Party Defined: 7 Must Have Party Elements

I was thinking this week ... What does it really take to throw a party? You see, I periodically read Leo Babauta's Zen Habits. His blog is all about leading a minimalist lifestyle and I was wondering how parties and minimalism could fit together. I am not a minimalist by any means but I do want to leave behind my childhood of conspicuous consumption and consumerism. I want the things in my life to have value and meaning, to be useful, and I want the activities I do to be the same. So how do those desires fit with throwing entertaining and parties - come on -- girls just want to have fun!

I think at the minimalist core all we need for a party is some friends and an engaging activity (cards, Super Bowl, Oscars, sunny day).

Perhaps we "level up" and add in some drinks and snacks.

Voila -- a party

Yeah but I don't have much time or energy anymore to meet with friends. I am busy running from my job, to chauffeuring my kid, to picking up the (groceries, dry cleaning, etc.), to cleaning the house, and making dinner -- whew -- so when I decide I want to have a party I want to put some thought into it and make it a bit more special. I want the occasion to feel like a different space for me and my friends. A space apart from the daily running. But I am still running. How do I add one more thing to that?

So here is the genesis of Bash in a Box. I allude to this in my first blog post. What I really want is for my party to show up on my door step like an amazon smiley box.

Because I do 80% of my shopping online I thought there has to be a site for that, but there wasn't. And every time I go to sites like HGTV or Food Network or Real Simple I love their photos and get caught up in their enthusiasm, but about 10 minutes in I think -- I don't have time for all that!*!* Then I go to the DIY blogs and WOW - I really don't have time for that!

So the question Dina and I ask each other every time we create a party is "What does it really take to throw a _____ party?" What are the key elements that make a cocktail party different from a tea party different from a French brunch and are all the NECESSARY (i.e., ESSENTIAL) things included in the box.

The overarching answer for what does it take to throw a party, we think, are the 7 key elements:

1. Friends (won't fit in a box)

2. Theme/activity

3. Food and drinks tailored for the theme

4. Signature Elements (to set the party time apart from the ordinary)

5. Setting (arranging the furniture, table, etc...) ensuring everything smells lovely with candles or room spray

6. Invitations

7. Music

With these seven elements you can set your party space and time apart from the everyday and provide an enjoyable experience for your friends and yourself. Now you can use this list and go crazy with planning elaborate menus, making homemade decorations, researching the best invitation choices and pouring over hours of songs to get your music play list. And if you have the time and energy -- please invite Dina & me over :)

But if you are like me you want the same effect without the additional stress in a box on your door step...then you want Bash in a Box. Not only do we do the research and organization for you, not only do we include the six of the seven key elements of a party but we also include something for each of your 4 senses (sight, sound, smell, touch) and a hostess gift.

To be realistic, if you get a Bash in a Box there is still some work to do - you'll have to read the party guide, follow the timeline, purchase and cook (or cater), you'll have to pick the time and day of the party, and get your friends to the door - but all the other elements are in the box and the party planner gives step by step guidance to make the most of your time and your mental health.

If you think I missed a key party element please drop me a line and let me know, we are always looking for ways to improve the box.

Cheers!

Kim@Bash-in-a-Box.com

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#Party #Entertain