quick clicks

recipes today articles

recipes today q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Throwing a Great Party

Part One

By Julia Rosien

"For $75, we'll hold a one-on-one consultation with the party host, and then create a custom plan for any occasion." They supply a list of resources to affordably obtain all the items suggested. Many people shy away from party giving because of the work involved. As Cambria says, "It should be as much fun to plan your party as it is to attend."

"The overture or the invitation gets everyone excited," Cambria says, comparing parties to stage performances. Along with the invitations and menu selection, she and her co-author illustrate the behind-the-scenes plotting that pulls together the rest of the party – bar essentials, preparing the party site and, of course, ambiance. "To throw a party you need to do more than just drop a six pack of beer and a pizza on the table."

"The first act or the cocktail hour sets the mood," says Cambria. Here guests get their first glimpse of the d袯r, experience the mood set by the hosts and enjoy the entertainment. "Weave elements of all five senses to create an atmosphere that affects your guests on a subconscious level."

"Act two is the party, dinner or buffet, and the main entertainment, and act three winds up the evening and sends everyone home happy," says Cambria. The epilogue, in Cambria's view, is the clean up, thank you notes and photo collections. "Save all the pieces of your party puzzle and create a final picture that documents every step of the monumental event."

Cambria and Sachs offer a smorgasbord of resources, ideas and experts to make party planning a snap. Their zest for excitement and friendly advice in The Complete Idiot's Guide will help even the most inexperienced party host gain skills and confidence to throw any party.