If you are single and entertaining isn’t your strong suit, ask a friend to co-host with you.  Have a planning meeting. All of the elements you felt were important are going to cost money.  And there can’t be a party until you have a budget.  I’m not talking about figuring out how much your dream party is going to cost and then charging it on your credit card.  I’m talking about coming up with a budget based on what you can afford.  These are very often two different figures! Never underestimate the power of a potluck to entertain your guests and save you money. Make it a theme dinner (bring a dish from your ethnic heritage) or give set assignments to each guest. Make it more pot than luck.

When you have the details worked out, it’s time to make your home party ready. One of the best tips I can share is this: don’t open your entire home to your guests.  They don’t have to take a tour, see any of the bedrooms or use more than the designated guest bathroom.  How will you keep them out?  Lock the doors in question or post a sign that says: ‘Please do not enter.’ If you have pets you can always use them as excuses.  ‘Do not open: Cat/Dog inside!’

This may mean you have less to organize for the event.  Before you dive in, walk though with what I call ‘Fresh Eyes.’ If you were a guest, how would these rooms strike you? Is there clutter everywhere or do they need to be cleaned? If you don’t have time to clean, can you hire someone?  Clutter collects as the result of unmade decisions.  Go through and toss as much of the debris as you can.  Toss old magazines, newspapers, invitations for sales and events that have passed etc. Put things in the rooms where they belong.  You know like those coffee cups that are collecting in your bedroom. And then figure out the best way to organize whatever is causing the clutter.

For example, a common source of clutter is a large DVD or CD collection. Why not put the disks in binders and toss the jewel cases? You can get a fancy leather binder or a plain one from a store like Staples.  The inserts are sold at many on line retailers like exposuresonline.com or at The Container Store. Another common source of debris is toys. Teach your children the power of categories by providing containers for the different types of toys they have. No guest needs to go into their rooms but the family room might just be cluttered.  Even Fido can have a basket for his toys!

In ‘One Year to an Organized Life,” I spend the entire month of November getting you ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. After all if you can pull off ‘The Mother of all Dinner parties’ everything else is a breeze!  You’ll find detailed instructions there.  These cliff notes will get you started. Get organized and put the details behind you.  Your guests hope to enjoy the party with you!

Big Blend Radio Interview
Discussing how to get Organized for Summer Entertaining, Regina Leeds 'The Zen Organizer' was a featured guest on Big Blend Radio's 'Garden Gossip' home & garden show which aired live on May 15, 2010. To listen to her interview, please CLICK HERE!