Throwing a party at your house doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be fun and easy if you have all the essentials covered!
Every party starts with three simple steps. Use this three-step guide to plan your party:
- Set a date and invite guests
- Decide on a party theme and plan your decor accordingly
- Create your food and drink menu
Last weekend I hosted my annual Galentine’s Day brunch and the house was packed with all of my favorite people. But before the brunch started there was plenty of party planning and shopping to prepare for the perfect brunch. I used my simple three-step guide to kick off the party planning.
Set a Date + Invite Guests
I start with a simple Facebook invite, this just seems like the best method for communicating to guests before, during and after the event. I only use Facebook for causal events like brunches or holiday parties, not for more formal events like a Bridal Shower.
Facebook event invites allows you to upload your own custom header. I use a free online app called Canva, which has premade templates for every occasion and every social media platform.
Once I have the date set and my invites out it’s time to let the planning begin. Every year I host a Valentine’s Day themed party for all of my favorite gal pals… most commonly known as “Galentine’s Day” for most. I also added a sub-theme called “Favorite Things” gift exchange to this party. If you want to learn more about the Favorite Things sub-theme, click HERE to read about adding this element to your party.
Decor
The important thing to remember with decor is that a little goes a long way and you don’t have to break the budget. My favorite places to shop for decorations are Target (dollar section), Wal-Mart, and the Dollar Store. If I have something I’m specifically looking for I’ll stop by TJ Maxx or Hobby Lobby.
Elements that add a custom touch to the decor are floral arrangements, balloons or a balloon wall, I even found a collection of vintage valentine’s day cards that I displayed. Some of the items I have collected over the years, so don’t feel like you have to have everything all at once. I have built up the Galentine’s Day party decor over the last three years. Every year I add one or two new decor items to the party.
Food + Drinks
Ok, the food looks complicated in the photos, but it was simple and a big hit with guests! I served some of the new trendy brunch items such as Chicken and Waffles, Bananas Fosters French Toast and of course donuts.
Food Shopping List:
- Walmart powdered sugar donuts and sprinkle donut holes
- Chicken & Waffles: Central Market frozen mini organic waffles (you can just put these in the toaster) and HEB brand frozen pre-cooked popcorn chicken.
- HEB French Toast Sticks (I cut these in the quarters, layered them with banana slices on skewers)
- Edible Arrangements provided the hand-dipped strawberries and cookies.
I did splurge on one food item, it was something that I really enjoyed making and ended up being kind of a work of art. I created a candy “charcuterie” board. I wish that this was my original idea, but it wasn’t – I was inspired by Pinterest and the many Instagram videos showcasing Valentine’s Day themed candy charcuterie boards.
I had a lot of fun making this board. I started at World Market to find any candy that was red, pink, white… shaped like a heart or lips. To my surprise, this was way easier than I thought it was going to be and probably spent more than I should have out of the budget. But it was totally worth it and I can’t wait to perfect my candy charcuterie board craft.
A few additional finds that are worth mentioning are the stemless recyclable champagne flutes and colorful paper straws from Amazon. Both of these items made clean up a cinch and guests really enjoyed the lightweight flutes and Valentine’s day themed paper straws.
Here are links to both products for easy ordering:
Stemless Plastic Champagne Flutes
Rustic White Serving Tray to display the champagne flutes and straws
If you can’t tell by now, I love hosting parties. I hope all of the small attention to detail shows my guests just how much I love them. And most of all I hope that each guest feels welcome in my home and has a great time.
How fun!!!