First aid for a last minute (garden) party
Holy lord, it's Monday and on Saturday there are thirty people in my garden. Or actually: on a sort of tropical festival ground, because the idea is to transform my garden into a flamingo paradise. Including palm trees. But I don't have any palm trees yet. Or drinks. Just some plastic flamingos from Action (thanks Daan) but I'm not going to win the war with those yet.
Suddenly there is stress. Yes, that's what you get when you're a deadline junkie. In the end, it always turns out fine, the stress of the last-minute productions is strangely also something that gets my rocket mode going. Also thinking of a last-minute party? This is how you tackle it.
1. Ask for help and delegate
At this point, the control freak in you will have to realize that time is running out. There is still so much on the to-do list that you can't possibly do everything yourself. La familia is always ready for you, but friends, colleagues, and neighbors are welcome. Recruit as many partners-in-crime as possible and divide tasks. With five people by your side, you are – you can do the math – five times faster done with everything.
2. Write down what needs to be done
A last-minute garden party is not rocket science, as long as you write it down for yourself. You actually don't need that much. Once you've determined the budget for drinks, you also know how much you have left for the rest of the organization: glasses, dishes, decorations, snacks, lighting, and music. Do you have a speaker? Have you thought about the weather? Maybe a party tent? Defining snacks also helps. Think of three types of snacks and three types of drinks, for example, this way you prevent yourself from going in all directions.
3. Don't drive yourself crazy
Also a note to self: in the end, it always turns out fine. A good party runs itself, but maybe it's still nice to think about some simple mood makers. Organizing an original activity can greatly enhance your garden party, without it having to cost a lot of money.
4. Plan well
This week no Netflix, after-work drinks, or dinners at home. I mean: hello, a party needs to be organized. In those last moments, it can get chaotic, so it's smart to have a precise plan. Set strict deadlines and if everyone sticks to the plan, your last-minute party will be a blast. Bet?
5. Oh, and maybe the most important tip...
Whatever. You. Do. Make. Sure. You. Buy. Breakfast. For. The. Next. Morning. Nothing is worse than waking up with spaghetti legs and not having a nice breakfast.
P.S.: Okay, I have five days to arrange forty coconuts, a cocktail shaker, hula hoop girls, helicopters, a performance by Lil’ Kleine, orangutans, a limbo dance stick, and a bamboo bar. Anyone have tips? TOTALLY NO STRESS FURTHER JOEEEE.
