You have a party to set up, and you have less than an hour to decorate. Instead of quietly panicking, get busy!
Decorating for an event, no matter how big or small can be stressful, here are some tips to get those streamers up in a flash.
Make sure you have a small (and this is crucial) RELIABLE group of at least four people to help you decorate. While your friend with the big ideas and great playlist is fun to be around- if you can’t count on them to show up on time when it counts, leave them off your decorating team. If you’re super pressed for time, consider paying for a ghost host or an event planner.
Prep the night before. Pair up the silverware, twist the streamers, blow up the balloons, make sure your slideshow is queued up and ready - create your playlists and bake that cake! Anything that can be done ahead of time saves YOU time the day off.
Don’t leave the house before making sure you have everything you need. It helps to have a “Just in Case Box” This box should have the party decorating staples: scissors, tape, thumb tacks, birthday candles, knife for cake cutting, pens, pencils, etc.
Unless you’re planning a week long carnival, leave the elaborate decorations at home. Sometimes all a place needs to spruce it up is colorful table cloths, balloons and streamers! No need to haul in the ball pit if you’re cutting it close on time.
Make sure your caterers, event coordinators, friends and family know exactly where they are going. Send over directions, even if it’s in town, especially if the location is new. Sending out directions also helps out of town guest navigate to the party destination safely and keeps you off the phone constantly explaining how to get there.
Last but not least, try and have fun! Throw on some music while you're setting up. This will make time go by and will loosen you up before the guests arrive.