Casual Party Ideas

Casual parties can be the very easiest to prepare. Remember to keep your goal in mind and not get lost in the preparations. If you focus on doing something well that will help friends get together and enjoy one another's company you are well ahead. For a casual party, simple is the key. It will not feel casual to your guests if you are in the kitchen, stressed out and not a part of the event.

1. Start with a Theme or Style!
• Summer Salads with Artisan Breads
• Soup Buffet
• Costume Party.
• Grill your own steak night.
2. Choose your colors.
• Any colors within your decor will work nicely.
• Paper napkins will lend to the casual theme.
3. Make sure the Lighting is right.
• Normal room lighting, slightly dimmed will work nicely.
• A couple of candles will add to the ambience.
• Strings of colorful twinkle lights in the plants or draped around the tables will add to the festivity.
4. Select a Menu.
• A salad bar is easy to make ahead and set up just before guests arrive. A salad bar can be simple or elaborate and range from inexpensive to costly depending upon the toppings and your taste.
• Three soups work well for a casual dinner. A broth soup, a cream soup and thick rich, meaty soup will accommodate most tastes.
• For something different try a seafood boil or a tapas party.
• For a truly affordable, one pot meal a "chili feed" is a great idea. Simply prepare a lot of your favorite chili and set out every topping you can imagine and let your guest dig in.
5. Music is important.
• Music should be upbeat and on the loud side.
6. Flowers will complete the event.
• Use groupings of fun flowers like Gerber Daisies or if on a budget just use very inexpensive yellow daisies.
• Clusters of balloons and streamers are an affordable way to extend your decorating budget.