How to Plan a Spring Party

All You Need to Know for a Warm Weather Celebration

Feb 13, 2009 Karen Perkins

When planning a spring party set a realistic budget, decide on a seasonal theme and pick out perfect invitations.

For people who love playing host, planning a party is almost as much fun as the actual event. There is the delight of finding just the right invitation to match the mood, the anxiety of staying within a budget and the thrill of seeing everything come together beautifully. Planning a party during the spring adds to the excitement because it is the first chance to take advantage of the warmer weather and fresh colors of the season. Start a party to-do list with these tips on budgets, themes and invitations for a fabulous springtime bash.

Setting a Budget for Spring Parties

Perhaps the most important planning tool for any party is setting a budget. Everything from the number of people invited to the type of food served depends on it. Keep it realistic and plan to do some, if not all, of the party prep yourself to help save money.

The following is a list of typical party expenses and ways to cut back on each of them.

• Invitations – Shop at discount retailers or make you own.
• Venue – Host the party at home or a park.
• Food and drinks – Stick with foods that are in season, serve only appetizers and offer one signature cocktail if serving alcohol.
• Décor – A few bouquets of fresh flowers and stylish tableware may be all an outdoor party requires.
• Favors – Send home a baked treat, hand out flowers from the decorations or forgo favors completely.

Choosing a Theme for Springtime Celebrations

With a budget in mind, it is easier to choose a party theme. Keep in mind, low budget does not have to sacrifice style. Since it is spring, a simple afternoon tea held in a garden with only cookies to eat translates to a fabulous way to chat with friends. Here are some ideas for spring party themes that will interest guests without emptying your wallet.

• Tea Party (mentioned above) Hold this backyard party in the afternoon with only a dessert buffet full of light and fruity treats. Serve tea, lemonade and flavored water to complement the food.
• Mexican Fiesta Take a cue from Cinco de Mayo. Spring weather makes it a perfect time for a fiesta. Have a taco bar, a signature cocktail and decorate in bright colors.
• Potluck Dinner Do not be afraid to ask guests to pitch in with party preparation, especially if it is an intimate group. Ask everyone to bring an appetizer, salad or dessert (bonus for using seasonal ingredients) while you provide the main dish.

Invitations for Spring Parties

Of course, the invitations depend on the theme of the party. For a springtime soiree, it is usually safe to go with soft colors and floral motifs (unless there is a fiesta theme, of course). Stay away from designs with bonnets and Easter eggs unless the party is intended as a holiday celebration.

• A simple white card with colored print is elegant and budget-friendly.
• Discount stores such as Target or Wal-Mart have inexpensive options and spring-related styles will be available.

When planning a party during the spring, set a simple budget, choose a festive theme and find inexpensive invitations. Then get ready for fantastic night enjoying good food, special friends and comfortable weather.

The copyright of the article How to Plan a Spring Party in Entertaining is owned by Karen Perkins. Permission to republish How to Plan a Spring Party in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Make a list for spring party planning