Fall Planning for a Successful Big Spring Party

Summer is hardly over, but I'm already thinking about spring. My eldest child, Christopher, is a high school senior, and I know this year is going to fly by; before we know it, we'll be caught up in the maelstrom of graduation activities. Here in Michigan the tradition is to celebrate by inviting family and friends to a big party or open house. I want Christopher's to be a celebration of him, and to avoid making it a load of stress, I'm planning way ahead.

If an open house is in your future and you're finding the thought of hosting 200 or so of your closest friends more than a little daunting, here are a few things to consider. Although I'm focusing on Christopher's graduation party, the questions and ideas can be applied to any big gathering.

Does the guest of honor actually want one? Before anything, talk to the honoree and determine if he or she even wants a big party. Some might prefer a smaller gathering; others may wish to pass on the affair altogether. My older brother opted out of a graduation party for himself, and my parents put the money they would have spent toward a trip he took to the U.K.

Should you join forces? Does your graduate have a close friend with whom you could share the hosting? There is so much overlap with friends at school, it could be easier to work with another family and divide the cost and labor. And it could be a lot of fun for your child to celebrate with a friend.

Home or away? Several friends of mine have chosen to rent locations away from home for their open houses. One family chose a semienclosed shelter at a public park. From the outside it looked like a large cabin, and it overlooked a wooded ravine. There was plenty of room inside and on the outside deck, and parking was a breeze. Other friends rented a room in a yacht club on the little lake in the center of their town. They went in with two other families, and it allowed a lot of space and a beautiful view.


Outdoor Metal Drink Bucket - $29 » If you decide home is the place to be, a little planning will ease the work and stress. Here's what you need to do now.

Assess the conditions. Have you already made a house inventory? If so, look through your pictures. This will help you see your house clearly. Worn places and messes stand out in photographs. If you haven't done the inventory, here's a chance to hit two birds with one stone. Take a slew of pictures in just minutes, then wait a day and give them a thorough look.

Make a list. Write down all the projects, large and small. Remember, general cleaning, decluttering and little fixes go a long way. I don't recommend incurring huge expenses for just one party, but an open house can be the catalyst to complete projects you've been wanting to do for years.

Determine the cost. If you decide on a larger project, whether you're going the DIY route or hiring it out, figure out how much it's going to cost and make a budget. Get bids if necessary and schedule the work. Remember that projects can take longer than you think. Be sure to give yourself a buffer of time.

How to make a home inventory


In the next couple weeks, I plan to do a lot of painting: a couple of sheds, the back porch, several exterior doors and a slew of wrought iron furniture. Then in the winter I'll bring the show indoors, cleaning and touching up walls and woodwork throughout the house.

Browse the Houzz section on DIY home fixes


Handmade White Cotton Ball String Lights by Ginew - $12.99 » Take advantage of sales. Late summer is a perfect time to pick up many outdoor party supplies on clearance: strings of lights, torches, outdoor cushions and larger items, like patio furniture, grills and fire pits.

Set up routines. If you're not already in the habit of doing regular cleaning, now is the time to start. A little decluttering and general cleaning, room by room, through the fall and winter will go a long way in helping you avoid a stressful cleanup in the spring.


After the holidays, in the dark days of winter, I'm going to plan the party menu — Christopher has a sweet tooth, and we're leaning toward desserts — and the fun things, like what serving dishes to use and where we'll have the serving tables.

I'm already talking with other parents who have hosted an open house or two, to learn from their wisdom. I haven't decided yet if we're going to have anything catered, but I will soon, to get everything booked with time to spare.

For Christopher, who was born with a variety of special needs and began full-time school when he was 2 years old, graduation will be an extra-special celebration. I know that all the work and planning I do now, and throughout the coming months, will enable me to celebrate him and his accomplishment.

Tell us: Do you have a graduation or another big party coming up? What home projects do you plan to accomplish before the big celebration?

More:
4 Obstacles to Decluttering — and How to Beat Them
12 Ways to Make Your Home Feel New Again

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