Party Planning Tip#1 (and a great idea for every day)

You're planning an event or working on putting together a new decor plan or even working on your holiday gift list and you forget something.  This can be so frustrating and can even be costly in time and money, because you may purchase the wrong item or have to go back to the store.  It happens to everyone but it doesn't have to.

I am a list person. I log everything when I'm in the midst of planning something. Whether it's a dinner party for 4 or a large gathering I break things down into easily managed sections.  Yes, sometimes I do get carried away with my lists but I definitely don't forget anything and it gives me a great deal of satisfaction when I cross something off.  Okay, I'll admit it, I'm a micro-manager, of myself but I do like it.

Whether you're planning an event or planning your new living room carrying a little notebook around with all the details certainly does help.  For events you can record exactly what you're trying to achieve, be it by colour, theme or design.  You can log your guest list and your menus and any entertainment.  Once you have this basic information you can then jot down exactly what you need to purchase, make or accomplish for each and as you take care of each item you can check it off.  This will save you time and money and will also assist you if someone asks to help. Since you have all the info at your fingertips it's so much easier.

As far as decorating goes, it's always a good idea to have a little notebook with current colour and paint swatches, furniture, window and room measurements,  and any little ideas you may have for changes or "wish list" items.  How many times have you come across something, such as curtains, that you really like and, not only that, they're on clearance but, alas, you're unsure because you don't know it they'll fit or if the colour will work with what you have.  If you have all of your current info in a little notebook you can safely pick up these clearance-priced curtains and feel good about it. And, if you're redecorating, a notebook with wants and wishes and all other pertinent information is so handy to have. It's great to be confident in your design decisions and this notebook information will help you get there.

As far as holiday gifts and supplies go, I am all for a Christmas book. I have used one since 1992 (actually on my 3rd book).  I come across really cool stuff throughout the year that I believe someone specific on my list may like so I will pick it up, log the gift in my book and store the item away in gift bins in my basement.  I also make note of all the supplies I may have purchased in the after-Christmas sales. This is of great use to me because having this updated information ensures that I never double up on gifts or wrap etc.  It also allows me to take advantage of some amazing sales and deals throughout the year, allowing me to buy things that I wouldn't normally be able to afford (I have a large family).  I am usually way ahead of the game by the time December rolls around too, which makes the season a lot less stressful.  Another advantage is the fact that I can look back over the years and see what I've given to everyone.  Once again, avoiding a repeat.  I depend on my Christmas book, so much so that when my old book was falling apart my kids bought me a new one, as part of my Christmas present.

Notebooks and lists may seem like a pain or a lot of work but they're really not and using them can actually save you a lot of time, money and headaches and remember, you can always pick up these notebooks at the dollar store. It's all good!